Making the best of requests to Santa

As we approach Christmas Day and all that it brings, no doubt most of our youngsters have had the chance to sit on Santa’s lap and whisper into his ear. It’s an annual tradition that is seldom missed. At our household, photos with Santa are a must, and if you line up them, you can see a chronology of visits, and see, before your eyes, how our kids have grown. With three youngsters, Santa has needed some help in fine-tuning our family’s list and gathering the items from all over the world. My eldest provided a written list back in November, but the younger ones were a bit of a challenge this year.

They didn’t ask for much, which is kind of odd, considering kids always ask for the moon. I’m not sure if they’re taking some of life’s lessons to heart, or have run out of toys and games! Santa shared the contents of their letters with me and I was able to solicit a response from the man himself.

Dear Santa, “This year the only thing I want is for everyone to have a great Christmas season,” Liam, 12. 

Dear Liam, “I was so pleased to read your letter, it made my day! The Christmas season is my favourite time of year as you can imagine. Spreading cheer to young and old alike, around the world for hundreds of years has been my number-one responsibility. I will admit it’s not always easy. But what I can share with you is this. If just one person, you perhaps, starts feeling the spirit of the season and being kinder and nicer to your family and friends, it will grow and grow. Kindness knows no bounds and it can literally stretch right around the world. Trust me, I’ve seen it. What I would say to people is open your hearts, embrace what you have and enjoy the warmth and good cheer of the season. And yes, you are allowed to eat a few extra goodies this time of year!” All the best, Santa

 Dear Santa, “This year I really haven’t been doing so well – I just can’t get into the Christmas spirit. I would really appreciate a sign to remind me of the importance of the holiday season. And maybe, if you have a chance on Christmas Eve, you could pay a visit to Africa, Haiti, Dominican Republic (all the places experiencing poverty) and give them what they deserve – love and hope. I’m looking forward to seeing your reindeer on my roof,” Lexie, 15. 

Dear Lexie, “The Christmas spirit never leaves you, it just sometimes gets lost in all the hustle and bustle of the season, school and sports commitments, and the pressures of the world. But believe me, it lives in you, I can feel it, all the way up here at the North Pole. I’ve been watching you lately, and let me say that your heart is as big and sweet as a bowl of sugar plums! I have seen your compassion towards others – your friends, family and the less fortunate through your volunteer work. This is a quality that can’t be taught or given to someone. It’s inside you and it’s all you. Maybe because of some of the things you’ve seen, you feel you can do more. I know what you’re talking about. I see many needy kids every year and I do my best to put a smile on each and every one of their faces. I do visit every country and children of all shapes, sizes and colours. It’s tough sometimes. But I’m not discouraged. Just one smile, a tiny bit of love and hope, can change the world. Hope is a lot like ‘belief” – it’s powerful stuff you know, even stronger than my magic. You asked for a sign, but you don’t really need one. As I said, it’s inside you – I see the sparkle in your eyes. It’s not unlike the one I had when I was a youngster – wide-eyed wonderment at the world, wanting to help everyone and make this a better place. I’ve been hard at work for hundreds of years. How do you think I have done? My reindeer will land on your roof again this Christmas Eve, so don’t forget to leave them a snack.” Your Friend, Santa 

Dear Santa, “How are you and how is Mrs. Claus? How are the reindeer? This Christmas I would like a play house that is human sized so I can play in it. Santa, for others that are poor or on the street struggling, I want them to have a shelter, food and water because nobody should be alone on Christmas,” Kyleigh, 8. 

Dear Kyleigh, “So nice to hear from you again this year. I have heard you have been pretty good, and I know you are trying to get along better with your brother. Trust me on this one, you and Liam will become best friends when you’re older. A human-sized playhouse, eh? Santa doesn’t really make buildings for kids, and my magic is limited to toys and things of the heart. Santa can’t make cars, houses or flying saucers, even though kids always ask for them. How about a beautiful doll house? As far as helping the poor, Santa always tries to help as many people as he can. I have a lot of helpers around the world who do good work. I try to make sure those living on the streets in colder climates get a helping hand, food and a warm bed at night. You know what’s a start? Little ones like you asking. When you care about others, it creates a warm feeling, like a blanket, that we can use to wrap around our fellow men and women. The Care Meter on my sleigh fluctuates from time to time, but all in all, it seems to be in the green. We need to keep it up, not just at Christmas time, but all year long. And you’re quite right, no one should be alone on Christmas. But if we keep them in our thoughts and prayers, we help spread love and the true meaning of Christmas. I’ll make sure you get something special for your thoughts. Keep touching my nose on the sculpture in your foyer for good luck!” Love, Santa

