On our morning walk today, we stumbled upon a bright red mailbox, surrounded by wreaths and bows, that magically appeared overnight. Most likely the work of elves.
My 4-year-old was delighted when we sounded out the words ‘Letters for Santa.’ My almost 2-year-old proclaimed his hands were owie and pointed to his gloves…
I explained that if we wrote a letter and mailed it, chances were it would get delivered to Santa, and he would most likely, probably, maybe write back a response sometime before Christmas. We immediately turned around and headed home to get to work.
Stumbled might be a strong word. I read in our homes association newsletter that the Santa Mailbox was back, and may have steered the kids toward it. With limited social opportunities, we’ll take all the experiences we can get.
In the midst of a global pandemic, I’ve been grasping onto the Christmas spirit since August. My holiday decorations were up before Thanksgiving this year — a notion past me would have mocked. As 2020 winds down, we may not be sitting on Santa’s knee at the mall or gathering around the table and hugging our friends and extended family the way we have in the past. But let’s try just a little bit harder this year to give one another something to look forward to, no matter how small it may seem. You better believe Santa will be delivering to our house 10 bouncy balls and race cars with cool designs on them.
Sending a letter to Santa is a simple gesture to keep the excitement of Christmas alive for little ones any year, but this year especially it’s such an easy way to inspire hope when we need it the most.
Check around your neighborhood for your own magic mailbox, or swing by the Santa Mail Station at Legends Outlets by the AMC entrance. Be sure to include a return address so Mr. Claus can write back.
Happy Holidays!