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Jac's avatar

Re: "I want a live" (I have no idea what this child wants.)

Dear ---,

I was so glad to get your letter. Stephanie, one of our more experienced elves, has taken your request as her special project. She is waiting for the other elves to deliver the magic sparkle dust that will help her create something special for you.

I hear Dasher calling for me to feed him. I better go bring some carrots to the reindeer. By the way, be sure to eat plenty of vegetables. They have been keeping the reindeer healthy for many years and they will keep you healthy, too!

Merry Christmas!

Love, Santa

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Susan Campbell's avatar

You're hired for next year.

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Jac's avatar

Thanks, but I think the current Santa is the best! You've mastered the task! It's such a cool thing you are doing!

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Susan Campbell's avatar

I get more out of it than any of the people the letters, I think. But win-win!

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Rich Colbert's avatar

In a world inflicted with war and hate you illustrate the innocence and wonder of children. Thank you.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

It means a lot to me to be able to do this.

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Rich Colbert's avatar

Good works=good medicine

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Paul Ashton's avatar

A long time ago I was an in person Santa for a few years, visiting people with developmental issues. I remember the first time when it hit me that people’s belief in Santa was suddenly in my hands and realizing what a responsibility it was. It was fun but being a vessel like that bordered on an out of body experience. Whether it’s in person or in writing, it’s a big deal. Good for you for taking it on. I don’t know if I could find the words to help people manage their hopes and expectations.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

That's precisely how I feel, answering these letters. It is a fragile thing, faith, and I don't want to squash it.

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Joan Sheehan's avatar

I know you do an awesome job, Susan! When my kids were young I started leaving a typed letter from Santa by the little fake tree in their hallway along with a book. When they got up early they weren’t supposed to go downstairs but they could open their book and look at or read it and same for the letter. It amazed them that Santa knew so much about things they had done or didn’t do and it left a good feeling in their hearts cuz Santa loved them and appreciated and understood things they were going through. This helped even after the belief was over and they figured out it was me. They were seven years apart so that was a factor too.

I was exhausted typing these up so late on the computer but it was worth it. Years later it became putting their information into my Christmas letters.

Making Santa understanding and magical is exactly what I know you do. God bless you! ❤️

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Susan Campbell's avatar

What a beautiful (and sleep-slaving) idea!

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Joseph Grabarz's avatar

Dear “Help Everyone”,

Perhaps if less people asked for electric bikes I could fit more pot roasts in the sleigh and fewer people would be hungry. Do your part.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

We may need to review your application...

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Joseph Grabarz's avatar

Dear “I want a live” ,

It’s healthy to surround yourself with things that are still alive. It smells so much better. Costco had some nice houseplants. I’ll get you one.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

OK. You're back in the running.

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Joseph Grabarz's avatar

Dear “Like a Phone”,

I just texted you my answer.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

Sorry. We need to back away from our almost-offer...

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Joseph Grabarz's avatar

Dear “Ellie’s Friend”,

When Ellie starts communicating with with you regularly and out of season, don’t tell anyone otherwise you could lose your freedom and most of your civil rights for a long time. It can just be our secret.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

That's it. You're hired.

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Joseph Grabarz's avatar

Dear “mostly good”,

Mrs Claus has a cold dark room for elves that misbehave. Knock it off with the “sometimes bad” or you’ll find out what it’s like.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

Will you be my best friend?

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Joseph Grabarz's avatar

Dear “Good Girl”,

Bin is used improperly in this sentence. You can be a better girl by spending more time with your spelling homework. In over a dozen States being a good girl is criminal for those families dealing with gender identity. Tell your parents to stop voting for the orange buffoon and people who support that hateful nonsense. We will see how you do next year.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

So you'd put her on hold. I hadn't thought of doing that!

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Joseph Grabarz's avatar

Dear “Want a Kitten”,

Sometimes Kittens are sad too. It’s ok to be sad. We all don’t need to be happy all the time. If your family is sad all the time ask mommy to ask the doctor for some Wellbutrin. It works wonders and it will make them stop smoking.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

That's it. You're my new best friend.

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