Writer’s Workshop: Letter To Santa Claus
by Jenners • 12/07/2011 • BB/The Little One, Writers Workshop • 79 Comments
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This week I chose Prompt 3: Open letter to Santa Claus.
Dear Santa,
I’m writing this letter because we’ve got to get on the same page on a couple of critical issues. I have taken the liberty of outlining the issues and the appropriate responses so if you are confronted with these issues by my son, you will know how to respond and will not contradict information I have already told him.
Issue 1: The Belief Issue
Yep … it came up this year! He’s not 100% sure about you. (Did your Believe-O-Meter go down … or is that just a marketing gimmick by Macy’s?) He came home from school and asked if I believed in you, and I immediately went into panic mode. After assuring him that I did, he told me that your existence is up for debate in the second grade. On the plus side, his friend got a $100 Nintendo DS from you. And, as my son said “Everyone knows your parents would never buy you a $100 DS!!!!” On the minus side, he doesn’t feel that you can pull off this whole “around the world in a night and get everyone their presents.” So I played the Magic card. That helped a lot. Before the Magic card was in play, he said he believed in you 60%. After I played it, his belief shot up to 95%! So remember, you can do all that you do because of magic!!! (After all, what kind of parent would spend upwards of $100 on their child? Only the most dedicated, loving, amazing, caring generous parent in the world, Future Older Son Reading This!)
Issue 2: Why We Help Those In Need Issue
After I got all smug with the Magic card in play, I got blindsided when we had a little chat about helping others at holiday time. At school, they have a giving tree, where the kids pick out a tag for a child in need and we buy them some gifts for the holidays. This year, we got a tag for a 9-year-old girl who needed a hat and mittens. We had a long talk with our son about how lucky he was to not have to ask for a hat and mittens for a Christmas gift. We discussed how lucky he was to have a house to live in, enough food to eat, toys to play with, and so forth. It felt like a great lesson for him to learn. But then he asked “Why do we have to buy the gift for the girl? Why doesn’t Santa just bring them to her?” I’ll admit that I was a bit taken aback. That is a good question, and the whole magic thing seemed like it should cover your ability to bring every good child what they needed for Christmas. So, in answer to THAT question, I said that you were limited in how many gifts you could bring each child so we needed to help you out by buying gifts for kids who needed a whole lot of stuff … so much stuff that you couldn’t bring it all. So that is how you should handle that issue if it comes up.
Issue 3: The Drum Set Issue
As you saw in his letter, he is asking for a drum set. Keep in mind that he has been told—in no uncertain terms—that this is an item that you cannot fit on your sleigh and he will NOT be receiving a drum set on Christmas morning. I expect you to toe the company line on this one, Santa, or you and I will be having a very serious conversation and you will see the business end of my fleece-lined Croc.
So, to sum up:
- You do all that you do because of magic
- You are limited in the amount of gifts you can give to each child
- No drum sets. (Ever.)
Thanks and good luck this year! I’ll make sure the cookies are the best of the bunch!
Love,
Jenners
Fantastic! Z is a hard-core believer … Santa, the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy. They’re all still real and it makes everything so much more fun! I wonder if other kids in his second grade class are talking about it. He hasn’t said anything but, then again, he hasn’t wanted to write a letter to Santa this year. He still expects Santa to bring things though! I think he assumes that if Santa can know if you are bad or good, he probably also already knows what you would really want too. I wonder if you’ll be able to stretch things out to cover one more year of believing …
Great answers! My youngest is also in second grade, and while she hasn’t asked questions like these yet, I am waiting. I hope I can come up with something as good as yours!
I hope your daughter keeps the faith for a few more years!
looks like you handled it well–my daughter had a set of drums when she was a teenager and my son had an electric guitar. Friends came by on a regular basis with their electric instruments and rocked our world. It was fun–but they were all teenagers at the time. I’d try to get the little one to hold off a few years for the drums. You could always get him a set of air drums or something that has a volume control.
Sounds like you had a regular rock band situation going on! I think if he was older and could conceivably DO something with the drums, it would be a different story. But I don’t see anything good happening at this stage. And are air drums like air guitars … invisible?
Why kids? Why? Why do you have to doubt so early?! and spread the doubt?! I approve of all of your answers and will spread them around. And I agree on the drumset- booo drums!
I know!!!! I didn’t expect this in second grade!!! What is up with that? It is these kids who have older brothers and sisters who are sowing the seeds of doubt!
Funny, funny post! I wish our former neighbors would have had such a policy on musical instruments. The hours upon hours we listened to that kid torturing a bugle . . . . . . .
