Letters to Santa can brighten a gloomy year
While parents twist and turn with anxiety over the worst economy in the last 50 years, their children are focused on what really matters.
Christmas presents.
For the past 10 years, the Antioch parks department has solicited letters to Santa. Parks Director Laurie Stahl makes sure each child gets a return letter from the North Pole. She says reading the letters is one of the highlights of her job.
Hoping to brighten what might be a gloomy year, she shared some of this year's notes.
Knowing their behavior is directly connected to the granting of their requests, the children often remind Santa of their annual obedience.
"Dear Santa, I've been pretty good and haven't gone to my room for many timeouts this year. I wish to have the gift of love and a silver Razor cell phone. Love Amber."
The presents mom and dad give are fine. But sometimes elf-made merchandise is of a higher quality.
"Dear Santa, I would like a new snowboard. But please not a cheap one like my mom bought me. Because the things that hold your feet to the board always pop off. I would like the best-recommended snowboard you make. Sincerely, Jason."
The kids make their requests without any thought to how it's possible for Santa to circumnavigate the globe in one night, not to mention how he squeezes down a billion chimneys delivering megatons of gifts in complete silence.
At least some of the children can see past their own needs long enough to be concerned about Santa's welfare.
"Dear Santa, I would like the American Girls doll Ruthie. I hope you drive safe on Christmas. How are your reindeer?"
When your collecting and delivering millions of items, it's possible that Santa might forget something obvious. William wanted to make sure he got both parts of his present.
"Dear Santa, I want the following for Christmas. Guitar Hero (with guitar)."
Annie's list started out with some basic needs but quickly moved to luxury.
"Dear Santa. I love all the things you got me last year! This year I would like to add clothes, socks, underwear and a laptop computer. Love Annie."
With just a hint of disbelief, Adam requested a bit of proof that the jolly guy actually showed up at his house.
"Santa, I want to see you either up in the air or in my house. Can you please leave a picture and a nice note??"
After a grueling night of globe-trotting, it would be nice if Santa received a little encouragement. He got it from Maria.
"Dear Santa, You are the best of all. No, you're better than the best!!! Go Rudolph!!!
Love Maria. "