The other day my husband gave me a copy of stepkid's Christmas wish list and I smiled, as it was adorable. Apparently there is a whole line of Nerf toys dedicated to training for the zombie apocalypse. There are several guns, crossbows, a chainsaw and hatchets, and it's adorable because these weapons are made out of foam, which probably wouldn't do much to a zombie, but details! I was also clued in to the existence of something called "gak" and instantly wanted to collect the whole set, even though I'm not entirely sure of its function.
And so, I started to think about what is on my wish list – as my mom keeps asking me what I want. I've made the decision to go for something different this year and simplify. I have no need for iPads, the latest tech toys, expensive jewelry, or even the always-welcomed staples such as cozy pajamas and fuzzy socks. I just want a few things, and even if I only get a few of them, I will consider the holiday season a success.
• I want to not be disappointed in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." After the prequels, I've decided to go in with no expectations. I haven't even followed much of the hype just because I don't want to feel like I've already seen the movie by dissecting each and every frame of the trailers. I just want to not be disappointed, that's all. I'll be completely happy with merely being entertained for two hours. And honestly, I really just want to see Han and Leia together on screen again, so I'm pretty sure I'll come away loving it. They were my very first OTP (One True Pairing, in fangirl-speak).
• I want for it not to be 80 degrees in New Orleans in December. It just feels all kinds of wrong. I have hoodies to wear. They are my favorite items of clothing and they are just chillin' in my closet getting no love. I mean, I'm not even asking for snow, just weather that you should probably not wear shorts and flip-flops in.
• I'd like to go the whole Christmas season without hearing Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," because once it gets stuck in my head, it's almost impossible for it to get out. So far, so good.
• Pumpkin pie for dinner.
• I want someone to tell me that they'll go with me to the Battle of New Orleans reenactment in January, because I can see myself asking my husband, or any number of my friends to go with me, and then hearing crickets chirp. But I love all the history things. This love comes from growing up with a dad who took us on family vacations to educational locations such as The Battle of Little Bighorn National Monument and Gettysburg. I honestly had no idea that a War of 1812 reenactment even happened until a friend at work talked about being in it. I just looked at him and said, "TELL ME MORE!"
• A stretch of time where I can watch a series on Netflix. People keep talking about binge-watching shows like "Orange is the New Black" or "Jessica Jones" and I just want to be a part of that. I feel like I'm standing outside in the cold while people are happily consuming an unlimited supply of entertainment, and I just think.. one day. One day.
• A new microwave. It doesn't have to be fancy. Mine was kind of destroyed after an incident involving Easy Mac being nuked without the added water needed for it to cook.
• For Jimmy Graham to come back to The Saints. Hey, I can dream, can't I? It is a wish list.
Merry Christmas, everyone! I wish you all a happy holidays.
