Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 4, 1965.
Liberty Pupil Asks Whether Or Not Santa Really Exists
Santa Clause Doesn’t See Debate Need
(EDITOR’S NOTE ー Answer to letter to Santa Claus from the staff of Liberty Township school’s “Lion Roar.”)
By SANTA CLAUS
Dear Barbara: Why should there be any debate among the Lion’s Roar staff members about whether there is a Santa Claus? There is no reason to have to prove this. People believe in me, so I exist ー ask any one of millions of little people.
Don’t their eyes light up on Christmas morning when they see their presents? Ask them who brought the gifts and they’ll answer “Santa Claus”. How could he bring them if he doesn’t exist? Don’t the little people flock by the hundreds and thousands to see Santa and tell of their desires for Christmas? To whom are all the letters addressed expressing wishes for Christmas presents?
Perhaps as they grow older and more “worldly” some of them forget about their faith and belief in Santa. This, however, does not mean I don’t exist. How many other faiths and beliefs do some people deny? Does their disbelief and vehement denial give credence to their lack of faith?
Must Believe
Barbara, for those who believe in me, I exist. Those who do not think there is a Santa Claus are somewhat unfortunate and for those I can not be ー not until they believe.
It’s too bad the worldly, the knowing can’t take a lesson from the little people and learn the joy of really knowing that Santa Claus is real, for I am the personification of happiness and generosity that joins in the truly joyous spirit of Christmas born almost 2,000 years ago.
As for your requests, your one wish for a good luck charm can be fulfilled and you will find at your school one day soon a lock from that famous fluffy, white beard.
May it serve as a good luck charm for your basketball team, although they hardly need it. I hear they play a good clean game. That’s what really counts, isn’t it? But maybe they’ll pick up a few more wins now.
Tougher To Grant
The other request for more senior boys is a tougher one to grant. You have no idea how many similar requests have been pouring in from all over.
There aren’t a whole lot of senior boys to be found, but as soon as some become available they will be sent to Liberty, though they may arrive too late for you. The girls now in the junior class may be the ones who will be appreciating the arrival of the boys.
Meanwhile, be good to the senior boys you do have at Liberty. At least be kind to them. I’m sure they’re trying to do their best.
Mrs. Claus does plan to have a Merry Christmas. Both of us will rest and know the joy of having made so many people happy.
Be Seeing You
And so, Barbara, I’ll be seeing you on the street corners, in the stores and homes. You’ll be hearing my voice in the Christmas songs and greetings. If you listen hard enough you may hear me with my reindeer and sleigh jingling through the countryside.
You’ll be able to see the twinkle of my eye in the Christmas tree ornaments. You’ll see my smile passing from face to face as greetings of the season are exchanged and my laughter will ring out as the little people find delight first in anticipation and then in that morning full of wonder.
My red cheeks will be seen as the frosty air nips the shoppers busily thinking of others and the special gifts that must be found. My breath will frost the window panes as I peek at all the preparations being made.
Dream and Hope
My white beard will tickle the fancies of the little people as they dream and hope, hardly able to wait for that special day. As the gifts are opened my chuckle of satisfaction will be heard in the crinkle of wrapping paper as it is torn off to reveal all the long awaited pleasures.
And you’ll hear my prayer during Christmas worship services.
I exist, Barabara, but I don’t take the place of the true meaning of ChristmasーI only accompany it to help make the occasion truly great as it should be.
Merry Christmas, Barbara and the entire Lion’s Roar Staff. Merry Christmas.