Oh dear … a bugle? That sounds very very painful!
I have only this to say: Be nice to your brother. He now has a weapon against you. That weapon is called DRUMS.
You’re right … I’m now over a barrel and a slave to my brother’s whims! ACK!
It’s great to try and teach kids to give to others who have so much less at this time of year. We’re going to volunteer next week at an aid organziation because I feel it’s important to live the values of the season.
You can get drum sets with headphones these days! AB 2 has an electric guitar and we’re surviving.
Good advice regarding the drums. My brother is coming through with bongo drums for him after reading this post — those I think I can live with!
And I hope to get my son more involved with helping those in need when he is a few years older. Right now, he kind of gets it but not really but I’m not sure he is emotionally mature enough to actually meet and see people who need more help.
Oh this is so funny! What I think is odd is that my oldest (who is ten) believes more strongly than my 7-year-old. I think in general it’s just basic personality differences. I thought maybe my older kid was just playing along and pretending because he didn’t want us to know that he didn’t believe, but he’s totally psyched about santa coming.
Whereas my younger son flat out said the other day that he wasn’t sure about it because some of the kids in his class don’t believe in Santa.
Then again they both said something similar about parents not spending as much as Santa (because they got DS’s last year). So when they asked for things that were $300+ this year we said that Santa has a price limit so that he can afford to have toys for everyone. Which I suppose will work as long as none of their friends get something that expensive from Santa.
I love what you came up with for the needy kids. We got gifts for children of prisoners this year and it’s just heartbreaking and humbling to think of kids who are over the moon to get simple & useful gifts.
You’re right … a lot of it is personalities. There is a 10-year-old that is flat out convinced that Santa and the Elf on the Shelf is real and then here is my 7-year-old with doubts.
Children of prisoners? I wouldn’t have even thought of that … what a heart-breaking situation for them. It is sad when you see these gift tags and they are for very basic items. I ended up getting her two sets of hats and mittens — the cute little sets at Target. One is a panda and I kind of want one myself!!!
I sympathize with you on all accounts. Magic covers everything… for awhile. Really, it’s other kids loose lips that ship the whole ship. I’ve gotten so many questions from The Girl this year. I’d gently tell her the truth but every soap opera heroine in history have nothing on her for dramatics. There is sure to be a scene. I don’t think she or I are ready. I’m wanting to tell her a little bit because she thinks she can ask for annnnything and it will arrive under the tree. Parenting is tough!
You are so right … the whole magic thing backfires because then they think that Santa can bring anything — even toys that don’t actually exist in the real world! (That happened to me one year.) It is stressful and I sometimes think that coming clean would be easier in the long run. After all, what is so bad about having parents who love you and shower you with gifts?
Santa Claus is only the tip of the iceberg. Or is that where he lives now that the ice is melting? When you need help explaining the whole Jesus thing I will be available for consultation and direct intervention. I just cleared some major space in the basement. Back in the day I could be found late after the bars playing drums underground and improvising songs with actual musicians. Perhaps there will be a kit to play on the next visit? We could get the band back together! Do you remember the “Dirty Kid Show” we did on bath night? You sniff farts, Sis!
No no no … you sniff farts, bro!
And as an uncle, you are the blog reader closest to providing such a set and, as I clearly told Santa, there will be NO DRUM SETS so don’t get your hopes up, buddy.
The Dirty Kid Show is on …
What I meant was: Grandma and grandpa’s house could use a drum set. On your next visit to Montana, the little dude could see if he can let it rip like Animal from the Muppets. By the way, Uncle M. Stewart and I spoke today and decided to have a full kit delivered “from Santa Claus.” I received a sign last night in my basement diggings. I found the box with my Christmas ornaments from childhood. About 40 of them. All classic. A few may have belonged to the other siblings. Specifically there were 2 plaster of paris (sp?) hand painted snare drums. One made by Uncle M, one by me. And a third stained glass snare drum that mom had given me because I loved the “Little Drummer Boy “song so much. I will let you know ehen I find your ornaments. It will blow you mind to access those Christmas memories. I always resented being excluded from putting the star on top of the tree. Oldest child only was bad policy and my kids will rotate star duty!
It was great talking to you today — and the bongo drum idea is perfect!!
And mom gave me my Christmas ornaments a few years back so I have all of mine. Thanks bro! I can’t wait for you to start opening your presents from me … Oh right, you already started! Be good now!
I am going to declare on the side of pro-drum set. Kids gotta rock.
Kids, indeed, gotta rock but NOT MY KID and NOT IN MY HOUSE. Jeez. when did I turn into such a grump?