  “But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

Empty seats at family celebrations

Dear Mom and Dad; As Kim and Liam blew out their birthday candles recently, they marked small milestones in their lives. They were surrounded by all who loved them – their family. There have been a few such celebrations in recent years, events you missed through no fault of your own. I haven’t had much time to write recently – our three trouble-makers are a handful, and I only have two hands! You are likely keeping an eye on us from your heavenly perch – hopefully it’s a hilltop on a beautiful meadow, or in a comfy reclining chair on an endless beach. In case you haven’t had time to catch up, or simply weren’t permitted by the Big Guy, I’ll fill you in on a few things. Lexie, our first born precious cargo, celebrated her 15th birthday. Dad, has it really been that long since you left? The party in our basement was brimming with teens. All went well and by all assessments, Lexie is well liked by her peers. That’s good to hear. The teen years can be so troublesome, it’s nice to know she’s blessed with charm and a good heart. Her big heart was evident during her mission trip through her high school, in which she helped less fortunate souls in the Dominican Republic. You would have been very proud of her, just as we are. Maybe you followed her on her adventure, and helped keep her safe. It would be nice to see your faces, grinning from ear to ear, at Lexie’s accomplishments. I’m sure part of those smiles would be meant for me, too. There are times I’d just love to reach out and place by hand on your cheeks. Lexie would squeeze the stuffings out of both of you, if only she could. I know it’s not practical, but please blow her a kiss from the clouds, and ease her teenage burdens just a little bit, by dusting off her strong shoulders. Maybe you’re both there, just beyond the scope of human vision, standing behind her, with hands firmly placed on her shoulders. She’s quite the athlete and often gets down in the dumps when she doesn’t “make the team.” She loves soccer and I know that with each pass, or powerful kick, she grunts, feels alive, and is supported by the “ghosts” of generations past. Maybe you have been able to see her, invisible on the sidelines. Save a cheer, and rattle the bleachers in your neck of eternity! Academically, she’s doing well and is interested in the arts at her high school. There’s no telling just where she’ll end up! Liam, our clan’s only boy, extinguished 12 candles recently. While he’s stubborn and argumentive, he’s filled with curiosity and questions about the past, future, life, death and the infinity of the universe. He loves to have fun, stage mock battles and enjoy every experience life has to offer. For his birthday celebration, I took him and a few of his friends out for an afternoon of paintball fun. Wow, running around a dimly lit warehouse with 30 other kids, teens and adults was fun, but tiring. I was dispatched by some well place shots in every round, but I rolled around the dirt laughing while I winced. Boys will be boys. When he laughs from the belly, you can’t help but join in – it’s contagious. Perhaps his squeals of joy penetrate the Pearly Gates from time to time, turning heads! Feel free to tell the others it’s your grandson. He’s not a big fan of hitting the books, but he’s quite bright and a quick learner when something interests him. He’s mastered several video games that I stumble through as he tries to guide dear old day through wrecked buildings and alien terrain. He’s a loving boy child. Dad, you never got a chance to see your only grandson. And it saddens me that you never got to know him. He’s missed that connection and if there’s any celestial way possible, send him a sign or drop by for a visit, only to look into his eyes for a few moments and see what’s in his heart. Kyleigh Q, our youngest prodigy, is a spunky child, with more moxie than the other two combined! We only wish she’d use her powers for good, not planting her feet firmly on the ground and placing her hands on her hips, taunting us to try to sway her. As the third born, she’s likely heaping on the assertiveness to assume her rightful place in the family hierarchy and be noticed. Oh, she’s noticed all right! She’s also a fast learner and has a passion for art and music. She wants to be a “farmer,” but wants her husband to do all the work! She loves horses and perhaps we’ll let her try riding this summer. Mom, she felt your departure profoundly for such a small child. She thinks of you often and sheds a tear now and then, recalling the times you spent together. She also has an intense curiosity and is willing to try anything. Most of my kids enjoy roller coasters – one contraption that I avoid like the plague. They are adventurous thrill-seekers to be sure and we’re trying to feed their zest for life. Mom and Dad, I hope your time on earth was well spent, and you’re pleased with how some things have turned out. While my life isn’t as charmed as I would have hoped, I am trying and remain somewhat optimistic. Kim is our rock and I think we both have to let more roll off of our shoulders. I have no shortage of intestinal fortitude, but outside stresses and frustrations take their toll from time to time. Mom and Dad, thanks for laying the ground work for all that has unfolded around me. I may not be the Michaelangelo of child-rearing or fatherhood, but perhaps my form of abstract art is pleasing to the eye. Thinking of you. Your Son.