Top Ten Santa Wish List 2022

Top Ten Santa Wish List 2022

Okay, this is yet another version of the same Christmas column I’ve written for the last 20-years or so. And what’s more traditional than the Holidays, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” another USC Heisman Trophy winner, and a former U.S. president wanting to put the Constitution right out there next to the curb with the used, dried-up Christmas tree?

But it doesn’t seem that long ago that Christmas held more wonder than I could handle. And the wonder is still there…when you’re looking for it. And after the last two years, it seems that the hopeful light Christmas brings is more likely looking for us.

Don’t know about you but back in The Day, beginning a few weeks before December 25, I used to get so excited I couldn’t sleep and when I finally closed my eyes, I couldn’t wait to wake up just to see our Christmas tree standing beautifully in our living room. And things haven’t changed that much. Even though I’ve recently hung up the drill, the shield, and the gown, and my only sense of urgency is the fear of Peets running outta Havana Cappuccinos before I get there, I still wake up at 4:30AM every morning no matter what (even while using CBD hot chocolate and a self-improvement book at bedtime to help count the sheep.)

And maybe I’m missing dentistry already. Making porcelain crowns that imitate nature and fit perfectly was very cool. And treating periodontal disease impacts general health and the quality and length of life. I’ve seen the partnership, vision, and creativity coming from the doctor and patient create beautiful smiles that can change lives. But taking a human interest, and making a personal difference is the kind of stuff that comes from family. And I don’t know about you guys…but I’m still addicted. I can’t get enough. It's no surprise Family remains my core of core values.

The cool thing about being a dentist, active or now quasi-retired, is the opportunity to appreciate your experience and relationships with people you see as friends and family, to keep on being productive and making a difference for others. And it’s magical that sharing a depth of experiences (especially, with young people interested in a health science career) can transform the many mistakes made along the way into teaching opportunities.

So, on a less serious, less pontificating note but without further delay, I give you my annual Top Ten Santa Wish List, almost totally devoid of sarcastic, un-Christmas-like shots at Southern Cal Edison, Kanye, Michael Bolton, and You-Know-Who:

#10: Dental drills become quieter than a non-USC game vs the Bruins at the Rose Bowl.

#9: Dental insurance plans suddenly realize it’s time to upgrade, not bisect the savings coupons distributed to patients.

#8: Suddenly, without warning, Twitter's reach is limited to parts of rural Albania.

#7: Everyone flosses! Dental Hygienists experience increased time to socialize.

#6: Random acts of kindness replace and overwhelm random acts of hate.

#5: Research finally shows chorizo burritos with everything can add decades to life expectancy.

#4: Dental impression materials begin tasting just like chocolate chip gelato.

#3: Vladimir Putin suffers a fatal case of crabs.

#2: Patients are required to show digital proof of a successful do-it-yourself colonoscopy to qualify for do-it-yourself clear aligner orthodontics.

And (drumroll)…#1: Everyone within six degrees of separation and beyond has a healthy, joyous Holiday, feels like a kid again, and successfully looks and listens for peace, prosperity, and fulfillment in 2023.

Merry Christmas!