My teen son was recently given the assignment to write a letter to Santa. While relieved that it was an easy and fairly enjoyable task, he did find it a bit silly.
My grandmother, God rest her soul, believed in Santa until she was thirteen years old. Times were simpler then and imaginations had not yet been replaced with televisions. She often told the story of how she cried heart-broken tears upon learning about the myth that was perpetuated far too long by her parents.
Every Christmas Eve it wasn’t until she and her siblings were tucked safely in bed that “Santa” brought in the tree and decorated while delivering the presents. Upon awakening, the children discovered that what had been a simple living room was transformed overnight into a Christmas wonderland.
Among my personal treasures I have a small 1930’s era ceramic doll in its original box. Attached is a tag that reads,
To: Mary Belle
From: Santa Claus
In spite of her heartbreaking thirteenth year, the Christmas spirit stayed with my grandma throughout her life. I don’t remember when I stopped bothering with Santa. But just for fun, I decided that this year I will write him a letter. Just in case. I mean, you never really know do you?
Dear Santa,
I have been good most of the year except when I lost my daughter’s camera and led her to believe it was stolen. But normally, when I’m naughty, it’s okay because I’m married.
I am already abundantly blessed, but since your business is to deliver the whims of our heart I will make a short list.
1. Jar Candles-I always run out between Christmases, so if you could double what you brought last year that would be great!
2. Potholders-Mine are wearing thin and I’ve scorched my fingers a few times this year, but I never remember to buy new ones when I’m at the store. Incidentally, I don’t care for the newfangle silicone type.
3. A Barry Manilow CD-I’m not sure what he has released recently, but whatever it is I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. If he’s going to be in town soon, I’d like a couple of concert tickets too. And maybe a backstage pass. And an autograph. And maybe a chance meeting at a convenience store when he stops for a pack of gum.
Oh, and if you could have him choose me out of the audience to sing onstage with him, I would really appreciate it. Of the eight concerts I’ve attended, he hasn’t picked me yet, even though I wear broad horizontal stripes for easy visibility.
4. A beautiful journal- I do all my writing on my laptop but there is something inspiring about beautifully bound blank pages.
5. A few thousand dollars to cover my daughter’s knee surgery. I know that sounds like a lot, but I doubt anyone would mind if, while you are delivering presents, you take a quick look under the couch cushions and collect the loose change. With the number of houses you visit it would add up pretty quickly.
6. Two weekends away in a hotel. One so I can be alone with hubby, and one so I can simply be alone. Now that we have five kids our house has gotten a lot smaller. ‘Nuff said.
7. Size ten jeans that fit a size sixteen butt.
8. A gift certificate to anywhere. It’d be nice to shop just for myself and not feel guilty about spending the money.
Well, I guess that’s about it. I suppose I should ask for some unselfish things like world peace or a better economy, but that might be a little out of your scope of power. However, if you want to weigh in (no pun intended) on those issues, I’m sure the powers that be would appreciate your input.
I just remembered one more thing. You know how you always say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night?” I have a restless three-year-old and a five-year-old that never seems to tire, so, if you could work out a good night’s sleep for us, I would be ever so grateful.
Sincerely,
Ginger Truitt
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