Dear Santa,
It has been a while since I last wrote you. Since my very first Christmas my mom and dad have told me you are not real, but I did write you a few letters every now and then just to make sure. A few of the presents I asked for came via family, which makes sense. It is good to have a few secret elves. It would be tough to deliver all those presents by yourself. Must be helpful to have moms and dads, grandpas and grandmas and aunts and uncles backing you up.
I’ve been okay this year, Santa. I can’t say I’ve been exceptionally good, but I have done my best. I try to sprinkle a little kindness on the hearts of others.
I wonder who came up with the idea of being good for presents? And how exactly do you measure goodness? Is my best enough for me to still get a present? Can I just be me and still find joy under the Christmas tree?
As a counselor, I see people sit on my couch and struggle with these very same questions…and it breaks my heart. People try so hard to earn love and acceptance, and some go to great costs just to have their hearts hugged and their voices heard.
I like the idea of presents at Christmas, but I think it is time to change the rule. Everyone needs a little box of hope in his or her life; everyone needs to feel loved and accepted. All hearts need a little sprinkle of the Christmas Spirit.
A little kindness changes everything. So, Santa, this year I ask that each heart would find a little gift of love and acceptance underneath their Christmas tree, no matter what.
Perhaps if we all sprinkle a little kindness, the world will be a little bit better.
Thanks for all you do.
Much love,
allison jean loftus LPC @ flourish counseling center
