This is a question we tend to hear from family and friends. And, this is a question that we may ask others. What do you want for Christmas?

I’ve heard this several times lately. Various people have asked me to give them a list of things I want for Christmas. But, making lists of gifts I want just seems bizarre.

If I make a list and then don’t receive what’s on the list I’ll find myself wondering what the point was in the list. If I don’t make a list, I’m almost setting myself up for disaster. But, I feel like, if you really want to get me something, surprise me…get me something that you think I’d like (it’s sort of a test to see if you really know me).

But, in reality, it’s not about getting or not getting what’s on my list. What really seems odd is handing someone a list and saying, “Here. Get me this stuff. I don’t really need it. But I want it. And, it will bring me momentary satisfaction if you get these things for me.”

So, I’ve tried to tell people that I don’t really need anything for Christmas. Time with friends and family truly is sufficient for me. Taking time to remember that the day is all about Jesus is sufficient for me. Having a nice meal with people I love is sufficient for me.

But, some people just won’t take a “no-list” approach. So, for those who have kept badgering me, I compiled a short list of things I truly could use. A plain black t-shirt. A plain gray t-shirt. To make it easy, Hanes puts black and gray t-shirts in a package together for less than $8. What else is on the list? A new pair of jeans and a pair of black dress pants.

What’s on your list?