This year marks my 22nd Christmas and it’s quite different than any previous year.

As a child it was always fun to journey to the mall, sit on Santa’s lap and begin listing the many items I needed to have in my possession by Christmas morning. Then, I’d go to sleep on Christmas Eve, struggling to close my eyes and wait until the tree was surrounded with pristinely wrapped presents.

As I grew older, sleeping until noon seemed much more enticing than waking up at 6 a.m. Meanwhile, my younger brother and sister would scurry down the stairs to ensure I didn’t miss out on the holiday fun.

College was a similar prospect, but included an 8-hour drive home from Baton Rouge.

As an adult, I don’t really know what I want for Christmas. It’d be nice to have some new dress shoes. A few new pairs of socks would be nice. And yes, the child in me is crying uncontrollably.

There are lots of things I would like — an iPad, $1 million and no taxes. It would also be nice to be given a house for Christmas, a fancy, expensive car and an infinite amount of things to write about in Selma. Though all of those are unlikely, it’d would be spectacular if I found them lying under the tree.

Honestly though, I’m not sure I want those things. There are negatives to each. In two years, the iPad would be obsolete and the $1 million would likely be depleted. A house would be nice, but I’d have to keep it clean. A six-figure car would also require maintenance and careful driving.

Infinite story ideas would be by far the best of any possible Christmas wish for a journalist. The controversy is manageable. In fact, it would be fun. I’m not wishing for tragedy, but rather interesting profiles of people making a difference in Dallas County.

It’s become increasingly hard for me to wish for things that are perishable or are enjoyable for short periods of time. I was thrilled when Santa gave me a remote-control car or new video game, but after a few months, the excitement wore off.

Common sense, usable items are much more desirable for me.

Clothes, though they may be boring at first, can be used until torn or stained.

In truth, all I want for Christmas is to spend time with family.

It may be cliché and said frequently, but spending time with family is the only important facet of the holiday season and my only true wish for Santa.

Home also means home-cooked meals and plenty of leftovers sent back.

Although I won’t be sitting on Santa’s lap this year, I’m sure he’s still listening.