My children are now in full on Christmas mode and of course, that means the list have begun. What lists? The Santa lists, of course.It's so much fun to watch them dream, plot, and frankly, ask for what it is they want. There is a simple strength and beauty to the honesty of a child saying, "I want that, please." (Hopefully, there is a please there!)And yet, I am still struggling with the thought of those parents for whom the list is painful rather than joyful. I have been torn between these two feelings -- joy with my children and sorrow for others.

But then yesterday, I was driving in my car when the song, Grown Up Christmas List came on. It perfectly captured my feelings.

Isn't that what we wish for on the holidays and really, everyday? That somehow if we wish hard enough, the pains of the world would be gone. So here is my Christmas list...

1. No one would know hunger
2. No one would know fear
3. All would know love
4. All would know a dream and its possibility
5. All would know a friend

What's on your list?

Do you remember me?I sat upon your kneeI wrote to you with childhood fantasiesWell I`m all grown up nowCan you still help somehow?I`m not a child but my heart still can dream

So here`s my lifeful wishMy grown up Christmas ListNot for myselfBut for a world in needNo more lives torn apartThat wars will never startAnd time will heal our heartsEvery man will have a friendThat right will always winAnd love will never endThis is my grown up Christmas ListMay kindness rules our livesNot just the strong surviveSweet tears for all the thousand years on mindThis is the world I prayWe will all share some wayHelp me begin by reaching out my handNo more lives torn apartThat wars will never startAnd time will heal our heartsEvery man will have a friendThat right will always winAnd love will never endThis is my grown up Christmas ListWhy does this illusion call the innocence of you?Maybe when the time believe we can find the truthNo...No more lives torn apartThat wars will never startAnd time will heal our heartsEvery man will have a friendThat right will always winAnd love will never endThis is my grown up Christmas ListThis is the prayer that I will keepThis is my grown up Christmas listChristmas list