By Bethany Hammond, HOPE International staff member
“Something you want. Something you need. Something to wear. Something to read.”
It’s begun—the endless chorus of “Mom, can you put this on my Christmas list?” And here I am, caught between two worlds.
In one world, I want my kids to experience the wonder of Christmas: the miracle of Christ’s birth, the glow of lights, the smell of cookies baking, and the magic of traditions that make the season sparkle.
But in the other world, I feel the weight of frustration. Every message aimed at my kids (and let’s be honest, at me too) insists: “You need more. You deserve more. You’re entitled to more.”

















