My first lesson in social awareness came when I was only nine years old. The year was 1954. I was on a pre-Christmas visit to ‘Santa Claus’ in Mc Birney’s Department store in Dublin.  I was all ready to ask him for ‘a battery operated red remote controlled model Cadillac’, and a black cocker spaniel puppy.’ However, my plans were shattered on overhearing Santa’s conversation with the young member of a traveller family just ahead of me in the queue.
Santa asked the boy ‘Now, child, what can I bring you for Christmas?‘
‘Please Sir,’ said the wee boy, ‘Would ya bring me a nice dry blanket to keep me and my mammy warm for the could winter nights?’

I felt ashamed and embarrassed at my own petty selfishness. However I still persisted with my request and asked Santa for the car and puppy. I got the red remote controlled car as requested but not the puppy – between you and me, I think my mother told Santa to forget the dog until I was responsible enough to look after it.
It’s a well known fact that mothers always get their way with Santa!

To this day I still wonder if the traveller boy got his wish for his dry blanket. I hope he did.

Jesus often asked people what it was they really wanted from him.
Be thoughtful and generous about your Christmas wishes this year.

Come Lord Jesus

Adapted from ‘Memories’, André Paul