Dear “Santa”,

First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for everything you do for me and the boys throughout the year, but especially at Christmas. We are super appreciative. Thank you for always believing in us and never giving up on us when we fuss or fight, or even talk back on occasion. But while believing in us, thank you for always giving us something magical to believe in. I will never truly understand how you have always made it happen or how much work and thought goes into Christmas, but that is just part of your magic. I know that we may not always seem appreciative throughout the year, but we really are.

This year at college my eyes have been opened to a lot of things that I could never imagine going through myself. I also could not imagine life without a “Santa” like you, but sure enough you have made sure that I do not have to. While I hate it for those people who have not been as fortunate as me, I am so thankful that you’ve made sure I never experienced those troubles. I have seen a lot lately about how Santa is not the same at every household, and I understand that, but I am so thankful that God chose you as our Santa.

As I am referring to you as Santa, know that you are so much more than the gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. You are love, grace, and sacrifice. You have shown us how the Lord lived just based on how you treat us and the unconditional love you show us. Even when we make big mistakes, you still love us. You may be disappointed in us, but you still have a way of extending grace even though you certainly do not have to. And lastly, you sacrifice for us like no other. I know it isn’t because you have to, but because that is what you have chosen to do. I know it isn’t always the easiest, but I realize it now more than ever and I’m thankful.

Even though you give a big man in a red and white suit all of the credit for the past nineteen years, I am thanking YOU right now for every bit of it. I have been extremely blessed with not only you, but also the rest of my family. You have made sure I have always had what I needed no matter what I was doing, whether it be dance, softball, volleyball, school or just life in general. Beyond that, you have also taken care of my many wants along the way as well. I know that these two things, a want and a need, are very different, but you have made sure I was well-off the entirety of my life.

I know that me and the boys will never be able to thank Even though you give a big man in a red and white suit all of the credit for the past nineteen years, I am thanking YOU right now for every bit of it. I have been extremely blessed with not only you, but also the rest of my family. You have made sure I have always had what I needed no matter what I was doing, whether it be dance, softball, volleyball, school or just life in general. Beyond that, you have also taken care of my many wants along the way as well. I know that these two things, a want and a need, are very different, but you have made sure I was well-off the entirety of my life.

I know that me and the boys will never be able to thank you enough for all that you have done, but I know that you don’t expect us to because that is just who you are. The milk and cookies (or coke) that we leave out for you every year can never amount to what you deserve, but without fail, Santa always eats and drinks whatever we may leave gratefully. I know that there are other kids like me that have a Santa just like you, and I hope they realize just how blessed they are too. Thank you so much for everything. I appreciate you, and I love you. Santa, you’re the best.