“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”

I asked my six-year-old nephew, Cyrus, what he wanted from the big man in the North Pole. He answered, to my dismay, “Santa Claus not real.” He left me in disbelief and a little sad as he ran off to play with his little brother, Julius.

Growing up, Santa Claus was part of the magic of Christmas. I eventually found out my parents were the ones placing presents in our stockings and under the tree. Regardless, the jovial old white-bearded guy in the red suit represents a time of innocence. Believing in him allows me to escape from my worries, even if it’s for a moment or two.

So, it wasn’t Cyrus not believing that left me shocked, but how quickly he became a realist. The kid is only in kindergarten! He will have plenty of time ahead of him to face the reality of making ends meet, putting a shelter over his head, keeping his tummy full, and ensuring his body is healthy among other things. But no worries, this young-at-heart aunt is determined to make him believe one day! 

Until then, to keep the tradition and magic of Christmas alive, here’s my letter to Santa this year. Enjoy and Happy Holidays! 

Dear Santa,

I’ve been good this year. Really, really good.

I’ve been a good sister to my little sister Bonnie, who got married in July, moved down to San Jose and is now expecting a boy in March with her caring hubby, Andrew.

I’ve also been a good sister to my little brother Richard, who lives 5 minutes away from me in San Leandro and works hard in the computer software industry to provide for his loving wife, Annie and his two young-but-growing-up-too-fast boys, Cyrus (6) and Julius (3).

And yes, I’ve been a good daughter to my retired dad, who still resists the idea of moving down to  California, but is aging gracefully in our childhood home in Portland.

I also have been a good mom to my fur-daughter, Lady, who is now 11-year-old. She is well-fed (or overweight), well-rested (or sleeps all the time) and quite playful for a senior cat.

I've also played nice with my colleagues at SEPHORA, where I was recognized with a Star Performer Award at the company holiday party. 

Now that I've found my groove in my new home, I’ve taken the time to re-build old friendships here in the Bay Area, nurture the ones in Portland, and visit my Seattle family.

Now that you know how good I was this past year, I hope you will make my wish come true. I would like to ask that you bring my family and friends good eats, good health, laughs, peace and lots of love this holiday season and for the years ahead.

Love,

Virginia

P.S. I believe!