Dear Santa

Hi there, Big Guy, it’s been a while. I used to write to you every year, but I’ve gotten out of the habit.

This year, though, I feel like the special kind of magic you bring is especially needed.

You know I hate to give you laundry lists of wants, but there are so many who need so much and so few who can carry the burden of taking care of the world, that I feel like I have to.

First, I’m really worried about the oceans. As you know, this last summer saw some of the highest ocean temperatures ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. Coral is dying, polar bears who depend on ice floes are starving, and the earth is getting warmer. I know you can’t wave a holly bough around and magically fix climate change, any more than you can strike a peppermint stick on the ground and call forth endless supplies of fresh water for those who are parched, but maybe you could give everyone a little reminder that we only have one planet, and not protecting it is only hurting ourselves.

This year, there’s also been more visible prejudice and hate, and too many people I love and respect are fearful and hurting because of it. I’m not going to ask for peace for the middle east, as much as I know you’d love to make it happen, because that has to come from us – from ALL of us. Instead, I ask you for patience and discernment. The conflict between Israel and Palestine is raw, yes, but it’s also nuanced. It’s going to take monumental efforts from people on both sides and on the outside to come to a place of healing.

The anti-Muslimism and anti-Semitism that are so prevalent need to stop. One of the things I’ve learned from a lifetime of embracing pluralism is that we all have more that unites us than divides us. Take candles, for example. Almost every culture in the world has at least one celebration that involves the use of candlelight, and even those who aren’t religious understand the symbolism of lighting a candle against the darkness. So, Santa, if you could light a bunch more candles this year, perhaps the flickering flames would warm our hearts as well as enlighten our minds.

I could ask for so many more things, Santa, like health care, both mental and physical, free school lunches for every kid, but I know there’s only so much one jolly old elf can do. So, here’s my requisite wish for health, happiness, and hope for everyone, everywhere.

And finally, I know I’ve asked more than once for a pony, Santa, but honestly, horses require a lot of upkeep and a safe place to live, and those are beyond me right now. So, save the pony for some rural kid who needs one, and instead, if you could stick a Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak under my tree, that would be awesome. I mean, my little Skimmer 106 has served me well, but I’d like something a little more adaptable.

That’s it for now, Santa. Give my love to Ms. Claus, and scritch Blitzen behind the left antler for me. You know that’s her favorite spot.

Much love,

MissMelysse