When you think about a letter to Santa, what thoughts or memories come to mind? Do you remember your letters you wrote to Santa? Or maybe you remember your kids or grandkids writing letters to Santa.
If you wrote letters to Santa, at what age did you stop writing them?
I don't remember when I stopped writing them.
I did just write one in my 60th year. Yes, that's correct. I wrote a letter to Santa. Today. And mailed it.
Last week I saw a red mailbox at the Post Office and it caught my attention. For whatever reason, the idea came into my mind to write a letter to Santa.
I thought about it through the week and weekend. I kept going back and forth on whether or not to follow through with the "nudge". I mean, it really isn't "normal" for a 60 year old to write Santa a letter, right?!
As I thought through my 60th year list of things I wanted to do in Reflections on the Cusp of 60, "writing a letter to Santa" wasn't on my list. Yet, as I considered the "ADVENTure" of the Advent Season and my commitment to live into my authentic self and reclaim "play" as a spiritual practice, THAT did fit into things.
Besides, I saw a Santa look-alike in the Cancun airport in September-- all dressed in red and another one a couple weeks ago entering a store in Dalton, GA. He wore a Santa hat, had a great real white beard and was with a woman who easily could have been Mrs. Claus. I didn't get pictures of them, but I and several other people took pictures of the airport Santa. My picture wasn't the greatest. It's the back of him. But, you can tell it is him.
What does one write to Santa when they are 60 years old? Great question.
I didn't think asking for anything would be appropriate. I don't believe Santa will bring me a gift. However, I do believe in the actions of kindness and compassion that have been done over the years because of a Saint who started a tradition of doing things for others. Saint Nicholas' biography is one to not only read, but one to ponder. There are various resources to check out. Here are two of them: The Story of St. Nicholas and All About St. Nicholas.
I also believe that Santa look-alikes can bring cheer and joy to people out in public, whether it's this season of the year or any time. There's something, might I say, dare I say "jolly" about seeing a Santa look-alike that causes one to smile and think on good memories. Or, at least it does for me.
I suppose all of the above caused me to write my letter to Santa and to verify how to actually get it there. I thought I could simply write "Santa Claus North Pole", but that's not true. You have to put in the entire address: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888. You also must include your last name and your return address, plus use a 1st class stamp.
Here is my letter. I hand wrote it on older notebook paper because that's what I found quickest. I wrote in all caps, in hopes my handwriting would be more legible.
12/9/24
Dear Santa,
It's been a while since I've written you a letter. I saw the mailbox in the Dalton, GA Post Office last week & decided "why not?".
I'm 60 years old. This is my 1st Christmas without my Dad. It will be different.
I don't have a list of toys or items to as for, though it could be fun to think of such things. :)
I guess I mainly wanted to write to say "thank you". Thank you to you & your many helpers who bring smiles each year to people all around the globe. I see people off (of) [dang typos in hand-written letters] all ages smile when they see a Santa-look-a-like in an airport, in a store, etc. It's incredible how much joy that offers.
Keep bringing the joy & smiles.
Keep sharing the goodwill.
Merry Christmas--
Debra
After writing my letter to Santa, I addressed it per instructions (see above), put a stamp on it, and went to the Post Office.
Here is the very cool red mail box they have for Santa letters:
Here's to more ADVENTures!
Deb
Love your letter..:here’s to the spirit of St Nicholas!
ReplyDeleteThank you.❤
Delete….Sandy
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