(My neighbor Jeff)

For the first time in years, my husband, two kids and I went east for Christmas.  We all stayed healthy (for once), and our flights were on time (despite warnings of snow delays).  Only one problem:  my nine-year-old son, Philip, who stubbornly clings to his belief in Santa Claus, insisted that the big guy should leave our gifts at our home in California, not at his grandparents’ house on Cape Cod.  To keep the magic alive, I asked my friend Tracey to stuff the our Christmas stockings while we were away. What I didn’t realize was that Philip had left a note:

Santa if you come

if I get coal tell why here please ->    if I don’t write (no coal) here ->

Put a gift I would like most on my bed     Or if I get coal no coal on bed please

Sign here please ____________________ PS big writing please

Quiz on back for you please do it       tern over

Is your sleigh tricked out? yes/no

Is there really a Rudolph?  yes/no

Do raindeer really pole your sleigh?  yes/no

How many Cristmases have you diliverd presants?   _____ wright number please

Mary Christmas Santa     writen by Philip

Fortunately, Tracey saw the note and left a typed response:

Dear Philip,

I just love getting letters from the good children!  In fact, I receive so many letters that I bring my laptop with me everywhere I go.  No coal for you this year.  I have just enough to go around for all the naughty little boys and girls.  Now, I will answer your quiz, but you must promise to be kind to your sister and behave for your parents this year.

1. My sleigh is not “tricked out.”  A few years ago, some of the elves tried to “trick my ride,” but we discovered that all the flashy stuff made it too heavy for the reindeer to pull.  I did put in a high end GPS last year for some of the more remote locations.

2. There really is a Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, but he isn’t on the payroll.  Donner leads most of my flights.  Sometimes Blitzen.

3. Yes, the reindeer really pull the sleigh.  They are quite strong and agile.

4. This year will be 2007

I missed the cookies and milk this year.  Could Cookie and Cecil* have eaten them?

Love, Santa

*my cats

Philip was thrilled to find the note, of course, but a little peeved that Santa had neglected to leave a present on his bed, as instructed.

Happy new year, everyone & best wishes for keeping the magic — any magic, no matter how farfetched — alive.