I’ve been reading “Dear Santa” letters for the last few days. The old ones are interesting and certainly make me more aware of the changes in society and in the expectations of our children. The simple appeals for “a doll and lots of candy” have been replaced in recent years by requests for specific brands. Many children ask Santa for popular toys and expensive devices. Most of us fear that our children have changed in ways that are not good, that we are enabling and perhaps even encouraging greed. However, even a few short years ago when I was still teaching kindergarten, I was aware that many of the most heartfelt wishes of my students could not be placed in a box and tied with a ribbon.
Children yearn for peace in their homes. They want their parents to stop yelling and arguing and fighting.
Children long for security. They want to know that they will have a place to sleep and food on the table and clothes to wear to school.
Children hope for safety. They want their parents to stop drinking and using drugs so they don’t have to fear what might happen next or who might appear at their door.
Children need adults to give them the gifts that last…
Dear Santa,
Please bring me a childhood filled with love and laughter.
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