A Letter to Santa

I grew up on a Christmas tree farm, and my father was born on Christmas Day, so Christmas has always had an extra-special place in my heart.  This week as I was going through some boxes of photos to make a family scrapbook for my son, I came across a letter I wrote to Santa when I was about eight.

Dear Santa Claus:

I suppose you are very busy this year.  I just want to drop in a friendly letter.  I hope that you are fine.  I am.  Just last year I heard of the poor starving children in Vietnam and India.  I suppose you have too.  It really bothers me.  I looked at one of my school magazines once, and my heart almost broke in two.  There was a picture of a little girl crying.  Her mother and father had deserted her at a railroad station.  She was only a little tyke.  All I'm asking Santa is to give all the children what they need.  Or just a little toy to make them happier.  My little sister is depending on you to bring her a tyke-size kitchen with dish set and plastic food.  I guess she's trying to be a good girl (not trying very hard, though).  My little brother wants an airplane that really flies.  As for myself, I'll just let you pick out what's best for me.

I guess I do believe in Santa, because as I count my blessings this Christmas Eve, I can see that he has given me everything I ever dreamed and wished for.

This Christmas Eve I wish for you a glowing fire, warm hugs and laughter.  And here is a toast to our past, present, and future.  May we each, in our own small way, bring peace and comfort to at least one other in the coming year.  Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.

Comments

[Ed Smith]

Mary, this letter was very touching. I was not as caring in my younger years as you were. I remember being mad at my mom and uncle for weeks because I asked for some bar bells and didn't get them I sulked for about a week and then bought some bar bells at a garage sale for five bucks. I guess it taught me a very valuable lesson that was if you really want something badly enough you can find a way of getting it. We missed you yesterday and you were in our thoughts. I took a bunch of pictures and will show them to you when we come down. Merry Christmas!