A letter received on December 6th, the feast of St. Nicholas
Dear Wood children,
Christmas is almost here again! I hope you are preparing for our Savior’s birth this advent season by finding ways to grow closer to Jesus. As you know, giving of ourselves by sharing our unique talents, abilities, and possessions is a great work of mercy and one of the best ways to be like Jesus! Last year, I was able to help so many more kids because of your generosity. I was wondering if you might be able to help me out again this year? There are so many children that don’t have much at all.
Remember the reasons I’m asking for your help:
First off, as you may well know, the dragon Avarus likes to come around and bother kids this time of year, especially in the United States where there is so much “bluffing stuffing”. Sometimes we get so much stuff that we don’t know what to do with it all. Frankly, sometimes I worry that I am doing more harm than good by bringing so many toys. I’m sure you realize that most of us have a lot of “stuff” laying around. (That is why it’s so hard to keep our rooms clean!) I know it seems like stuff you “need”, but too much stuff can make us selfish, messy, and “spoiled”. I give presents in hopes that kids will find some joy knowing they are loved, but also so they will share that stuff with others. So I want to give you an opportunity to be great “dragon slayers” again this year and really defeat Avarus. He hates it when kids decide they want to “give” more than they “receive”.
Which brings me to my second reason for asking for help. Much of the “stuff” I see laying around your house could really make another child happy. I bet a lot of that stuff is things you wouldn’t even miss. Plus, I’m sure you get tired of your parents telling you to clean the house all the time. This will help. Whenever I see messy houses, it is usually a sign that Avarus is making his nest. You don’t want Avarus nests in your house! Believe me, it is not good. Once he makes a nest, more Avarus dragons come along, and it gets harder and harder to exterminate that greedy behemoth. So, just like last year, here are some things you can do to help me out…
You have all been such great kids this year, and I know I can count on you! Have a blessed advent and a very Merry Christmas!
Your friend,
St. Nicholas (Santa Claus)
Dear Wood children,
Christmas is almost here again! I hope you are preparing for our Savior’s birth this advent season by finding ways to grow closer to Jesus. As you know, giving of ourselves by sharing our unique talents, abilities, and possessions is a great work of mercy and one of the best ways to be like Jesus! Last year, I was able to help so many more kids because of your generosity. I was wondering if you might be able to help me out again this year? There are so many children that don’t have much at all.
Remember the reasons I’m asking for your help:
First off, as you may well know, the dragon Avarus likes to come around and bother kids this time of year, especially in the United States where there is so much “bluffing stuffing”. Sometimes we get so much stuff that we don’t know what to do with it all. Frankly, sometimes I worry that I am doing more harm than good by bringing so many toys. I’m sure you realize that most of us have a lot of “stuff” laying around. (That is why it’s so hard to keep our rooms clean!) I know it seems like stuff you “need”, but too much stuff can make us selfish, messy, and “spoiled”. I give presents in hopes that kids will find some joy knowing they are loved, but also so they will share that stuff with others. So I want to give you an opportunity to be great “dragon slayers” again this year and really defeat Avarus. He hates it when kids decide they want to “give” more than they “receive”.
Which brings me to my second reason for asking for help. Much of the “stuff” I see laying around your house could really make another child happy. I bet a lot of that stuff is things you wouldn’t even miss. Plus, I’m sure you get tired of your parents telling you to clean the house all the time. This will help. Whenever I see messy houses, it is usually a sign that Avarus is making his nest. You don’t want Avarus nests in your house! Believe me, it is not good. Once he makes a nest, more Avarus dragons come along, and it gets harder and harder to exterminate that greedy behemoth. So, just like last year, here are some things you can do to help me out…
- Could you find toys and things you don’t want or need anymore and put them under the tree? That way, when I come to drop off your presents, I can take those with me and really make some other kids happy!
- Please, please, please take good care of the things I do give you. That means putting it in its right place when you are done with it. Don’t leave your toys laying around the house. It draws more dragons (like Frantix!) just like leaving cheese laying around draws mice or leaving fruit laying around draws fruit flys!
- Remember, the “stuff” isn’t really yours. Everything we have is a gift from God, and He wants us to use those gifts to help make others happy. So please share and don’t fight over your stuff! Nothing makes me sadder than when I see kids fighting because I gave them toys.
You have all been such great kids this year, and I know I can count on you! Have a blessed advent and a very Merry Christmas!
Your friend,
St. Nicholas (Santa Claus)
