December 17, 2006-- "I want the evil robus spider in lego 360-- you know what I'm talking about." Of course? An 8 year
old said, "I don't know if you can bring it, but I want a lot more time with the family." It's inspiring how many children say
time with the family is one of the things they like about Christmas. A 7 year old forgot one thing but wasn't worried because,
"You can read my mind." When asked how old he was, a young man responded, "Maybe kind of 4." These questions can be kind
of tricky. A 9 year old, in answering whether or not he was good, "I didn't be bad." Quite logical. A 5 year old
explained why her younger sister was scared of me, "Because she doesn't notice you." Actually, I think she noticed me all too well.
~Santa
December 18, 2006-- Visiting with children and their families is a reminder each year to me how the holidays are a time that helps
families connect through memories, and shared experiences and stories. Many times I hear grandparents saying to parents that
they did something similar during their visits to Santa that their child has just done. I also have parents who sat on my lap bringing
their children and sometimes showing me pictures of themselves with me as children. Other family traditions get passed on across
the generations and help tie them together. What a special time of year! ~Santa
December 20, 2006-- An 8 year old asked for, "My parents to have a really good year." A 4 year old wanted, "A robot that reminds
me not to hit, kick and punch." We could all use one. A 4 year old girl only wanted, "Everything I see on TV." The
wonders of advertising. A 6 year old had some doubts, "I'm not quite sure of it." I assured him I would pick out something
special for him. However, I was doubtful about the wisdom of granting the 6 year old's wish for "One dog and five kittens."
As for the little girl who wanted, "To lose my tooth," I'm afraid that's the territory of the Tooth Fairy. ~Santa
December 19, 2006-- I received a note from a young one that gave me a chuckle, "Dear Santa, How do you feel when you go down a chimney
and the fire is on and... your chubby and drenching with sweat, well, how do you feel? We love you!!" What a great letter,
among many, and I must admit there are times when I'm in a tight spot and wish I'd skipped that last cookie, but they are so good.
Ho-Ho! ~S.C.
December 21, 2006-- A 5 year old boy asked, "What color are your eyes?" He should have talked to the 3 year old girl who told
one of the workers where I'm visiting kids, "Santa has the prettiest blue eyes." Maggie thinks so, too. A 4 year old girl
thoughtfully informed me that she wanted, "My Little Pony, Care Bears, and I don't mind if the rest is a surprise." A 6 year
old girl wants, "To fly," and a 4 year old boy wanted, "An elevator," but couldn't explain why. A 4 year old girl said, "I've
been thinking about a stuffed poodle. I've been thinking about it all year long." Got it. A 9 year old wisely said,
"Surprise me. You always bring me good surprises. I trust you." I am pretty good at surprises. A 13 year old
with a caring heart said, "Grandma died a couple of weeks ago and I don't want grandpa to be lonely." Sometimes the holidays
can be hard. Take care, Santa
December 22, 2006-- As the time grows short, my chats with kids remain very interesting. A 3 year old, "Instead of cookies,
I leave you nuts." Do you think I'm squirrelly? "No, you're Santa." Of course. I told one little one to tell
her kitty, Kiki, not to be scared when I come by. "Don't worry, she remembers you. You gave her to me." How could
I forget? A 4 year old wanted, "Not everything but almost everything." A future go-getter. Regarding being good,
a 6 year old acknowledged, "I've been bad, but I'm trying to straighten up my act." And people ask if I ever get tired of talking
with kids. Addressing the same issue, a 5 year old said, "I listen to my mom and dad, and I didn't make my fishes die."
That's being good. And finally, a sweet 7 year old girl brough up an issue on certain minds each year, "Some people say they
don't believe in you." And what do you say? "I tell them they haven't met you." Indeed. Ho-Ho! ~Santa
December 23, 2006-- Well, we are all as busy as can be here at the North Pole. We are getting presents wrapped and ready to
go, and trying to deal with last minute requests and list changes. The reindeer are getting excited and impatient to take to the sky.
I'm checking my list again and again, and it's getting longer each year. And Maggie oversees everything with a warm and patient
heart. This will probably be my last entry 'til after Christmas as I will be very busy tomorrow night. Don't forget the
milk and cookies, and to put out the fire in the fireplace. That helps a lot. A young girl gave me a letter recently in
which she acknowledged being good by cleaning her room and playing piano, and promised to try and play the piano more. She wished
for two dollies and then wished for specific items for each of several family members, including an Elvis Presley cd for Mimi, and
for all of them she wished (I've left her spelling in tact), "and them all love, joy, peace, pacince, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentulness, and self-control." I doubt I could improve on that so Maggie and I wish all of those things to you and yours as
well as a bright, beautiful Christmas, and joyful New Year. Take gentle care and give your love away-- it will come right back
to you. ~Santa
