In this edition, you’ll see some beloved Christmas wishes from our county youngsters. I truly enjoy reading them. I always have a good laugh, or at least a chuckle.

The desires of our children can range from the fancy to the simple. Case in point: My 11-year-old son desires three things for Christmas: 1) An umbrella 2) A back scratcher 3) A telescoping fly swatter (so he can chase the flies around our outdoor patio and swat them — sigh — it’s such a losing battle).

“Mommy, what do you want for Christmas?” he asked me about a month ago.

That’s always a tough one for me to answer, mostly because what I deeply desire cannot be wrapped or placed under any tree.

I desire health: for myself and for my loved ones. These last few years have me holding everyone a little bit closer. These days, I appreciating the days and minutes I have with my loved ones. I am making the effort to cherish the simple things. The time we snuggle to watch a movie, and my son falls asleep, nestled next to me. Wrapping my hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate. The simple pleasures in life are what I wish to imprint on my mind from 2023.

I wish all of us good health — physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The value of these things is priceless, and I wish all of these for you this Christmas season.

Innocence. My son is extremely innocent, and I would love for his childlike spirit to hang around as long as possible. I love that he wants an umbrella for Christmas! When he was younger, my youngest brother was shocked when we explained our child wanted ChapStick for Christmas. His desires have always been uncomplicated. I wish so much more of life were uncomplicated.

Another desire is equity. I deeply desire a more tolerant world where “other” or “different” aren’t necessary words when describing or categorizing another human being. I wish we could accept and respect those in our orbit for who they are, with kindness. The harsh words, divisive language, stinging sarcasm ... all of these exhaust me, and as we head into an election year, I wish them all to be gone.

Extending kindness to those within our daily lives won’t change the whole world, but it would change my corner. And then yours and then another person’s and another ... and we then have a kinder planet on which to live.

It’s interesting to see the world shift and grow in my son’s eyes. A few short years ago, he was pretty oblivious to Christmas, and when asked, could not provide a “wish list” for the holiday. As I said, he’s grown and has big goals this year (ha ha!). But I find myself inspired and encouraged by his simplicity. His desires and needs aren’t complex.

This serves as a beautiful model for me, as I make my list and check it twice.

Unfortunately for him, none of the items on my Christmas list can be wrapped: health, peace, love, kindness and at least a foot of rain.

Bonar is the editor/publisher of the I-R and can be reached at kbonar@indyrepnews. com.