It was every kid’s nightmare…clothes for Christmas! Toys were in great demand in those early days of life and nothing else seemed to matter. The older you get the more you’ll just settle for good health and the chance to make it to another Christmas. What a difference that hourglass of time can make.
When you were three years old, you just wanted a slinky from Santa. They looked so nifty on the TV commercials and you had a set of stairs to explore all the fun with ‘em. Fast forward a few decades and you’ll be happy if St. Nick leaves you height-weight appropriate and without diabetes. Better hope that stocking is stuffed with some new walking or running shoes. You’ve got some weight to shed.
Your first year in kindergarten and you were on top of the world with your new G.I. Joe action figure from Uncle Len. Every tough tyke in your afternoon class wanted that army hero and you were lucky enough to get him. Now your wish list for the big guy in the red suit includes samples of Viagra for your erectile dysfunction. That list should also include a book on healthy eating. Knowing how to eat correctly should help you salute without all those blue pills; and knowing is half the battle.
Hungry Hungry Hippos is a theme song for today’s society as well as a game we all clamored for in our cherubic childhood days. Santa had you on the nice list if you received one of these games all those years ago. Two score and seven years later and you’ll gladly take a clean bill of health in lieu of that boisterous game with the monster mammals. Write to the North Pole with your request for recommended cancer screenings and doctor checkups. Kris Kringle is quite munificent this way.
By the fifth grade you were ready for the sophistication of technology. You were master of the video games and you still loved your Atari system more than girls in those days. Today you are more than happy to trade those vintage cartridges for the end of any lower back pain. Santa can refer you to a physical therapist or fitness trainer that can get you a list of back strengthening exercises. Walking without pain doesn’t need to involve pain killers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The advent of junior high school meant a ten speed bicycle from that guy formerly known as Santa. You were way too cool to be seen in the car with your parents and too young to take your driving test. A bike gave you all the freedom to get around town on your own. A double chin, an expanded waistline, and some crow’s feet into the future and here you are wishing away your curses of age. A new bike would still be a great gift under the tree this year. Pedal your way to the fountain of youth.
This can be a magical time of the year where all your wellness dreams can come true…if you just believe! Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he wants more than anything to see you happy and healthy. Have a great holiday season everyone!
This article of wellness wrapped with a bow is brought to you by that guy putting up his tree for all to see. That guy of elfin excitement is Blake and he can be found helping the big jolly guy at rblake5551@hotmail.com.
