Dear Santa - Christmas Eve 2010

I usually say my prayers to God before I go to sleep. I figure that's a good thing because once in awhile I don't follow the rules and then I get in trouble. God knows it all anyway, so I might as well talk to him about it.

But tonight, I'm going to talk to you, Santa. From the bottom of my heart, I feel it's the best thing I can do. You see, Santa, things were going so well in our family. My Dad and my Mom both had great jobs and my brother and I played together all the time with our Chip, our dog.

Right after Thanksgiving, things changed at our house, Santa. Dad lost his job, but it wasn't his fault. He's a hard worker and he enjoyed showing people their new houses and helping them buy one they really liked. I've never seen Dad cry, Santa. It made me cry, too, when after supper on Tuesday Dad told us that his company was going out of business.

I guess Mom maybe breathed too hard, or something. She's in the hospital. Her hair fell out, Santa. My mom lost her beautiful long blond hair. Dad said she has lung "chancer" - or a word like that. I just know my brother has to work up at the grocery store now.

I don't know what chancer is - but what's the chance, Santa, that Mom would get it just when Dad didn't have a job? Maybe, so he could be with her more, or something.

But it sure doesn't help me. I know they don't mean to, but everyone is forgetting about me. Even Chip and I don't have much fun together these days.

I asked Dad if we were going out to buy Mom her big box of chocolates this year. Gosh, I didn't mean to make him cry. He just said, "maybe for Valentine's Day, son."

Anyway Santa, I think you get the hint. Things just aren't going well around here at 222 Maple Street. I am almost afraid you won't stop because you think we're not here. We need you to stop in this year - even more than any other year. I won't ask you for much, but what I'm asking for is major!

MY LIST:
Mom. Please help Mom get well again.
Dad. Please help Dad find a job and help him know that things will soon be OK.
Brother. If you can help Dad find that job, tell Brother that we need some good times together again. Just good times doing nothing. I don't think he likes working so much, but he doesn't complain.
Me. Santa, I just need my family back here with me. You don't even have to pack your sleigh with games, toys or clothes. I want to laugh and hug and have fun again. I want hugs from my family so badly.

I guess maybe I should just say that I'll ask both you, and God. I believe that between the two of you, you can get 222 Maple back where it was before Thanksgiving.

Thanks Santa. And those toys and games you usually bring me, just give them to kids who need them. That would make me very happy this year.

Merry Christmas, Santa. I trust you with all my heart.