“Love, Santa”
Dear Teacher,
A favorite memory as parent to my young daughters was our annual trip to Santa's mailbox. Our Minnesota residence was blessed with strong Early Childhood programming, which annually featured a Write-to-Santa opportunity. After getting special North Pole stationary from the community center, my little ones would dictate their messages to Mr. Claus, recounting ways they had helped their sibling or worked hard at physical therapy as testament to how deserved they were that Christmas. Then we would stamp the envelopes addressed in their preschooler scrawl and patiently wait. Several weeks later, the responses arrived! Two thoughtfully-written page-long responses were returned, affirming each child for their characters and resiliency. At the bottom, thanks to an anonymous community volunteer, the letter was signed, "Love, Santa."
And you, teacher, there in your classroom, are the recipient of a Santa letter, too. In Santa-scrawl it reads:
"Dear Teachers,
I have been meaning to write this letter for a long time! Since my calendar is jammed starting Friday, it's more like a note -- a thank-you note. Below are ways that I'm grateful that you and I are different:
1. I fulfill the toy wishes of every girls and boy one night of the year. You fulfill the educational needs for 20-30 children each and every school day. Thank you!
2. I deliver gifts to kids that are quickly broken or no longer of interest. You nurture a child's inner gifts and develop them so students can use them for a lifetime. Thank you!
3. I keep my naughty and nice list for every child. You develop a list that covers all the aspects of developing and learning, complete with ways to support growth and improvement. Thank you!
4. I leave presents to children who believe in me. You work inclusively with every student, instilling belief in themselves. Thank you!
5. I carry the load of toys with the help of my reindeer to meet the needs of children. Many times you work solo, carrying the load of meeting your students needs alone. Thank you!
But above all, I rely on "magic" to bring children happiness and hope. You, teacher, there in your classroom create a magical learning environment that instills the True Reason for happiness and hope all year long. Thank you!
Love,
Santa"