It's a wonderful life

Dear Santa,

How are you? I am grand thank you for asking. Many of my fondest childhood memories dance in your shadow, not just toys, but the feeling your spirit gave me. Sitting in the same spot at my Great Grandma's house the night before and then going home trying in vain desperation to close my eyes for 8 hours...7 hours...6..5..4...(sigh) sitting out the milk & cookies that would vanish by sunlight. Ha even that one time where I wrote out 'Santa can I have your autograph? and left that blank line for you...I couldn't help thinking how your signature reminded me of my Mother's.

Now we are all older and "wiser" and while the holiday stays on the 25th, it does seem a bit different. No tearing through boxes or nail- biting anticipation, but though different, a very special feeling flutters in my heart like a cocoon that suddenly and finally hatches in the last days of the year. Now I'm wrapping those gifts for the young and maybe if I am lucky, will see that tall glass of milk and plate sitting on a table of my very own. I am so thankful for everything I already have, the rest is just icing.

Thank you for being there to believe in, then and now,
Justin

I was going to write this to Santa. Though the address posted at the Post Office gave a Michigan zipcode for his North Pole abode, I never did get to fitting it into an envelope. Too busy writing out cards for others and gathering my gifts to be placed under the different trees throughout Waterford.

Which is just fine. Christmas, more than gifts or lights or stores or even Religion, is about giving: giving thanks, giving a shoulder to lean on, giving love.

I wish each and every one of you a very happy holidays, full of family, friends and the spirit of care.