Making wishes is a healthy human behaviour that is common to both children and adults. They may be funny or painful but either way, they can be eye-opening as these wishes are reflections of our lives. Wishes are prayers for things that we long for the most and especially during the Christmas Season, we retrospect on the past year and think of ways to make the coming year better.

While everyone makes wishes, we can agree that those of children are unfiltered and straight out of their pure hearts. Many of them may seem comical and mere fantasies but each has its own reasons behind it.

Nagaland Tribune spoke to children from across the State and asked them about their wishes for Christmas and the New Year and here is what they had to say-

10-year-old Khonzani Yanthan from Wokha, who is studying in Class 5, expressed that she always wanted to visit Kohima with her family, so she wished and hoped for a family visit to the Capital this Christmas. Like every kid’s fantasy, Khonzani also shared that she wishes to meet Santa from whom she expects a kitten as a Christmas gift.

A 7-year-old girl from Dimapur wished that her daddy would quit drinking alcohol. She also wished for a parrot this Christmas which her younger sister, who is 5, seconded.

In a heartwarming Christmas tale, 7-year-old Sungtipongla Longchar from Eden Academy, Mokokchung has a fervent wish – she’s crossing her fingers for a fluffy, four-legged friend to join her family festivities this holiday season. Radiating joy, Sungtipongla expressed gratitude for the ultimate gift: having her family reunited. Her mother, who usually works in another State, made a special journey home to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, creating a magical Christmas for the Longchar family.

With infectious enthusiasm, Sungtipongla shared the excitement of personally escorting her mother back home alongside her father and elder sister. The reunion is the epitome of holiday joy, embodying the spirit of togetherness and love.

Not stopping at the present moment, Sungtipongla extended her hopes into the future. She enthusiastically wished for robust health in the upcoming year, vowing to dodge hospitals altogether. Furthermore, in a wishful dream, she aspires to relocate to Guwahati to reside with her beloved mother, adding another layer of hope to her Christmas wishlist.

13-year-old Mhachamo Yanthan from Wokha district also shared that this Christmas, all he wished is to be blessed with Joy and Happiness, and that “happiness to last forever amongst his family and love ones”.

Avisier Punyü, aged 7, from Dimapur, shares that his wish for Christmas and New Year is to travel to Guwahati and Bengaluru with his family.

Class 7 student Rhondeno Khuvung from Wokha said that she had three wishes. Firstly, she wished God to heal her grandmother who is sick; secondly, to meet Santa Claus and receive a big unicorn doll as Christmas gift; and thirdly, she wished to visit Dimapur with her parents.

A 9-year-old from Kohima, who is currently on a family trip in a city, wishes for uninterrupted Wi-Fi. Her 5-year-old sister commented that since they did not put up a Christmas tree at home this year, she could not write a letter to Santa Claus and therefore she had no wishes.

Angel Khiam,13 years old from Kingniu Village in Noklak district wishes for the blessings of Jesus Christ in the coming year 2024. Having great interest in art, Angel has won art competitions in her school and wishes to improve her art and to become a fine artist in the future.

Rhancholo Ezung, Class 6 student of Fernbrook school, Wokha, shared that she wished the people around her to be happy this Christmas and enjoy a peaceful festive season with their love ones. Rhancholo extended Christmas greetings to everyone and prayed this Christmas to be a beautiful and joyous Christmas for everyone.

13-year-old Nechai Lushing from Kingniu Village in Noklak district, who is an elder sister to her two younger siblings, wishes that her mother recovers fully from prolonged sickness. She also wishes for Happiness and Joy in the family at this time of Christmas.Children from Shishimi village, under Sitimi Area in the far East Kiphire District too shared their hearts this Christmas with Nagaland Tribune.

In a delightful twist of holiday cheer, Tiatemjen, the lively 11-year-old dynamo from Jubilee Memorial School in Mokokchung channels his inner gratitude, sending heartfelt blessings straight from the heart of a thankful soul.

In a candid moment, he shares his profound appreciation for the Almighty, thanking the Savior for steering the course of life for him and his family throughout the year. Tiatemjen does not just celebrate Christmas; he revels in it, making it a joyous occasion with a personal touch.

Beyond the presents and tinsel, Tiatemjen extends warm wishes for the sustained well-being of his family, expressing a desire to relish many more Christmases together. The young scholar, brimming with enthusiasm, isn’t just seeking gifts under the tree. No, his aspirations reach higher, as he craves knowledge and wisdom.

Tiatemjen’s Christmas wish list is one for the soul—he dreams of becoming a beacon of goodness, embracing God’s grace as he navigates the journey towards becoming a remarkable individual.

11-year-old Tsarila wishes to have lots of chocolates for herself and her friends. She said that she will gift the biggest chocolate to her mother whom she loves the most. Tsarila also wished to grow faster as she her dream is to travel around the world.

Lumsela, who is 5 years old, wished for her very own Barbie doll to play with and to her give company. She also wished to see her family filled with more joy and happiness this Christmas and every day.

3-year-old Alongt does not have much to wish but says he is thankful to God for his mother and father.

Avime Belho from Kohima wished for happiness for everyone this Christmas. The 13-year-old also hopes that in 2024, everyone will help each other.

11-year-old Ngou from Pathso Nokeng in Noklak district wishes to win lots of prizes in the coming sports week which will be organised by the church.

11-year-old Rongpangnok, a spirited student at Soul House Academy, is gearing up for an unforgettable Christmas surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. Emphasizing the paramount importance of these festive moments, he passionately asserts his desire to cherish every precious second with his loved ones.

As the countdown to the new year begins, young Rongpangnok shares heartfelt wishes for 2024. With earnest optimism, he fervently hopes for the safety and well-being of his cherished family and friends, yearning for a year filled with resounding success and good health.