To My Husband,
I know that Christmas is coming again, and I know that you are going to be struggling to find that perfect gift to give me. The gift that will show me that you still love me, still care about me, and reassure me that you still want to be my husband after all these years. So this year, I am going to make your job a little easier by telling you what I DO want for Christmas. Don't worry, I'm still the same thrifty woman that you married many years ago, and I'm not going to make you this huge list of expensive items that will send us both to the poor house. I still believe that diamonds are NOT a girl's best friend, and I still believe that it's a huge waste of money to buy those expensive floral arrangangements that just die a few days later. And although I do love chocolate, I know from experience that chocolate really doesn't love me. So I will definitely not be adding candy to this years Christmas list. This year I am going to make your holiday gift giving experience a little easier on your wallet, but a little harder on you emotionally.
Now that I hope I have your undivided attention, I would like you to read the following Christmas list with an open mind and a warm heart. As you continue to read, I want you to remember that I love you, and care about you, and that I want to continue to be your wife for as long as you are willing to put up with me. I also want you to know that although this is a HUGE list, and although I understand that I can't have it all, this list can be tucked aside for future reference and for other special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Christmas List 2006
I need you to play a game with your children so I can take a hot bubble bath.
I need you to ask your children to come along with you on trips to the gas station, car wash, etc. It will make them feel as if you want to spend some time with them and it will give me some time to relax.
I need you to get up and make breakfast for the kids sometimes on a Saturday so I can sleep until noon.
I need you to call and arrange a babysitter, and then take me out on a date.
I need you to sit down and read some of my books about Reactive Attachment Disorder.
I need hugs (Lots of them) About 8-10 a day. Maybe even more.
I need you to take me on some long walks (even if we have to bring the kids along with us) but I need you to hold my hand, or put your arm around me. I need to feel that you're really there with me.
I need you to sleep somewhere near the middle of the bed so that I can reach out in the night when I need you and know that you're still there. If you can't do that, I'd really like you to put the king-sized bed on the curb and buy us a full-sized bed instead. Maybe a twin-sized would be even better.
I need you to give me a warm passionate kiss, and I need you to kiss me without worrying about who's around, or who might be watching. We're married. I think it's allowed.
I need you to take that television that I bought you for Christmas a few years ago and remove it from our bedroom. I need you to come to bed with ME. I need you to talk to ME. I need you to listen to ME. I need you to laugh with ME.
I need you to stop yelling when you're angry. The yelling scares your children and it scares me too.
I need you to talk to me, listen to me, play with me, laugh with me, cry with me, and be real with me.
I need you to hug your children and remind them that you love them. Especially after you've disciplined them. Then I need you to talk to them, listen to them, play with them, laugh with them, and sometimes even be brave enough to cry with them too.
I need you to understand that I am forever growing and changing every day, and that I need you to allow me some of the space that I need to grow and change. I also need you to listen to me and take me seriously when I speak of my hopes and dreams for the future. Then I need you to share some of your hopes and dreams with me too. I want us to grow closer together, as we both allow ourselves the opportunity to dream, and plan, and become everything that we need and want to be.
Merry Christmas!
I Love You!
Your Wife