Your kid. Your house. LET THE ROCK BEGIN!!!
I love that he cares about the kids who need presents. This post really makes me want to start a collection for a drum set
You start that collection and you are off my blogroll immediately — no matter how cute Gage is!
I’m sorry – you lost me at fur lined crocs… when I thought about that… I forgot everything else I just read…
Just kidding! Love the letter to Santa! I always wondered why I never got the sports car I keep asking for but if he cant fit drums.. he probably cant tow a car either….
Just to clarify: I have FLEECE-lined Crocs … not FUR-lined Crocs. I’m not that fancy! HAHA!
I suspect that is the same reason I never got my dream car either!
As soon as I typed it and hit “post comment” I knew it was fleece, not fur…LOL…. : )
Oh gosh, BB is growing up! It’s been a long time since I had the Santa talk, and I tried to hold on to it as long as I could, but eventually they just got too old. I so wish that they could believe forever, that that magic didn’t have to go away. But you are totally on target with the drum set. No way, Jose!
It makes me sad that BB is growing up! There is something about a child’s belief in Santa that makes the holidays feel much more special. But still … no drum sets … EVER!
Kind of sad that they are starting to figure it out. I hope Santa complies this year
I know!! I’m glad he decided to keep on believing for another year.
haha, Santa has never brought a drum set to our house either
Sadly, both my kids don’t believe in Santa anymore….though hubby and I still insist we believe.
I imagine there might be a universal ban on drum sets!! HAHA! That is sad that your kids don’t believe anymore. I guess Santa shouldn’t bring them anything, right? : )
Drum set AND belief issues? This is the most perilous Christmas yet.
I think I might have burst a gasket laughing over this. Merry Christmas, Jenners et al.!
I know!! I was so not prepared for this! Cherish these early years of innocence with Lulu. Totally take advantage of that fact that she expects NOTHING … it will all change soon enough! : )
The debate is already raging in 2nd grade??? That makes me sad…I mean, there was always that ONE kid…but never a debate.
Mom pulled the “Santa has many helpers and sometimes we have to help, too” when it came to giving to others in need.
visiting from MamaKat’s
I know!! I thought I wouldn’t face the whole belief issue until 3rd grade at the earliest! It was kind of surprising. He seems ready to keep on believing though. Whew!
LOL at the drum set. I rue the day my daughter asks for the noisiest “gift” ever.
And that day will come … I guarantee it. Just pray it is a big noisy item that will not fit in a sleigh!
This all sounds so familiar… it’s exactly what I heard from my own mom growing up. And I went on to believe in Santa until I was at least 11 or 12.
I also heard the “limited number of gifts” and “not enough room in the sleigh” spiels too. Good call, Mama.
It seems I am following in a long line of motherhood Santa answers! Glad to know I’m in good company … and that it worked on you!
Drums are something you do at Grandma’s house
I started a new book…I pushed myself to read for 30 minutes last night. It worked.
Good for you!!!! The more you push yourself, the more you’ll look forward to it and the more you’ll read! What are you reading now?
Oh, I am laughing so very hard at this. Good save on the question about helping others! And the drum set. I remember being in 3rd grade when my neighbor, maybe in the 7th, got a drum set. We could hear it across the street and three houses down. His mother always seemed haggard to me afterward when I saw her. Ha.
You have just reconfirmed my worst fears about the drum set! I shall not give in on this ever … unless Santa also brings soundproof room!!!
I share your problems. I am having exactly the same things happen with my oldest son (he’s six). He asked how santa could manage to get around the world and I explained about magic, but then he watched magicians on TV and discovered that magic was just trickery so I had to explain “special santa” magic. Then we made up boxes of presents for Operation Christmas child (a charity that deliver to poor children around the world) and I had to try and answer questions about why santa didn’t deliver to them. I’m not sure how long I can keep this all up!
I thought we would have more time before facing these questions. Sounds like our sons think in the same logical way. It can get a bit tricky. At least my son doesn’t know that magic can really be tricks. Perhaps he’ll find out when Santa brings the magic set he asked for! (Or perhaps Santa should rethink that gift.) Good luck getting through this holiday season!!!!
Love your letter Jenner. It made me laugh! I had a child that played drums, you are wise!!!
At least your child was trained … my child just plans to bang away with no knowledge of drums whatsoever!
We’ve told the kids before that such-and-such won’t fit in the sleigh AND leave room for the other kids’ gifts. Santa’s sleigh is magical, but still…a whole world of kids, you know?
So far no arguments.
