Reading local children’s letters to Santa for this year’s Christmas Greetings section certainly put a smile on our face and put us in the holiday spirit.
Of course, there were the usual wishes for electronic devices and toys, while some others gave away their rural roots, asking for long lists of toy farm equipment.
Others used the forum to talk about their religion or cultural roots, whether it was describing Muslim holidays or writing their letter to Santa in Cree.
And there were the confessions that not every kid was an angel this year, whether it was because they had body-checked their brother into the snow or talked back to their parents or refused to do their chores.
Some of the kids showed they are absorbing life lessons about empathy, as they made wishes that everyone could have a meal on Christmas Eve and that everyone could have at least one gift they wanted. Entertaining as the questions and requests to Santa were – say, how do you use the washroom when you fly around the world all night? – it was equally gratifying to see that our kids can not only think of themselves, but of their fellow humans. Several stories we hear at this time of year reaffirm the goodness of people and the possibility of kindness to others.
We are glad of the efforts of our local teachers to bring us these smiles, and hope you enjoy them too, along with holiday greetings and wishes from the businesses that serve our community all year long. Thanks to you all!
