Dear Santa,

I’m not writing this letter to request a new doll or hot wheels car but to start by saying thank you. Thank you for allowing me to believe in something so magical for so long. Some may look at you as a white lie that their parents told them for years on end but when I look at you I smile as memories dance through my mind.

I’d sit down every year and write you a list. The catalogue to Toys ‘r’ Us was covered in red circles and stars. Everything I wanted and everything I thought I needed. Malibu Barbie, twister and Wii. I’d throw an “end to world hunger” on there to make myself seem a little less selfish. But Christmas was so much more than receiving gifts even at age 7.

It was about believing in the reindeer that could fly, the elves that could tinker any toy and the man who could make it around the world in one night. As a child I could not stand to wait for the first snow fall, the first sighting of holiday decorations in the shopping malls and the smell of ginger bread in the super market. All those little things were all a part of Christmas and each had a special place in my heart. Till this day each reminds me of you and how strongly I believed.

The days and even weeks leading up to Christmas were and still are some of the most exciting. Baking cookies, wrapping gifts and decorating the tree. Everything is so much more magical during the holiday season even just driving home through neighborhoods light with twinkling lights. Receiving Christmas cards and giving gifts to friends. How could you not feel a sense of love during this time?

Finally it was Christmas Eve, I’d put on my red and white flannel pajamas. Place cookies on special plate and struggle to fill your glass of milk to the tippy top. I’d even place a bucket of reindeer food alongside because flying a sled full of toys around the globe must work up some appetite! Trying to fall asleep was nearly impossible but when I did it was with a smile on my face.

Waking up the next morning and rushing down the stairs as quietly as I could without waking mom and dad. How could I not peek? Both my eyes and heart would glow as I stood in front of our tree covered in sparkling lights, glitter ornaments and of course surrounded by beautiful wrapped gifts marked “From Santa”.

Even though I am now grown and know you don’t reside in the North Pole like I was told for so long, I still believe. I don’t believe you can shimmy down my chimney but I do believe in the magic you create during the holiday season. In the magic of kindness, love and family.

So this letter is to thank you Santa for allowing me to believe in the magic and allowing me to still believe till this day. I will smile every time I see a child smile at you during Christmas time because I know they are believing in you the way I once did. I am and always will be thankful for the magic you have brought to my life.

Sincerely,

The college student that still believes