We’ve all got to ban together to have answers at the ready for all these questions!
My boys have both come home from school announcing that Mom and Dad are Santa Claus. I either ignore them or explain the magic crap too.
Middle child wants drums. He will NOT be getting them!
Oh man … that has got to be difficult to have two of them spouting that stuff! And tell them the drum set ban is an official thing … you can use me to back you up and I’ll use you!
Very clever answers. I loved your letter. Stopping by from Mama Kat’s.
I was surprised I reacted well under pressure. : )
Thanks for visiting my site via Mama Kat’s. I love your blog and signed up for the Facebook feed. I’ll come back and check out all your interesting book links when I have more time…
So you like to read too? I’m so glad to find a fellow book lover. It has been a dream come true to find people who don’t think reading is a waste of time!
Oh, that “Why do we help other people if there is a Santa?” kills me everytime. I just keep reminding them that Santa takes care of most of the fun stuff for other people just like he does for them but the parents need help giving them some things just from them but don’t have the money to. I have to explain it several different ways befor they get it but they usually accept an answer and move on (while I am wiping the beads of sweat off of my forehead!)
It is a difficult one to explain adequately, isn’t it? I was sweating while answering as well. Sometimes I think it would just be easier to come clean about the whole Santa thing!
What a wonderful post. I think the schools idea of a giving tree is a wonderful idea. At the last school I worked at we had a problem with the giving of Christmas cards when one little girl got not one single card from a classmate. The answer the teacher thought was to ban cards and instead get parents to donate the amount of money they would have spent on cards to a cause picked by the school which that year happened to be an appeal to send chickens/a donkey, whatever to a remote African village. Now this little girl wasn’t at all concerned that she hadn’t received a card but was distraught that she wasn’t going to get to pick and wrap that years offering which I seem to remember was a pig.
As for the drums. As an aunty and uncle (we have no children) we delighted in buying all those noisy toys that the parents refused to …….. until the year the parents got their own back by insisting the karaoke machine could stat at Aunty PW’s house.
Part of me wishes I could see this little girl attempt to wrap a pig! And I think that it is JUSTICE that you — the giver of noisy gifts — was repaid with a karaoke machine! HAHA! Love it!
Santa should only be allowed to deliver drum sets if he can bestow the gift of rhythym at the same time. Also, selective deafness for the parents and all adults in the neighborhood. I don’t think that’s too much to ask of Santa.
You’re right … if he can do all that other stuff, he can do that too! It should be a requirement!
A kid down the street got a drum set recently.
I hope he gets tired of it before spring and the season of open windows.
I shall say a prayer for you that he does.
You handled all this quite well. I hope Santa follows your instructions.
When I was growing up the answer to the first question was always “As long as you believe, he will come”. I had three older siblings who wanted to continue getting visits from Santa, so nobody ever tried to spoil the magic. It actually worked for me until I got married, long after both of my parents were gone, thanks to one of my brothers! (my husband evidently didn’t get the memo about believing)
What a great mutual conspiracy of belief!! I mean why rock the boat and ruin a good thing!
Fun post! BB is smart like his mom (and probably his dad, too)!
His dad would say he is smart like his dad … and just his dad. HAHA!
Oh boy, BB is smart and observant…good luck to you! You came up with some great answers, now hopefully Santa is not like most men and he listens to you!
My sister asked the Santa question when we were in the 4th grade I was content believing but she blew it for me, of course! Siblings!
Thanks … I need all the luck I can get dealing with him. And that is too bad about your sister. At least BB is safe in that regard.
Lol. Count on a kid to ask that the question why, if Santa exists, doesn’t he bring gifts to those in need. Gotta like that one. I have to agree on the drum set. Yikes!
I know!!! It is a good question … and one I wasn’t quite ready for. And drum sets will be banned from here forever!!
For the ‘whole world in one night’ dilemma, log into NORAD and let him track Santa’s progress. It’s also a good way to make sure BB is in bed before Santa hits your tri-state area.
I limited The Boy to five gifts a year (you’re right, the sleigh is not bottomless like Mary Poppin’s carpetbag) – and Santa had a budget, like all multi-national corporations. All requests had to be approved by me first (to save Santa the trouble, and to save The Boy from disappointment).
This system worked – for several years, he only asked for FOUR things, and asked Santa to bring ME books.
This is one reason why I still feed the kid.
I love your strategy for managing Christmas expectations … and even more I love the boy’s generosity for giving one of this five things to you!! What a sweet thing to do!
Ha ha, BB is getting too smart! Try not feeding him….
He is getting too smart … I’m in deep deep trouble I think.