Letter to Santa

I could ask for "things" this year, like Lost season 5 on DVD or boxes of specialty tea from Twinings, or maybe some pretty skirts suitable for colder weather. However, I'm getting towards the age where I don't really need "stuff," or whatever I do need--or want--I can get it myself. Plus with the economy still sluggish, is it really fair to expect other people to buy me things I don't really need, just for the sake of having presents under the tree to open on Christmas morning?

Even some intangibles I already have. I married a wonderful man a couple of months ago, we live in a decent apartment, and we both have jobs. If you do bring something, maybe you could drop off a Honda Element in front of the house for my husband. His truck is kind of old, and we're going to need something bigger to carry the kids we hope to have someday. He's had his heart set on an Element, so I know he'd appreciate getting one.

We also would like to live someplace with less snow in the winter. Any chance you could get jobs to open up somewhere further south?

You know, this is sounding rather selfish. Maybe instead of bringing us stuff, you could just ensure a happy Christmas for our families, especially the little kids. Christmas is all about family anyway, and kids love opening presents. Good food, good company...we'd all appreciate that.

How about bringing world peace? I'm sure there are people in war-torn areas that could use a break from the violence. There must be places in the world that need some joy. Can you bring those? It's always nice to see a coating of snow on the ground when leaving the church after attending a Christmas Eve service. Can you do that? (Then make it melt a couple of days later.) And in the southern hemisphere, which would be in the middle of summer, have it be warm and sunny, a perfect day for barbecuing or swimming.

You know what, Santa? None of this really matters. I can enjoy Christmas whether I'm with family or not, whether we all get good presents or not. So how about you take the night off and spend that time with Mrs. Claus. Let the elves take a holiday, and allow the reindeer to run unfettered across the tundra. What I really want for Christmas is for you to have peace and joy and love and happiness. I also wish that for everyone, I just know it'll take more than what you can carry in your sack to bring it about.

Thanks anyway, but I've decided to be content with what I have. My life is pretty good after all, and getting more "stuff" isn't going to make me any happier. So Merry Christmas, Mr. Claus.

Sincerely,

Marcie