Dear Santa,

You are about to begin your travels in the sky. Spreading cheer and joy around the world. Here, in Tennessee, I'm spending time with the folks. We have thus far battled in two games of Scrabble, and two games of Yahtzee. Dad and I picked out a tree that Mom and I then decorated (Mom more so than me, plus it was fun to watch her reach the higher branches with the decorations attached to cooking tongs). Dad proved Mom and I are the same height. When I was adamant I must be taller, he had us stand back to back and balanced the Scrabble boards on both our heads and exclaimed, "You're the same height!" This is my family.

It's been awhile since I last wrote, and a lot has taken place. Between the decision to move to a new state and start new, the process of finding myself in a new city, and all the dreams I still have for myself at the moment and in the future, life has become a bit of a whirlwind in the best possible way. There are too many people to thank individually for the new adventure I find myself on, but I would like to share a few things with you before you make your travels.

As you are going over your list and checking it twice, please consider providing a little extra cheer to the Delta agent who performed a holiday miracle of finding a reasonably priced and time efficient flight when my flight on Frontier had been canceled. He truly made my Christmas by allowing me the time to spend with my folks.

Also, make a note that Jamie and Isaac deserve a few extra treats to brighten the coming year. They opened their home and personalities to me. It is such a joy to find people who want the best for others, who embrace the need for change, and are supportive of another individual and welcome that person's individuality (even when that person's individuality consists of a 37 year old who believes in Santa).

When you find yourself in the sky above Bakersfield, CA can you make your sleigh bells ring just a bit louder so Sis can remember all those times in our youth we waited for you to arrive. She'll know I'm thinking about her that way, and I wouldn't have been able to make the leap I did this year without her support and encouragement.

If you head to Portland, OR after CA it would be greatly appreciated if you could stop in and say hi to Sinatra--maybe you could leave her a small toy mouse. I miss her curling up with me in bed, and she has been the best of cat for the 16+ years since she chose to be in my life.

To all my friends in SLC, provide them with the gift of a blanket of snow so they can cuddle up together. Maybe provide the hot coco for them to sip on while they tell stories and memories of all the times spent together (I'd say to leave them High West Whiskey, but I don't want you to get in trouble with any of the strange Utah liquor laws--wouldn't that be a scene--Santa fined by the UABC).

As for when you arrive tonight in Tennessee, the folks and I will be finishing our traditional fondue dinner. I know I'm not supposed to see you or your sleigh, but this Christmas all I ask is that you bring my family a lasting memory. Maybe, while we're going over a story of a Christmas past shared together, your reindeer could entice a doe deer into the back yard for us to gaze in wonder and be at peace.

That is what you have brought me every Christmas. A moment of peace to be with the people I love, to say thank you to friends who have become family. For that Santa, I am always in your debt. Thank you for all the years (and many more to come) of believing in the good people can bring, and the smiles and laughter shared with all those who have been a part of my life.

And now I must sign off. Mom wants me to bake my Ginger Snap cookies. I'll save a few for you to enjoy tonight. Safe travels Santa.

Merry Christmas!

Denver

Dear Santa...

You may be frantic right now, as it is your busiest day of the year. Hopefully, you're not where I was two days ago, having a mental break down in the grocery aisle when I realized I couldn't afford the good balsamic vinegar. (Why is it always grocery stores that make me panic?) Truthfully, my spirit for the holiday hasn't been what I hoped for this year.

But may I just tell you, no matter how the present Christmas feels--I will always believe in you!!!


I guess I just wanted to say thanks for the small (yet monumental) gifts you gave me this year:

When I was down and out, driving to work, you miraculously appeared next to my side on a bright yellow tricked-out scooter blaring the music "All I Want for Christmas is You," by Mariah Carey. That made me truly smile for the first time in months, and the ability to wave to you made me truly feel the spirit of the season, if only for a moment. And I guess all we can ask for is moments. Then, at my cookie party, you gave me my wish--I saw snow flurries cascading off the streetlamps surrounding my house at night. The street was quiet and echoed my glee as each flake tickled while melting off my nose. Finally, as I began writing this letter to you, I was able to wait for the best gift of all: My parents.

With the folks, the holiday is complete. This year, I may not have actual presents for them to unwrap, but I know our conversations around the many dinners, coffees, and couches will be the merriest of all.

Thanks Santa for showing me what this time of year is all about--the moments we get to spend together, and the ease which magic can come into your life if you let it. This Christmas, I wish you safe journeys; I wish you cleverness in your ability to sneak past traps children may have placed to catch a glimpse of you (be warned: talking robots with trip-wire string may be placed near fireplaces); I wish you all the joy and cookies you can partake in.

And may I say--I feel lucky in life that you have made your presence know to me not only in my youth, but my adulthood as well. I shall be listening for the bells of your sleigh always. The smile you bring me each and every year is the true gift.

Merry Christmas Santa!!!

D.dot

Dear Santa,

Originally, the plan was to write to you last night, but after two glasses of champagne along with two glasses of Malbec wine... well lets just say it would have been an interesting letter. Besides I thought you might appreciate a letter after peak hours.

It's Christmas Day! And oh what a delight it was to wake up in a new state, my parents new house, and still feel as though I was home. It is the best gift you have ever sent me Santa.

Hopefully, you and the reindeer are finally resting. Instead of sugar plums dancing, may your time of relaxation fill your mind with all the smiles you have placed on those who believe.  This year I didn't request anything from you. Your gift to me has always been the continued ability to believe (Mom is still waiting for deer to appear in the yard though, so if in your sleep you could nudge a few this direction, that would be great).

I write you today to say thanks. Thanks from all the people like me, who are kids at Heart and will never stop believing. Thanks for the Hope you spark each and every year. Thanks for the Gift to explore the impossible in a fantastic and magical way. Thanks for all the Inspiration in wanting to help in the largest day of giving there is. Thanks for the enveloping HO-Ho-HO's  that make us respond with our own giant Laughter. Thanks for the nudge to Play as if we will always be young. Thanks for being you Santa. You truly are a wonder!

Wishing you the Merriest (and dream filled) Christmas there ever was!,

D.dot