Making others happy is my favorite part of the holiday season

I have, shall we say, a rather indulgent approach to the month of December, which my family and friends can attest to. By the time the holiday season rolls around, I’ve already placed carefully chosen gifts under our Christmas tree. My goal every year is to show my loved ones that I’ve paid attention to their every need, want, and whim. Although I do set a budget, if I had the choice, I wouldn’t worry about how much I spend.

I attribute my outlook to both my family and my experience with SMA. When a doctor tells a parent that their child might not live past the age of 3, that parent would likely try to make every birthday, Christmas, and other holiday count. In my case, I never had to beg for a party, a special treat, or a gift I really wanted. (Barbies were always my favorite gift. My first was Clara from “Barbie in the Nutcracker.”) And I often received more money than I knew how to spend.

When you treat someone like this for long enough, they’ll likely approach the holidays with magic and excitement. So I spoil everyone I love to the best of my ability. I’m happy when I can make everyone else happy. I often start Christmas preparations a few months in advance, and I get irritated when I’m not allowed to do so.

The downside of this is that people feel inclined to spoil me in return. It’s sweet, sure, but what do I say to them when I already have everything I want?

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I’ll share a secret: The one thing I truly want is something only fate can give me. Actually, it’s not a thing, but rather a person: someone to cuddle with while we sip hot cocoa and kiss under the mistletoe. I haven’t met them yet, but I’ll know it when I see them. My ideal romantic partner would be compassionate, intelligent, funny, and grounded.

I’d say I’m not asking for much if it didn’t feel like I’m asking for everything. SMA complicates things. For all of my accomplishments, charm, generosity, and wit, it’d take an incredibly gracious and secure person to court me. They’d be giving up a future with children for one filled with trips to the emergency room.

For me, it’s true that the magic of the holidays lies in the time spent with loved ones. If it weren’t true, I wouldn’t bug my brothers for their wish lists starting in August every year, dismiss my mom when she insists I not buy her anything, or note even the most casual of interests of my friends. Nothing beats the big smiles I see every year as my loved ones unwrap their gifts on Christmas morning.

One more smile is what I truly want — one more person to love who’ll feel proud to love me back. If I can’t have that this year, I suppose another gift card will do.

Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.