December 6th | A Letter to Santa | A Christmas Story

By Cynthia Kirkeby

It was a chilly December evening, and snowflakes danced outside Emily’s window. Inside, the little girl sat at her desk, pencil in hand, staring at a blank sheet of paper. It wasn’t her first time writing to Santa Claus, but this year felt different.

Emily sighed and tapped her pencil against her chin. Her family had moved to a smaller house a few months ago, and everything seemed harder since then. Dad worked long hours, and Mom was always busy trying to make things better. Emily wasn’t sure if she should even ask Santa for anything this year.

Finally, she began to write.

“Dear Santa,

I hope you and the reindeer are doing well. I bet the North Pole is really cold right now! I’ve been trying to be extra good this year. I help my mom with the dishes, and I always try to cheer up my little brother when he misses our old house.”

Emily paused. Should she tell Santa what she really wanted? It felt selfish, but she decided to be honest.

“I was going to ask for a new doll or maybe some art supplies, but I don’t think I need those things. Instead, could you bring something special for my family? My mom works so hard, and my dad is really tired. Could you give them something to make them smile? And maybe something fun for my little brother, Max. He loves dinosaurs!”

She smiled as she pictured Santa reading her letter. She added a quick drawing of a dinosaur in the corner, hoping it might make him laugh.

“Thank you for everything, Santa. I know you must get so many letters, but I hope you can visit our house this year. We’ll leave cookies and milk for you—and some carrots for the reindeer, too!”

Love,
Emily

Folding the letter carefully, Emily placed it in an envelope and wrote “To Santa Claus, North Pole” on the front. The next morning, she dropped it in the mailbox, feeling a spark of hope she hadn’t felt in weeks.

On Christmas morning, Emily woke up to the sound of her brother Max squealing with joy. Beneath the tree was a box of toy dinosaurs just for him. Mom and Dad sat on the couch, holding matching mugs that featured elves’ faces with big, silly grins. They looked relaxed for the first time in months.

For Emily, there was a small package with her name on it. Inside was a set of colorful markers and a note from Santa:

“Dear Emily,
You’re a very special girl. Keep being kind, and never stop drawing. Your family is lucky to have you! The love you share with your family and friends is the real magic of Christmas

Merry Christmas,
Santa”

Emily hugged the note close to her heart. It was the best Christmas ever, not because of the gifts but because of the love she shared with her family.