My Letter to Santa

I know it's been a considerable amount of time since I've last written. I'm terrible that way, and I do hope that you'll forgive this transgression and not add me to the naughty list, simply because I neglected a few Christmas cards here and there. And I know, I know, I've been shorting you on the Christmas cookies too, but I'm sure you understand how hungry one gets when wrapping all those Christmas gifts. At least I was humane and didn't leave you any of the rock hard fruitcake that people love to send during the holiday season.

That being said, I've given careful consideration to my Christmas list this year. While I admit I would like to add things like... a winning lottery ticket, some product that REALLY will make those wrinkles go away, or even a new car so I don't have to listen to that strange squeaky noise anymore, I realize we're in the middle of a recession and so I must be practical. So here is my practical Christmas list to Santa:

1. While you might think this to be one of those gifts for dad, this is a single parent household and so it's mom doing all the household repairs. Lately, I've been replacing the floors in my house and have come to the conclusion that and a nice set of sawhorses would make my life much easier. I've even done the work, just in case elves don't make home improvement equipment, and discovered that you can pick up a nice set at Lowes for under $30.00.

2. IKEA is another great place were I've gotten a lot of my gift ideas. Granted, I need to get a new range, but once I do that I would certainly love a new set of stainless steel cookware and utensils. Of course, if your little helpers feel like taking on one of my home improvement projects, a new set of kitchen cabinets or an island kitchen would make an ideal present and you wouldn't even have to put it under the Christmas tree!

3. Want a simple and inexpensive idea to tuck into my Christmas stocking? Bath and Bodyworks carries an amazing black currant vanilla aromatherapy line, Sensuality, that I've fallen in love with. Bath lotions, body wash, hand cream, scented candles and a massage oils - they have everything it takes to slip into a blissful and relaxed state after a long and stressful day. I'd highly recommend buying some for Mrs. Claus too!

4. A few months ago I ended up going into The Flip Flop Store. Mind you, I didn't think that flip flops were anything more then $3.00 beach shoes that you bought at the local dollar shop - How mistaken I was! While I thought that spending $50.00 on a pair of sandals was a little crazy, they were bought as a gift and I think they are, perhaps, one of the best gifts that I've gotten in years! Offering subtle, yet comfortable arch supports, soft bands and durable soles, I've truly come to fall in love with these great sandals. You might laugh about the concept of flip flops up at the North Pole but, down South, you can wear them almost year round. That beats any Christmas sweater, hands down!

5. And of course, every Christmas list needs something outlandish that you really hope for, but don't think you'll ever see. For me, that would be honest and true real affordable health care. I'm tired of listening to President Obama and everyone else argue about this and that, while many Americans continue to go on without any kind of Health Care. If you can find a plan, without fine print, and isn't based on what some wealthy politician thinks we can afford, feel free to slip it into my Christmas stocking. I'd be much obliged.

On that note, I'm leaving some apples and carrots for the reindeer and some herbal tea for you, Santa - it's much better for you that all that hot chocolate. I wish you, Mrs. Claus, all the elves and all the reindeer, a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.

~Anarch