Every year, at the beginning of the holiday season, my family members ask what I want for Christmas. A task that used to be as easy as flipping through a Toys-R-Us catalog and circling everything I saw has now become mind boggling. As I get older, I can see my Christmas lists getting shorter, which has caused me to wonder what has made this into such a difficult task.

I was still young and innocent when the holiday season still had its magic. My happiness was easily attained by toys, clothes, games, etc. Now that the magic of Christmas has been lost and I've been exposed to the harsh truths of the world, it's extremely difficult to be satisfied by hunks of plastic.

The things that I really want are the things that money can not buy. Money cannot buy happiness. Now, the best things money can buy for me are experiences. For books that can take me elsewhere, to help me further my knowledge, or improve myself. For plane tickets that will allow me to explore the world.

And with all of the conflict and injustice going on in the world, I hope that we can work to preserve its beauty. Money cannot correct injustice. Only people can. Santa Claus may not be real but that does not mean that magic doesn't exist in this world. The little girl in me believes that magic exists within all of us and that we can channel it in order to make this world a more beautiful place.

'Tis the season of giving, and always remember that giving does not have to involve material items or money. It can be as simple as giving respect and kindness to those around you.

Happy Holidays!