Dear Santa Claus,

Do you remember me? I never wanted to talk to you face-to-face when I was a child. I tended to be shy and self-effacing. I do recall standing in the most magical line EVER to see you at a place in downtown Grand Rapids. It was a department store called Wurzburg's. You gave me a candy cane and a pin. I was the blond in the scratchy wool plaid coat.

I didn't really believe all that much in your abilities to give me whatever I asked. I was raised to never beg, and to enjoy giving more than receiving. Those lessons stuck.

So, when my own children came along I did not push you on them. Although, to this day, one of my children is still a believer in you. He is all about myth. And, he saw a reindeer foot print on his bedroom window one Christmas Eve. It was the big white house in Grandville. I'm sure you remember.

I do strongly believe in that older version of yourself, St. Nicholas. So hopefully that will help my case.

I only have one request for this Christmas. It isn't an item that can be purchased, or made by elves.

When I was a child, it was never my gifts that made it feel like Christmas to me. It was that sense of feeling at home in a humble setting with family; the smell of baking, the sight of big bright colored bulbs on the tree, the crinkling sound of paper as my mom wrapped presents, and the pure delight in finding the perfect present for someone else.

So, this is it. This is what I want you to bring me for Christmas this year.

That FEELING of Christmas.

Please do your best. I'll be waiting for it in rapt anticipation.

Sincerely Yours,
Judy

p.s. - i now have mostly gray hair. i actually look quite a bit like your wife, who by the way seems really nice.