Four
days before Christmas 2013
Dear Santa:
I’m sure you know who I am; rumor has it you know all of us…good
and bad. I’m sure you know I’m 58 and a half years old, and this is the first
time I’ve written to you; at least it’s the first time I remember writing to
you. I’m sure you also know that when I was growing up, we “talked” of you, but
no one ever said you did or didn’t exist. I don’t remember crying because I
found out you didn’t; I guess because deep down inside, the idea of Santa was
something magical. Whether or not you existed was a moot point to me as I
believed in the idea of giving, of the magic and spirit of Christmas, so I don’t
know that I ever needed one specific person. I believed that ALL of us had “Santa”
in us.
I’ve “played” Santa many times; my children have “played”
Santa. I’ve read stories about you and I’ve sung songs about you. I have
incorporated you in to our Christmas by giving anonymously to others. Several
times over the years, my children and I have picked families who we wanted to
do something for. There were many different reasons for choosing each family.
One family was chosen, NOT because we knew them well…NOT because we were really
friends, but because we knew it would be the mother’s last Christmas and the
nightly surprises for 12 days would be something memorable. I don’t know that
they ever knew it was us, and it doesn’t matter. The only thing we desired to
do was bring some kind of joy to them. Each of the other families was picked
for a myriad of other reasons.
But here I sit tonight contemplating life, Christmas,
humanity and the world. My heart has been touched by the pains in the world. I’ve
wept over things that have happened in the news; and these things have only
gotten worse in the last 15 years. I’ve pondered family, traditions,
heartbreaks, joys, and memories past. I think about the future and what is
ahead for my family, my life, this great country and the world. I think of
those who do without on a daily basis; those who are struggling with life
threatening illnesses or the complications of old age. I’ve thought a lot about
my mother and her life. She will be 95 in one month. She can remember where she
spent every penny she has ever had, but I’ve had to tell her 50 times how to
answer her new cell phone we got her three weeks ago; also that it needs to be
plugged in every night, keeping it in the box is defeating the purpose of said
cell phone, which is also called a “mobile” phone because you can take it where
ever you go, and keeping it next to the house phone also defeats the same
purpose. So, as I ponder many, many things, I decided to write to you. Virginia
did, she wrote to you…and little Susan Walker came to believe in you.
I’ll add a disclaimer here Santa…since this is my first
letter and I’ve grown and aged far more than the children you receive letters
from, this won’t be your typical letter. While I still have a LOT of childish
tomfoolery in me, and I love to play games, do silly things with my
grandchildren, laugh and have fun, I see some needs which I believe should be
addressed. And so, with that, I am submitting this list of Christmas gifts.
1)
Compassion. I see folks who have lost their
compassion. It’s a wonderful gift. When it’s given, it changes the heart of
those who give.
2)
Healing. There are so many out there who are
going through diverse illnesses and diseases. I know not all of them can be healed,
but I hope most of them can.
3)
Tolerance. All of us have different beliefs,
desires, passions, political affiliations, differences, religions, educations,
colors, cultures, backgrounds, etc. IF each of us could be more tolerant,
things might change.
4)
Respect. Each of us is a human being. We all
came in to this world in the exact same way, for the most part, and we will all
leave this world at an appointed time. We may be different, see the previous “gift”,
but it is our differences which enrich all of our lives. All of our cultures
are fascinating; they bring uniqueness to the world.
5)
Understanding. It seems that most people are so
caught up in their own lives; they forget that everyone around them also has
problems, challenges, health issues, struggles, and pain too. IF we could see
their lives, as we see our own, it would help to be more understanding.
6)
Service. When we choose to get outside of our
own lives and outside of the proverbial “box” and serve others, we will lose
ourselves and our problems. When we look to see where we are needed, then, and
only then, will see the needs of others and be able to serve them. When you
serve others, you learn to love others.
7)
Joy. There is much sadness in the world. People
need to laugh more; enjoy life more. They are so caught up in the act of survival;
they have forgotten how to feel good.
8)
Peace. We live in a world where there is
fighting. It may be the family next door, kids at school, OR certain factions
of people…or countries. BUT there is fighting and killing. Most people want
peace, but they aren’t willing to do what it takes to achieve peace.
9)
Forgiveness. Some people have a difficult time
with this. They want to be forgiven, but aren’t willing to forgive others. They
don’t understand that when they forgive, a weight is lifted from their heart.
They can move on. When they hold those hard feelings in, they become bitter and
hateful.
10)
Integrity. Somewhere, many have lost this trait
and it would be a good thing to have back. People are quick to sue each other,
steal, cheat or expect things they shouldn’t. They have an attitude that they
are owed something, even though they haven’t worked for it. When people have to
work for something they appreciate it a lot more. I know this may sound like a
weird gift, but it will bring a righteous pride; a self-worth if you will.
11)
Love. Many of the above gifts will or can bring
love in the end. BUT love has eluded some of us. Some are afraid of being hurt.
Others are afraid of reaching out. Others can’t see past color, lifestyles or
beliefs; sizes or cultures. Some can’t see past lifestyles, tattoos, piercings,
fashions, or hairstyles. IF we could
love everyone, no matter what, we could change the world.
12)
Food/shelter. There are many who go without a
decent meal once a day and have nowhere to live. They are out in the elements;
some don’t have the clothes they need to keep warm, whether it’s their choice,
or through no fault of their own.
13)
Jobs. There are many people who have lost their
jobs; they have the desire to work, they just need a chance to find a job.
14)
Happiness. I see a lot of people every day who
are negative and live a bitter life. I don’t know if they don’t know what
happiness is, or if there is something keeping them from having happiness in
their lives, but once you have it, it’s like a disease…it just spreads.
15)
Positive attitude. IF we could look beyond our
troubles and grief, and look for the lessons life is giving us. What a gift!
16)
Hope. The number of people who have lost hope is
astronomical. Their dreams have been shattered by so many things going on in
the world and they don’t want to go on; they don’t know what to do or where to
turn. They struggle with things in their lives which most people never know
about; only see in the movie and can’t imagine anyone going through them. This
is one of the big ones.
These are a few of the things I
believe we could use at this time. I was taught the difference between needs and wants; while I know I want these things, I also know we sure need most of
them. I also know these are some pretty BIG gifts and you may need help with
them. I know that there is a God who hears all of our wishes, dreams, hopes,
thoughts, and prayers. He is the one who can help you fill this order. Talk it
over with Him and see what He thinks about it.And Santa…I have a little
something personal to add. I’ve been struggling to find a home for the last few
years; all of my things have been in storage for over five years. I’ve had a
place to live, but I’d like a home of my own again. I don’t really need
anything else, I’d just like my things which are in storage and that would be SO
GREAT! I’ve been really discouraged and frustrated at times. IF you could point
me in the right direction, I’d really appreciate it.
I love your red outfit. Red is my
favorite color. I love that you and the elves make things by hand; I LOVE to
make my gifts too. When I get my things from storage, I can do that again too…hint,
hint.
Thanks Santa…and IF you need any
help with this, I KNOW that “the BIG guy” is always available.
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