DEAR SANTA

While reading the lovely blog November Grey, I saw one of her posts titled "Dear Santa" and thought it was a super cute idea. So, I wanted to write my own variation of it for fun!

Then, after chatting with the Radiant Rhiannon from Hey Gorgeous, she too wanted to join in, and so we decided we would both write our own and post them on December 1st! :)

(image: slightly altered by moi)

Ever since I was a little girl, my parents had me and my sisters create, make and write a letter to Santa, but they only allowed us to ask for one thing that our little hearts really, really wished to have.

I realize that most kids probably made lists of multiple things they wanted, but not Little Liesl or my super sisters! :)

Sisters on Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

(I'm in the middle)

Honestly, I'm glad my extraordinary parents instilled this form of "Dear Santa" letter writing in us because I think it made Christmas more about special traditions, yummy treats and priceless family time, then about a long list of gifts, which also taught us to enjoy and be thankful for what we already had.

To this day, my favorite time of the holiday season is the time leading up to Christmas Day, rather than the day itself, and I know it always will be!

Simply enjoying the holiday lights, decorations, music, scents and yummy treats, as well as the time I get with my family playing games, laughing, baking, enjoying festive cocktails and even tracking Santa thanks to Norad...it all beats the presents for me, although I love giving them!

So, in sticking with the only "Dear Santa" letters I have ever written, below is my letter for this year. Feel free to tell me what you are wishing for, even if it is as far out there as mine, or write one of your very own! :)

December 1, 2010

Dear Santa,

I know I haven't written you in many years, but it sure does feel good to be writing you again, and I really hope this letter finds you and Mrs. Claus well.

You and the elves must be very busy prepping for your big trip to all the homes of the many good boys and girls around the world, so, I'll try to keep this as short as possible.

This year, I'm not really asking for anything in particular, but rather wishing for kindness, patience and positivity to fall wherever I find myself and hopefully spread.

I realize this might seem like an unrealistic, "sunshine and rainbows" type of letter, but in recent years, I have personally...

Seen just how far the littlest gesture of kindness, even in the simple form of a smile, can go, and have been heartwarmingly thanked for my kindness and smile countless times by complete strangers.

Witnessed the importance of patience in life, and more important with others. How it can change a life, help guide a person in the right direction and even keep someone from ending their life, something I was later told I did thanks to my continued patience with them.

Believed in positivity, and how doing one's best to be as positive as possible, which is a personal choice, can really turn a day around, and is usually appreciated by others, whether verbalized or not.

I think these are qualities I have been attracted to since I was a little girl, but just wish existed more predominantly in those around me. In a strange way I long for this, looking and hoping for it almost daily, yet, I'm not exactly sure why, and am surprised at how rare it can be to find.

Honestly, this is a priceless wish of mine, and means more to me than any tangible gift with a price tag attached...as "cheesy" as some might view it.

Thank you so much for what the spirit of you does for so many of us during the holildays, and no matter how many years pass...I will always believe!

Sending smiles your way,