What Do You Want For Christmas?

At least during this season, the number one question being asked is, “What do you want for Christmas? Walking through malls you will hear Santas and parents asking children this question. Or just listen to children talking to children in most any setting.

As I traveled with a Christmas Musical on a ten city tour, each night we hosted a children’s section of the program. The parents and the entire audience loved it. You are never quite sure what kids will do when you give them a bell and put them on a platform.

Just before leaving the stage, our emcee would single out a couple of children to ask the big question, “What do you want for Christmas?” He would begin by asking who brought them to the presentation. Sometimes it was their parents, grandparents or neighbors.

You can imagine the interesting answers he has gotten. One boy wanted a drone, to which the emcee explained he needed a license. A little girl wanted an iPad. A boy, maybe five years old, wanted an iPhone. And yes, a couple wanted dolls, some video games and an assortment of other toys.

But one night everything stopped and the audience suddenly got silent. The emcee asked a little girl about age eight or nine what she wanted for Christmas. She did not hesitate, looked him right in the eye and said, “A happy family!”

After a moment of stunned silence, the crowd erupted into applause. The little girl looked confused because her simple honesty had evoked a response she never expected. I think the entire audience just wanted to hug her.

Was this a message to her family? As an innocent child, had she intended to simply share her heart’s desire with them? I don’t know. What I do know is she sent a message to an entire audience:

Christmas is bigger than stuff!

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She touched my heart. I will never be able to think about the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” the same way. I don’t know the little girl, but I am grateful for her because she struck a chord I will not soon forget.

The next time you are asked the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” think about this little girl’s response before giving that quick answer. Maybe allow the question to go more to the heart of our priorities than our possessions.