Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

A Letter To Santa:

Dear Santa,

I know this letter is a bit unusual as I am considerably older than those who normally write you, but then again, I have been told I, too, am unusual.

I wish to ask for a Christmas gift, but not for myself. Truthfully, I have all I need and want. I have friends who care for me and my well being, my health is good and I have food and shelter.

But, Santa, as we both know, there are those this holiday season, who have none of these things. While most of the letters you receive will be asking for material possessions, there are so many children out there who would be more than grateful for a hot meal and warm clothing.

It saddens me beyond words to think of these children and their families. As I go about this special time of the year working, getting paid and having a decent life, they have nothing.

I have so much to be thankful for it is hard to comprehend, but my heart is heavy with the knowledge there are those with no reason to be happy this Christmas.

While it isn't your job to provide food and shelter for the underprivileged, I know of your history and how you risked your life to help others in need. Your legend positively glows with deeds done for others, while being completely selfless and asking for nothing in return.

This, in my own way, is what I'm doing now. I'm asking for you to try and help those who have no homes, who have lost everything, who can't feed themselves or their families. Please, Santa, do what you can. I seek nothing in return, other than the knowledge all people will be able to enjoy at least one day where they will have a warm place to sleep and a hot meal.

I only wish I had the kind of money a Bill Gates has so I, too, could join you in working to rid the world of such things as hunger, greed, hatred and prejudice.

If only people could feel the true spirit of Christmas, instead of worrying about such things as material possessions, it would truly be wonderful. Then, every day could be celebrated as the Mass of Christ as it should be.

I realize I ask for much, yet what else can I do? Were this Christmas to be one where all men reached out to one another as brothers in love, giving from the heart, helping those in need, it would be the greatest gift of all.

Thanks, Santa, for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this. Though I'm no longer a wee tike, I still believe in you and everything you stand for. Let those who no longer believe in magic laugh, for it is they who have suffered a great loss, not I.

By the way, Santa  Merry Christmas.

Your friend,

John Miller