6 days until Christmas: The Naughty and Nice List

Today, Mrs. Claus and I reviewed the Naughty and Nice List. I've read my lists and checked them twice. The naughty list was as long as I can ever remember, but we have a much longer list of nice! All children — even those on the naughty list — will receive a special gift on Christmas (Although I had to think long and hard about Little Johnny in Nebraska!)!

Mrs. Claus outdid herself again with these fantastic gingerbread cookies.

The elves, with their 40/40 vision, double-check the list to ensure every name is right. They don’t miss a thing—and I truly don’t know what I’d do without them. Mrs. Claus, as always, kept us fueled with warm gingerbread cookies while we worked through this meticulous task. I suspect she sprinkled in a little sweet magic dust, because they somehow get better every year.

During a rare quiet moment, Mrs. Claus and I talked about the world beyond the snow. Every year brings something new, and I get to witness it all—up close, though only for a short time. In the last century alone, there were two World Wars. I watched from my magic globe, and it weighed heavy on my heart. But even then, joy found a way to break through—even on the battlefield. And, in time, peace returned.

Still, lately, it feels like there’s a lot of misunderstanding in the world. If only everyone could see what I see. Children everywhere wish for simple, hopeful things: a toy, a better life for their parents, a sick friend to get well. Deep down, we are far more alike than we are different.

And that’s why I keep coming back to the words of sweet Cindy Lou Who in Whoville:
“No matter how different a Who may appear, he will always be welcomed with holiday cheer.”

Hold Cindy Lou’s words in your heart this week.

With love,
Santa