My 2022 Christmas List

It’s mid-November and the holiday season is upon us. I’m currently listening to Christmas music even though Thanksgiving isn’t for 9 more days. I usually start listening the day after Halloween with even a few sneak perks before.

2022 has seen me adjust to life at Giant Eagle after 13 years traveling and doing inventory. I’ve struggled with depression as we’re still dealing with the effects from COVID. I’m still wondering if coming out as “non” was the right choice. It’s a year where I introduced myself to podcasts and the Office, as well as enjoying the company of the Fab Five and Queer Eye. I’m without a church home for the first time in a long time and don’t know when I’ll go back. 2022 to me has felt like most people’s 2020.

All lamenting aside though, it’s time to unveil my 2022 Christmas list. I may be 41 but still have that Christmas spirit and I still believe. You’ll be reading about my favorite Christmas music as well as my favorite movies as we get closer to the beginning of Sparkle season. But for now it’s time to give Santa 🎅 my Christmas list. I’ll update as more things come to mind.

I could always use a travel mug for my coffee. Yeti is a popular brand as is Contigo. I love a good pastel color. I have a lot of water bottles in my possession so I’m good there.

I could use some warm socks for those cold winter days when I want to go for a walk, as well as some hiking boots.

A skin care gift set would be perfect. Target, JCPenney, and Kohl’s carry them as I’m sure ULTA does too. I’m thinking something like Burt’s Bees 🐝

I’m interested in the book Love Yourself: Love Your Life which is by the Fab Five of Queer Eye. I really do enjoy that show.

Not sure about clothes but that’s what gift cards are for. I like Old Navy, JCPenney, and Target. Also Amazon is perfect.

Food gift cards are great too. I’d love a Dairy Queen gift card since I found that one on 711 four minutes from where I meet for Laurel Highlands Toastmasters. Also a nice sit down restaurant gift card would be nice too. Olive Garden 🍝 🍷 or Red Lobster 🦞 would hit the spot.

It’s a reach but this Michael Kors set I found on their website over the weekend is so cute. A three in one tote bad which comes with two smaller purses perfect for going to the store and out for coffee. It’s so perfect and it comes in three colors but I’d definitely want it in pink.

But the one thing that I really want for Christmas that money can’t buy is the gift of community. I love Queer Eye and their Fab Five (hard to choose a fave but I’d love to get a cup of coffee with Karamo or eat an Italian meal made by Antoni sometime). These guys know what it’s like to feel left out and feel rejected for who they love. I wish I had more of a community of people who’d compliment me for being me. I only hear it every so often and I’d love to hear it a little more so I know I’m changing the world and being an inspiration to someone who really needs it.

That brings to mind how I broke down to Emily at the picnic at the Gaffron farm on the Fourth of July. She listened and understood and told me how beautiful I am and I definitely needed to hear that.

2020 was a White Christmas but because of COVID it was a sad Christmas. That and it would be our last holiday in my Grandma’s old house. It didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to and everyone was in a bad mood and fighting. Last year was too warm and too wet and I’d have rather spent it with my adopted family than my own. Just like Friendsgiving.

For the first time since 2019, it’s shaping up to be a great Christmas.