Dear Jesus,

While many others are writing letters to Santa, I am writing to the one who is truly responsible for all that I have. While Santa is fun for kids and even some adults, I find the amount of people who forget the reason for the season appalling. A big, fat, round man who eats milk and cookies and rides in a sleigh pulled by reindeer is not responsible for the blessings within our lives. Another misconception is that the blessings we have has something to do with luck, which is also not true.

So I guess what I am trying to say in this letter is thank you, Jesus. Thank you for giving me all that I have.

My parents. I grew up around a group of kids that rarely had both parents in their life. I was blessed enough to have both my parents in my life while growing up. Thank you for not only giving me both my parents but for giving me 2 parents that care greatly for me. They always provided me way beyond the basic needs.

My animals. The older I got, the more of a bond and appreciation I gained for my pets. Thank you for providing me with their companionship. They are better friends than some people have been to me and I am blessed that you put such great ones in my life.

My friends. You know well enough that I have had ups and downs with friends. I have also gone through several friendships. The ones I have now are only the best of the best because you have helped me realize that I don't need the ones that are not the truest. Thank you for each and every one of them. Leila. Emily. Chrisy. Paula. Kerrie. Kim. Tony. Roy. Ellen. All of them. At one point or the other in my life I have needed those people and you have made sure they are there by my side when I do need them.

My family. I have grown up living quite a distance away from most of my family members, but that does not mean I do not cherish each and every one of them: the ones who I am the closest to and the ones who I do not talk to as often, the ones that are blood and the ones that are not, but may as well be. You have given me a family that are very loud and tiring sometimes, but on most days, they just make me laugh and I would not trade them for the world.

Horses. Thank you for putting me on a path that would later end up being my passion. Thank you for leading me in the right direction to make good decisions so that I stayed with my passion and nothing more. Because of you, I now have Cinnamon who has been my very best friend these past several years. She has taught me and helped me grow so much as a person and a rider. I love her with my whole heart and soul and I am so thankful you put her in my direction.

I am a believer that every little thing happens because you have a plan and you are leading us to something great. I have gotten closer to you as I have gotten older and I am thankful for that because its really opened my eyes. I know I do not go to church nearly as much as I should but I also know that I do not have to to have a good relationship with you. As Christmas comes around, I remember the reason for the season and I count my blessings everyday.

Love always and yours truly,

Veronica

P.S: To everyone who has read this, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and I hope you will all start counting those blessings more! God Bless!