Monday, December 14, 2009

The spirit of Christmas

In 1998, Mommy's coworkers went to the New York City Post Office to pick out letters to Santa from needy kids to answer. Mom was busy so she asked them to pick up a letter for her. Here's what they brought back:

Dear Santa,

I hope you are feeling okay. I'd like you to tell me why you didn't bring any presents to our house last Christmas. All my brother and I asked for were winter coats and some books. Instead, all I got was a note under my pillow saying that my mother loves me. I know you're old, but we really needed those coats.

Please don't forget us this year.

Your friend,

Christian

Here's the letter that Mommy wrote back to Christian. She wanted me to share it with you:

Dear Christian,

Thank you very much for your kind letter.

First of all, I want to tell you that I do owe you an explanation as to why I was unable to answer your Christmas list requests last year. As you might imagine, I receive millions and millions of requests for toys and clothes each year, from children around the world. Some children are wealthy and live in palaces and castles, others do not even have a home to live in at all.

Thanks to your letter, I knew that you and your brother wanted winter coats more than anything. And that is an important thing to ask for, as I know on some days, the streets of New York can be just as chilly and blustery as a day here at the North Pole. And yet I knew that even if I didn’t have a chance to make it to your home, you and your brother would have something that would keep you warm right to the very core.

And that is your mother’s love.

While you may not live in a castle or a palace, you have a richer, more valuable gift than many people who do. And that is a mother who loves you with all of her heart. I know that this is hard to understand when you really want a coat to keep you warm and you see other people getting what they want. But believe me, Christian, you have something rare and precious and valuable in your Mom that you will have for the rest of your life. Even after you’ve grown too big and tall to wear your new coat, and you’ve lost or broken or outgrown the toys I’ve got all lined up to bring you, you will always know that your mother gave you the greatest gift that one person can give another, her love.

When you think about Christmas, it’s easy to get all caught up in the colorful store windows, all the toys on television, and of course, me! Delivering toys and gifts to children around the world. But much more important than the gifts under the tree or tucked into the stockings, is the gift that the world is celebrating — the birth of our Lord. When we celebrate his birthday, we are also celebrating a mother’s love for her son.

You are a fine, fine boy, Christian and I wish I could bring you a sleighful of toys and clothes and treats. I will bring you some nice presents on Christmas Eve, but in the meantime, I want you and your brother to go give your Mom the tightest hug and the biggest kiss you can. I know I do not have to worry about you two being good boys because you have such a wonderful mother.

You may be too young to understand all that I’ve written in this letter right now. So do an old man a favor, won’t you? Keep this letter someplace special. Surely you have a secret hiding place with a little brother around the house, don’t you? And each Christmas, open it up and read it. One day, you’ll be almost as old as I am. And I’ll bet you’ll agree that the gift of your mother’s love was the most wonderful present you ever received. By then, you’ll probably have children of your own – maybe even grandchildren! So be sure to give them your love as well.

You may not believe me now, but you are the richest boy in all of New York City. Have a merry Christmas and the happiest of new years to come!

Sincerely,


Santa Claus

North Pole

(Needless to say, "Santa Mommy" sent down jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, toys, books and some bubble bath for their Mom!)

Of all the things that Mommy's ever written, this is the one thing she's kept and rereads every year. We wanted to share this message with each of you, it is our own New York Christmas story. And this year, when we're getting ready for our first Christmas without our Granny, Mommy's Mom, (and we know other friends are also experiencing that same loss as well), we wanted to be reminded that a mother's love lasts a lifetime...and beyond.

Merry Christmas to all....




27 comments:

TwoSpecialWires said...

This is beautiful. And you made Moma cry. And she gave us big hugs. And she said, "This is exactly where the focus needs to be."

Thank you for sharing your Christmas letter. It means a lot to us.

Love
Jake and Fergi, NinaGirl and our Moma

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Well pawed but Mom and I truly wonder why 'people' feel they only need to be 'nice' fur this short time -

Why not all year 'round?

The world khould be such a better place if the energies devoted to these 'few' days khould be exerted throughout the year -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Deborah said...

That was so nice. You gave me goose bumps! I wish more people were like you!
Thank you for sharing this with us. Deborah

bbes tribe said...

How true! That is a beautiful letter. Thanks for sharing it.
Love
Ernie & Sasha

Maxmom said...

Dear J

That is one of the most beautiful Christmas stories I have read in a long time!!! - no wonder you will hold onto it ad infinitem!
Thank you so much for sharing it and spreading the word of the importance of a mother's love. The message is timeless, but so often forgotten.
May God bless you this Christmas season as you celebrate it with the joy of your own Mom's love embedded permanently in your heart.

With much love
YOUR FRIENDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Joe Stains said...

What a wonderful story, Mom's eyes are leaky. She misses her Mom a whole lot, especially this time of the year.

Bobby said...

