My Letter to St. Nicholas 2024

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 My Dearest St. Nicholas,

Perhaps it’s my age that has me looking out at the world with a mixture of reminiscent comfort and, honestly, a bit of woeful glumness. I long for times when life was simple. Being somewhat of an “old soul”, and one who prefers the quiet and calm in life, I find myself hiding away from the hum and buzz of the societal hive outside my doors.

Much of my comfort comes from reflection. I sometimes wander back in time to when there wasn’t instant gratification and patience was learned. Anticipation brought hope because waiting was the only way. Children played outside, had face to face conversations with each other, and believed in Santa Claus for as long as they wanted (and pretended to, for even longer). Our imaginations were meaningful in working and playing. Ideas were envisioned, not manufactured and forced upon us through technology. We asked our parents questions to seek understanding. We relied on them, not social media or search engines that, too often, bring us to a void. We decorated real pine trees in tinsel and Christmas spirit. And we invited those who didn’t celebrate our Christian beliefs to hang an ornament on our tree, share homemade cookies, and we’d talk about our different customs with curiosity. 

While my Christmas tree, today, isn’t dressed up in shiny tinsel, she proudly wears my many memories. “Rest easy”, she says, “I’ll hold them close and keep them safe, here, upon my branches.” And I love that she can take me back into the past…it does my “old soul” good.  I’m not sure of the story behind the Christmas tree’s creation. I gather there are many that have been told over time. Maybe it doesn’t matter if I know it, only that I believe in its spirit.

There is something to be said about trusting what you believe in. They aren’t the same thing, trusting and believing, but it might be hard to have faith if they didn’t work together.

I believe in the Spirit of Christmas. I believe in God and trust He will keep my children safe. My children are who I pray for the most and I believe prayers can be answered; it’s only a matter of asking and having faith. And I want to believe humanity isn’t so personally disconnected. The virtual world surely isn’t more loving, or comforting, than a hug from those who love you.

Merry Christmas, Santa. And, yes, I do believe. 


Comments

  1. Bob S.December 25, 2024 at 5:16 AM

    Wonderful words, you "old soul" from another old soul!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousDecember 25, 2024 at 7:40 AM

      Thank you, Bob. Being an old soul is a wonderful thing.

      Delete

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