My (Grown-Up) Letter to Santa

Hi Santa,

It has been many, many years since I sent you a letter.  I know that you are busy deciphering the writing of many children, but I hope you don’t mind taking a moment to read a few words from me.

I have tried to be a very good person all year long.  As I child, being good meant trying to please my parents.  Now, I strive to be a good mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and citizen . . . oh, and blogger!  I don’t think I have done too badly this year, but I know there is always room for improvement!

When I was a small girl, there were lots of things that I wanted.  Now, however, it is much harder to come up with a list.  There are some things I'd like to have - but not much I really need.  The things I truly wish for are not items that would be left under the tree to be found on Christmas morning.

That being said, of course I wouldn’t mind receiving a photo light box and lights, so I could take better food pictures for this blog.  Or, maybe the iPhone 5 / 5S Camera Lens Kit - some of those lenses look pretty cool. There are lots of blogging classes, resources, and subscriptions that look pretty amazing. Kitchen gadgets are always nice, and I wouldn’t say no to a new sewing machine … although I’d probably want some extra hours in my day to use it. But, none of these things are items I need to have. My iPhone and my recently acquired MacBook Pro laptop have me feeling pretty spoiled. As far as possessions go, I really am pretty content.

What I truly desire is good health, happiness, and personal success for all my family members and friends. I’d like humans to learn to all be a little kinder and more tolerant of each other.  I wish that planet Earth could be a little healthier; and that global poverty, illness, and despair would diminish. I doubt that you and your elves can deliver any of this, but these are the things that would make me very happy.

The reason I am writing this letter today Santa, is not to ask for something, but to thank you. I want you to know how much you are appreciated.  

You and your reindeer have spread so much hope, cheer, and love across the world. I remember the wonder and excitement I felt, waiting for your arrival as a child. I experienced that same wonder again with my children, when they were small. The example of love and generosity you set is a wonderful lesson for every child. 

My kids were so excited for Santa to come down the chimney!

I know that many of us give you cookies, milk, and carrots each year.  But those treats just don't seem to adequately express how grateful we are for the positive impact you have on our lives. Today, instead of asking for anything, I just want to say thank you.

Good luck on your trip around the world this year, Santa.  I hope you get a well-deserved rest when you are done.  Please say hello and thanks to Mrs. Claus and the elves, and pat the reindeer for me. 
Happy Holidays!

Gratefully,

Susan

P.S.  Santa - do you remember having this photo taken? I have kept the newspaper clipping all these years, and I even still have the little ceramic bell tree-ornament you gave to each of us! 

The newspaper published a photo of my twin sister (L) and me (R), on Santa's knee!

I wonder what Santa Claus wants for Christmas?

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