The Nice List

I work hard all year.

Not the kind of hard that comes with trophies or titles but the kind where you try to keep everyone happy, even when you’re running on fumes. The kind that doesn’t always get noticed… until it does.

Lately, I’ve been wanting to bring back the Christmas spirit I feel like I misplaced somewhere between responsibilities, routines, and real life. You know—that spark that used to come so easily when December rolled in.

Today, in the middle of an ordinary day, I ran into an old friend. Red suit. White beard. Very familiar twinkle in his eye. He asked me if I’d been good this year—and just like that, I felt eight years old again.

Then he asked what was on my Christmas list.

I thought about it for a moment. No gadgets. No things. No shiny distractions. I told him I really just want to concentrate on my writing. On telling stories that make people feel seen. On spreading a little happiness wherever my words might land.

He smiled. The kind of smile that tells you he already knows the answer.

And just like that, I’m pretty sure I made the nice list—not because I was good, but because I kept showing up with heart. Sometimes, that’s the biggest Christmas thing of all. 🎄✨

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Author: KikiFikar

Kiki Fikar is a native New Yorker who is passionate about taking the day to day life we all experience and sharing it in her tales from Suburbia. She will often be found at the gym, writing snippets each day for future story lines, listening to her two children create their lives, and building the perfect beachfront home and writing retreat in her mind.

24 thoughts on “The Nice List”

  3. This is beautiful and heartfelt. Your writing is already bringing smiles to people and blessing us in many ways. Keep being you, and I know you will do well. Sometimes showing up with heart is the greatest gift of all.

    Merry and Blessed Christmas 🌲🙏🎅🎁🎄

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Thank you! I am so grateful to all of you that I have met here. You inspire me more than you know. Everyone has their own flare and I’m learning so much from everyone’s styles and beliefs.

    On a personal note – I’ve started to wake up more about my feelings with God since reading yours and others posts. Thank you for all you do and say!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Yes!! I love a good chance encounter! lol thank you thank you!

    A true thank you for YOUR inspiration and words. I’m one of your biggest fans and love your work so very much! ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  14. This is truly touching and sincere. Your words are already spreading joy, touching hearts, and uplifting us all. Stay true to yourself—you’re destined for great things. Showing up with such genuine heart is the ultimate gift.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. I truly appreciate this! It is hard to reveal our stories sometimes because they are our inner thoughts. I love your feedback and most importantly that you take the time to read and share!

    Here’s to 2026! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  17. It’s all about doing the right thing even if it means going a few extra rounds. I’m just going to concentrate on following my dream of writing. I held back for so long. It’s time to put my foot on the gas and ease into traffic.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. That’s Wonderful. I am so happy for you. To God be the Glory and Praise…

    I hope you get a chance to read my post tomorrow. It was a hard one to write and even read outloud.

    Liked by 2 people

  23. What you wrote really hits in a quiet, powerful way. It captures that invisible kind of effort—the work that doesn’t get trophies or applause, but shapes the lives of those around you. I love how you frame the Christmas spirit not as lights and gifts, but as a feeling that can sneak back in unexpectedly, like a memory or a smile. The moment with your old friend in the red suit is perfect—it’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the magic comes not from what we get, but from the heart we put into what we already do. Focusing on writing, on connecting with others through stories, is such a beautiful, meaningful wish. And the takeaway—that showing up with heart can land you on the “nice list”—feels like a lesson for all of us. It’s simple, yet profound. 🎄✨

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  24. I just love your response. Thank you for reading and “getting me”. Christmas is a spirit that has bubbled up from all of my Christmases past. I’ve been a little lacking in the Christmas feelings department these past few years. Hoping it comes back. I know my writing will keep my feelings flowing!

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