Dear Santa..

With all of craziness of this time of year, the naughty and nice list, building toys, watching out for all of us, and probably making sugar cookies with Mrs. Claus, I'm sure you're extremely busy. Especially since tonight is the big night! I bet the North Pole is currently a very merry mad house. (You should take pictures...and then of course post them on Facebook.)

But mostly..I just wanted to say "Thank you...thank you..thank you!" I know you get a lot of demands (especially from those requesting to be on the nice list), and I wanted to make sure you weren't feeling unappreciated. Thank you for the magic you bring to Christmas. Thank you for the excitement you bring...for the shine you bring to a little child's eye....for the reminder you send that giving is what Christmas is about...and for the hope that you spread. 

I know that for a couple of years I said I didn't believe in you. And for that...I'm terribly sorry. You see, in the latter years of elementary...it was no longer "cool" to believe in you. Those who were found to stick to their beliefs in you were deemed big ol'babies who probably still slept with their mom's at night. It was a traumatizing experience them (and between you and me...I don't think some fully recovered). You know how those years of elementary and middle school are, even adults are afraid of that age! So you see...I was just trying to survive, though...looking back...I  probably could have endured being called a big ol' yellow bellied baby.

I believe in you a little differently now though. I believe in your magic and in your hope. The way that both you and the Spirit of Christmas work together to touch millions of lives. I know some people say that you're just becoming a face for commercialization, but I disagree. Some of the most amazing gifts you bring aren't wrapped in shiny bows. You give so selflessly, you watch over those we need you most, you make people feel loved and important, you help bring hope to those who feel lost or alone, and you're always so happy! You even find a way to touch those hearts who have grown a few sizes too small.

So thanks Mr. Claus for all you do. You truly are amazing and one of a kind. You've never failed to make me feel excited clear down to the tips of my toes. Even in the years that I was hiding my belief in you. Good luck tonight! Don't eat all of those cookies too fast, I know you love them, but you don't want to feel sick when delivering all those gifts! And tell Rudolph not to worry...He won't have to use his nose when flying over Utah...we don't have any snow. Stay safe and warm! Merry Christmas!! 

                                                                               With Love, 

                                                                                         Amanda

P.S. Thanks for reminding me that you're never too old to believe in Santa. And send a big thanks to all of those elves! I'll never forget the year they made me the most beautiful dollhouse in the world.