Growing up, and even into my adult years, my Christmas list usually consisted of tangible gifts for me: clothes, electronics, movies, and more. But now that I am a mother, things have changed. What I want most now, are things you cannot buy.

Here is my Christmas list this year:

A night off

Motherhood is a 24/7 job, and as much as I love it, it would be nice to have a night off. I don't want to cook, do the dishes (or have them left waiting for me when my night off is over), or change diapers. I don't even need to leave the house, just lock me away in my bedroom with some chocolate and a bubble bath.

More patience

I can always use just a little more patience, especially with my kids. I try to keep my cool, but there always seems to be a breaking point when I lose it. More patience is something most every mom wants, so it is at the top of my list this year.

Health

I think being healthy is something we all want. It seems it just takes one kid getting sick, to make everyone in the house sick as well. If I could have one wish, it would be that we all avoid the flu, colds, and any other ailments that may come our way this year.

Peace at home

I really wish there was peace on earth, but I would like it to start in my home. My kids love each other, but there always seems to be something to fight about. I wish the arguing, whining (especially the whining), and tatter-telling would cease, and we could just love each other just a little bit more.

A cleaning service

Ok, so this is something you can buy, but not something I would ever buy for myself. I don't mind cleaning the house, but once in a while it would be nice to have someone else give it a really good deep clean, while I tackle the other 57 items on my to-do list.

Happiness

Above all, I want my family to be happy. I never realized how much someone else's happiness mattered to me until I got married, and even more so when I had kids.

My happiness depends on them. If they are happy, so am I. I try hard to make them happy, even though it does not take much, but I am always worried I am letting them down. I worry I am not a good enough mom for them, or wife for my husband. I am constantly thinking of all the things I am not doing for them, and forgetting to remember the things I do, do. For Christmas this year I want to know that my family is happy, and that I am doing my part to make them happy.

This is my Christmas list this year, and I will probably have this same list for the next several years to come. I don't need expensive gifts, or the perfect Christmas, I just want love and happiness, and perhaps, a maid!