Did you hear about the U.S. Post Office refusing Santa letters last week? They said it was a privacy issue that protected children and that the North Pole isn’t staffed well enough to handle the volume of letters. I was so sad when I heard that. What are we coming to when we can’t write a letter to Santa at the North Pole once a year? Luckily, Santa’s elves at the North Pole agreed and shamed the Post Office into changing its decision.

Kids, get your pen and paper ready. You can still get your letter to Santa by writing to him at the North Pole. Whew! I was relieved.

Even those out there who are busy looking for their own pens to write to me and tell me that they don’t believe in Santa – even better, the ones who want to enter into the argument of “Christmas is a religious holiday and not about Santa” – can’t fight me on the benefit of writing about what you want most in this world once a year. Even if Santa doesn’t get your letter or his email box is full, there is something magical about writing what is in your heart. Yes, kids often write to Santa and ask for toys. But, sometimes they ask for something bigger like a job for Dad, a new car for Mom so she can get to work or the recovery of a sick brother or sister.

This has been a tough year for plenty of us and we can all think of something to put in a letter. For those who believe in Santa – and I am one of them – and for those who don’t, take five minutes and sit down at the kitchen table with a hot chocolate (or even a nice hot toddy) and write about what you want. Ask Santa for something big or something frivolous. It doesn’t matter, as long as it is something that would bring you or someone else joy this holiday season.

I often write about the importance of keeping a positive outlook. Sometimes it is easier said than done, and even I have to admit December can be dreary month if we let it. It is especially dreary for those who are looking for jobs, dealing with family illness or any other life challenge you can name. Those challenges will always be there. This is the season to make miracles happen. What do you have to lose? The worst thing that happens is that Santa doesn’t make your wish come true. But he will never have the chance to make it happen if you don’t ask. Take a chance and ask for a miracle.

Say thanks to the Christmas elves at the North Pole willing to volunteer their time to help Santa with his mail. And say thanks to the Post Office for realizing that sometimes it is better to be kind and find a way around the security rules. While the rules often help keep us safe, they leave little room for miracles.

Feel free to send your letters to Santa to us at the Garner News and we will publish them the week of Christmas. Santa loves to read newspapers and he will be sure to see your letter. You can send it to editor Kelly Griffith at kgriffith@raleighsouthonline.com or to the Garner News at 209 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina NC 27526.