A Grandmother’s Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a nice girl this year. Well ok, since you’ve been watching me, I guess you know the truth, I’m sometimes naughty, but I’m trying Santa, I’m really trying to be nice! I’m lucky to be at a place in my life where I don’t have any real needs. And there’s little left that I even want in terms of material possessions. However, there are just a few things on my list, and if you deliver, I’ll leave you some homemade cookies and hot cocoa – the good stuff with a little bit of holiday cheer mixed in!

1. Peace on earth, goodwill to men

It’s been a volatile last couple of years, and we could all use a break from the arguing and fighting. Can you manage that, Santa? I would love to have a better world for our grandchildren. I know it starts with me, so give me the gift of a forgiving and kind heart and the discipline to stay off social media!

2. A toy for every child

This may seem a lot to ask when there are children in America that don’t have a bed to sleep in, a warm coat to wear to the bus stop, or food on the table. But wouldn’t it be a miracle for each child to wake up to a new toy on Christmas morning? It would be lovely for all children to feel like Santa loves them, not just the children of privilege.

3. Food for the hungry

Children all over the world, not just those who wave the red, white, and blue flag, should be our concern. Over 85,000 children have starved to death during the last three years, and more die every day due to lack of food. Let that image sink in; helpless, innocent children starving to death. Please, Santa, find a way to stop hunger. Children who had the misfortune of being born in the wrong place should not have to suffer.

4. Good health

When I was young, I didn’t understand it when I would hear older people say, “If you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.” Now, I fully appreciate that sentiment. Living in a global pandemic makes most of us aware of the importance of good health and the critical importance of a well-oiled health care system for all. Because I have a family history of people living until 100, I used to be somewhat smug about my potential to live a long life, but I no longer take longevity for granted. 2020 has taught me good health is a gift to be protected and cherished.

5. Time with Grandchildren

Grandchildren are the reward for growing older, and time with them is the most precious present. Many grandparents have not been able to see their grandchildren during the pandemic, whereas others have been essential caregivers helping to sustain the family. I ache for the days I could be with my grandchildren without a mask and long for the grand adventures we used to take. I know those days will be back, and I promise I will never take time with my grandchildren for granted again.

6. Safe and loving homes

Santa, please work your miracles and give every child a safe home and a loving family. If every child could have just one person who loves them unconditionally, someone to provide them with a safe place to land, it could make all the difference in the world. For many children, that person is a grandparent. There are over 2.4 million grandparents in the United States who are raising their grandchildren.

7. Put the Christ back into Christmas

I hear this repeatedly, and I agree with the sentiment, but not how most people mean it. To put Christ back into Christmas means accepting all people regardless of their race, nationality, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. It means embracing Matthew 25:35-36, For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you visited me. Christianity is about love and inclusion for all, not just the people who think and look like you.

I know these are big requests, Santa, but if you can deliver presents all over the world in one night, I know you can give one grandmother at least a few wishes on her list. All my desires aren’t entirely altruistic, Santa. If you don’t mind, you might slip a red convertible in my driveway and a pool in my backyard. Come on, Santa, 2020 has been challenging. I think I deserve a few goodies!

Diane

AKA Callister and Sylvia’s grandmom