Dear Lucy,
Merry Christmas, Lucy! A great big hello to you from the snowy North Pole. I have put my boots beside the fire and settled down to write to you. Soon those boots will be back in the sleigh, and I shall be off into the Christmas Eve sky. It won’t be long now!
First, a cheer for your very first football goal. Hurrah! You have started playing football, and already there is a goal to remember. I would have liked to give you a great big cheer from the side of the pitch. Then came a trip to McDonald’s afterwards. A goal and a little celebration make a splendid pair.
I know walking in the woods is your favourite part of camping with your dad. That is the part I would choose, too. I like the thought of leaving the tent behind for a while and following a path between the trees. There might be a rustle nearby, or a bird calling somewhere overhead. Elf Jasper Fernwick would happily swap his snowy hills for a woodland adventure. I think he would want to peek round every bend before turning back!
You have been such a help to your mum with the new baby, Lucy. There is a lot to do when a baby needs looking after, and I’m pleased you have been lending a hand. Among all the busy things happening here, that is something I wanted to stop and give you a warm thank-you for.
And that word you are always saying, “bro”, has made me smile. I’m tempted to try it in the Workshop. “Pass the wrapping paper, bro!” I wonder whether the elves would pass me the paper or stand there staring at me. Perhaps I had better try it when nobody is carrying anything wobbly.
Have a lovely Christmas, Lucy, with games to play and time with the people you love. Please give your older sister Sarah a Christmas hello from me. There is a great big wave especially for you, too, all the way from my snowy doorstep. I shall be thinking of you when I set off.
With love and a warm Christmas hug,
Santa Claus
