BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
The letters from Santa started coming 30 years ago. The first one was tucked in an envelope in the eight-year-old’s stocking, to be torn open and read on Christmas morning after placing baby Jesus in the crèche, and before diving into the gold, foil-wrapped chocolate coins that were stashed in the toe.
Merry Christmas!
I am happy to say that I am proud of you. The elves told me that you had a wonderful report card and got TWO awards! Keep up the good work!
You also help with your new sister who will always need your love and your help. That’s what big brothers are for.
I hear, as well, that you have been a great comfort to your mom and dad. They miss Danielle, as you do. You might remind them that her spirit lives on with all of you, and that she is safe now, held lovingly in God’s embrace.
Santa letter excerpt 1990
The backstory – within the span of one year and one week our family underwent seismic shifts that laid bare the flip sides of life – never-ending grief and unexpected, enduring joy.
On Sept. 13, 1989, our family experienced the most painful loss of our daughter and sister, Danielle, at the age of five to leukemia. On Sept. 20, 1990, we welcomed the arrival of another daughter that we had not planned for, and named for an angel that foretold the birth of Jesus.
There’s more.
Soon after, the economic downturn hit – hard. The “Massachusetts Miracle” as they called it back then, went bust big time. We lost our business, then our home, as did many others. Some, it was reported in the news, were landing in homeless shelters and standing in long food lines for the first time in their lives.
Kind of like now.
At the suggestion of a good friend who had relocated to Dunedin and spent his Christmas holiday at the beach, we opted to scrap it all, pull up stakes, head south, and start anew.
It’s easy for a young boy to get lost in all that.
Merry Christmas, my boy! Oh what a year it has been for you. (My elves tell me everything!) I hear there is much change in your life. New home. New friends. New feelings.
While change can be hard, it is also something to take advantage of, for in some ways, you will be better for it.
Santa letter excerpt 1991
Santa’s letters were a timely salve, meant to lift spirits, I expect and make feel special a boy who had shouldered so much at such a young age. One who had played second-fiddle without much complaint because that is what brothers do when they have a sister who is ailing. One who was suddenly uprooted from his people and moved to Florida, expecting Disney World and landing in Pasco County instead.
Like the chocolate coins, the placing of baby Jesus in the crèche, and the old man making a holiday breakfast for his family all on his own, Santa’s letters became a Christmas morning tradition.
Each year the kids gathered around, stockings in hand, to read their letters that were sometimes written in a penmanship only I could decipher.
While the boy and his sisters are now grown and living on their own, the bulk of those letters from the early years remain with me, kept in a Ziplock bag on a closet shelf, and pulled out from time to time for reflection.
Reading them over this holiday season, I see how Santa’s annual greetings serve to tell the story of a family that managed to claw a way back from what had been the darkest of times.
Kind of like now.
Recorded in the missives are the birth of a third daughter. The start of kindergarten and other coming-of-age milestones. Loves gained and lost. Academic and personal strides. Turning 21.
Engagements.
A wedding.
The arrival of grandchildren. Monumental moves.
Sibling unrest.
What a fine young man you’ve become. Fifteen and ready to conquer the world! I’m happy to hear that you use good judgement most of the time. You shoulder your share of the work, taking on responsibilities of caring for your younger sisters. One day, I am sure, you will be a wonderful parent.
Santa letter excerpt 1998
Ah, my littlest one – my how you have grown this year. My elves told me that you lost your first tooth and now you go to kindergarten!
Santa letter excerpt 2001
I’ve heard of your great progress this year. High school, they say, has been a good fit. You are becoming quite the good writer. That means you are nurturing your gift. Go on with that and you will surely soar.
Santa letter excerpt 2005
Year after year the letters brought words of encouragement and praise, but also an occasional nudge to try to make something better, count blessings, or seek the silver lining.
I hear that you are quite good at helping out and that you are a wonderful big sister. That there is a lucky hamster named Zibiddy that gets a lot of love and care from you.
Keep that up – giving your love. It warms the world.
Santa letter excerpt 1997
Welcome to adulthood — and please drink responsibly. 🙂 Another goal met in your education. Congratulations on your AA. A human measurement, to be sure, one that will be valued and overvalued by some. And so comes time for a new school, new environment, the evolution of new friendships, the waning of others.
Take them for what they are worth. Every soul that crosses your path brings purpose, some albeit, briefly.
The path, at times, may seem slow and tedious. But then comes the beauty of a pause. Take it in and find the lesson there. Enjoy your life – your true love, too. Be of good cheer.
Santa letter excerpt 2011
As a mom, I have to admit that I was more than happy and thankful to have a backup from someone whose words often held more weight than mine. An addendum or two was snuck in on my behalf, I’m sure.
Merry Christmas, little one.
The child that lives well, lives happy. Thrive with that spirit.
P.S. Don’t beat on your brother so much
Santa letter excerpt 1993
P.S. No pulling hair. No spitting!
Santa letter excerpt 1997
(see below)
And finally, there came a gentle reminder to seek true meaning in the Christmas holiday that was often outshined by the generous spirit of the Jolly Old Elf himself.
Turns out Santa wasn’t altogether thrilled with the commercialization of the holiday.
Remember the true meaning of Christmas. The gifts you open today are just a small part of this blessed day. More important is the hope that comes with the birth of a babe.
Santa letter excerpt 1999
Be eager to see things from another’s view. Walk in their shoes. This will bring you greater understanding and make you more like the one whose birth we celebrate this day.
Santa letter excerpt 2005
Santa is magical, but the story of the birth of a savior is a miracle that unfolds with the saving grace of resurrection – eternal life – and a faithful belief that we are ever entwined with loved ones who have passed on from this Earthly plane.
With that comes tidings of comfort, maybe even joy.
Things look to be different this year with COVID keeping so many of us apart. Events we planned for have been postponed or canceled as we tally our disappointments with tragic daily body counts and the general mayhem that has been 2020.
So much happening — your first Thanksgiving with family in your new home as well as other friendly gatherings. Speaks well of the warm space you have created for others. That is part of the good in life — continue to nurture that.
I see a wedding is in store. Word is it’s going to be pretty wonderful. A reason to look forward to 2020.
Santa letter excerpt 2019
Even so, Santa is watching – still. Word is he’s mailing those letters that this year will be read aloud during a virtual Christmas morning gathering that will include the opening of presents, the ravaging of chocolate coins and a breakfast gathering held across the miles.
But there’s more.
Remember that it was a babe – a little child named Jesus born today that changed the world. Embrace that light – like the star of Bethlehem from afar – as you go into the new year.
Santa letter excerpt 2001
Merry Christmas! Now onward.
Michele Miller is the creator of the What’s What New Port Richey community blog. She is a former feature writer and photographer with the Tampa Bay Times/St. Petersburg Times. A mom of and grandmother, she resides in New Port Richey with her husband. Read about Michele Miller and the blog here.
So incredibly beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing this meaningful tradition and yes! May we all “claw on” as His blessings still reign down. Stay safe Michele! God bless you and yours. Cindy