I Want a Soldier For Christmas

I Want A Soldier For Christmas -edited As Santa your hear lots of things of what children want as gifts Some can't tell me what they want But I think I get their drifts They'll ask for dolls and games and stuff And they'll ask me really nice It's not hard to find their favorite gift since it's one they'll mention twice. One year I had a bunch of kids who came in to the mall And until I met this one group I thought I'd seen it all I've done this job for twenty years And things might seem the same The toys out there that are alike one that has another name The kids all stay consistent And many scream and many cry Although you know I just don't know Though I've oftern wondered why The girls want dolls, the boys want guns And all of them forget That the real meaning of Christmas is the one they've not learned yet They walk around and stop and stare Before they get in line Then they still act slightly nervous Although they really know it's fine to sit upon this strangers lap And tell him your desires For this man has Christmas Magic And it's all that he requires. Well, one year I sat and watched some kids as they walked about the store I saw them first at one o'clock And now it's nearly four, For three full hours they all watched As other children cried Two got in the line one time But one stood to the side. More time passed before this group Came to share their Christmas list But nary one child spoke a word I thought, "there's something here I've missed" I gave them each a candy cane And I asked about some toys I talked about some dolls and games And things that made strange noise But, they stood and stared quite thoughtfully And they didn't make a sound I looked to see if in the back Their parents were around When all at once the three stepped forth and all held out one hand And in their unfurled fingers They held a plastic army man A woman then stepped forward saying "Santa, they won't speak" "They've all been silent since last May" "They've not spoken since that week" "They just know their father's left them and they think that it's their fault that their father isn't here at home And their crying just won't halt" I pulled the children closer And I said I'd do the best I can To get them what they wanted A real live soldier man The little one stepped forward And she didn't make a fuss When she said " Santa Claus can you please... I want a soldier for Christmas!" I knew I couldn't help her But I said that he'd be back When he'd finished all his service He return home from Iraq. It was then you know it hit me Christmas meant much more than toys There was one thing more important To this little girl than toys Now when children stand there silent and they stare and look at me And they stand there like a statue I just think about these three Who wanted something special Something nobody could buy And I hope they gottheir soldier And he's safe home, by and by. I hope our soldiers all get home And they're safe and are alright Now, Merry Christmas to all And to all a good night!