This has brought us, even grumpy me to tears.
But so well done to your mummy Petey.

Clive said...

Murray's Mom is sitting here in tears. That was a very special letter your Mom wrote and we're absolutely sure that little boy kept it and that he will always remember 'that very special year Santa wrote back to him'.

We know your Mom will miss her own Mom dreadfully this year. My own Mom is gone 11 years now and as I bake and cook especially at Christmas, I can hear and feel her so strongly all around me. It was my Mom's efforts to make Christmas special, her hard work and love, not the presents, that I remember from Christmases gone.

You are so right, there is nothing more important than a mother's love.

Thank you Jane for such a special post today.

Love
Fiona

Molly the Airedale said...

What a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing it, Petey!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Clive said...

Petey

It's us again because we forgot to say a few things earlier! Someone must be drinking too much mulled wine around here!

No, we didn't get the Elf yourself video! Do you want to try and email it again to us!

Secondly, meant to say weeks ago - that yes, it is very difficult to see where your money is going exactly to when you make a donation on the Irish Guide Dog website. We made a few phonecalls - believe me! The website is due to undergo a complete restructure and then it should be much more clear and straightforward when making donations.

Lastly, we hope your Mom is feeling much better, the whole house here is suffering with chest infections as well.

look after yourselves
Clive and the NSLM

Gus said...

Petey..that is a beautiful letter, please thank your mom for sharing something so special with us.

gussie

Ruby Bleu said...

Oh Petey...My Mom's eyes are all leaky after reading this. I think you and Mica need to give some snuggles and kisses to your Mom too...that was a bootiful letter!

Lots of Licks, Ruby

Hamish Westie said...

I can so totally relate to that little boy wanting a new coat!
Oh, I'm being told I'm missing the point...
Cheers, H.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

This is absolutely beautiful and our Mom is leaking like crazy!!

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

PS - we hope that the little boy remembers your Mom's kindness and passes the favor to another child in need.

ScrapsofMe said...

Petey...I love yer Santa beardie...you look like an elf yerself! There's not a dry eye in the house after that wonderful letter...oh wait...Puffie is having some kinda allergy thingy cuz of the flea incident..so I suspect the leakage has nothing to do with the heart warming letter.

sniffies,
Bonnie

Sunny,Scooter, (sometimes Jamie) said...

Oh Golly. That is just sooo beautiful and spot on. I hope that boy kept that letter and I bet if he did, he always will pass on the true meaning of Christmas. You are a very wise woman. Now I gotta wipe some good tears away and blow my nose, durn it!
Love and Hugs
Jamie & the pack

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

What a beautiful letter!!! Maybe one day Christian will think to do the same for another child in need.

Woos, Thunder and Phantom

Asta said...

Petey,
How twue!!! Thanks fow shawing the bootiful lettew wif us..it's one to tweasuwe
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Kelly said...

Petey, thank you so much for sharing that letter. Of course, Momma is crying.

Considering all of the conveniences I take for granted, it's so humbling to think of children who only want warm jackets. Bless them, and bless your mom for her kindness. The message she sent will be with those boys forever!

Merry Christmas!!
Pearl

the magic sleigh said...

Awwwwwwwww. Very nicely written, what a joy it is know know there are still humans who think and act with the true Christmas spirit in there hearts!
God bless us everyone!
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Dexter said...

Wait a minute. Your mom is Santa? Who knew? Here I have been wasting my time sucking up to guys in red suits with beards.

That was a wonderful letter and pressies too. Your mom is a super Santa.

Slobbers,
Mango

Martha said...

Hi Petey
That was a lovely reply that your mom wrote - the spirit of xmas right enough!
You look very cute in your pic!
love
Martha & Bailey xxx

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

A very good letter from Mom claus there. I do hope the childrens appreciated it's message and carry it on now.
~lickies, Ludo

Martha said...

Petey, you are very funny! Have the best Xmas ever - we will catch up with you in the New Year and hear all your news.
Tell your mom we are thinking of her too at this special holiday season filled with memories - bittersweet!
All our love and best wishes
Martha, Bailey & Family xxxx

The Black and Tans. said...

Thank you for sharing the letter with us it is beautiful.

Give your Mummy some big hugs from us we hope they help a little during her first Christmas without your Granny.

Merry Christmas

Molly, Taffy and Monty

Eric said...

Petey. Mom was crying halfway through and could hardly read through tears to the end of Mommy's letter. But what a truly beautiful one it was. Wonderful. Bless your Mom for being so compassionate and kind Petey. I'm positive her letter is being treasured by Christian every year as much as Mom's copy. Treasured as much as your Granny and mine are. And the memories of them, as we know, are priceless.

Look after and give your Mom extra special loving this Christmas Petey. And know we are thinking of you all with love.

Your Bestest Eric xx

Agatha and Archie said...

HOw lovely we are all a little leaky...Love and kisses A+A