Letters To Santa And Rudolph

If you are reading this chances are you have small children in your life. And if that’s the case you probably have been questioned about what Santa Claus does the rest of the year. You may have been asked about Rudolph and the other reindeer. In fact, kids sometimes wonder why they can only write letters to Santa during the holiday season.

When you think about it, that does make sense. Why can’t kids write letters to Santa Claus year round?

As a parent you might appreciate the fact that during the holiday season kids seem to have a desire to ‘be good’. This is because Santa Claus will be coming to town and most children have grown up believing that only kids that behave themselves will receive the gifts they want for Christmas.

This topic recently came up with my four year old granddaughter. She wanted to know what Rudolph and Santa do when the holiday season is over. After a discussion about the type of lifestyle these characters live she wanted to know if she could write them a letter to let them know what she has been doing since Christmas.

Of course I said yes. Madilynn (my granddaughter) then proceeded to spend 45 minutes making her letters. We used our trusty craft box supplies. To my surprise Madilynn seemed to have as much fun writing about her adventures at school and other stories as she did when she prepared her Christmas letters to Santa and Rudolph.

Now she wants to write them more often. According to her it is okay if they don’t answer her until Christmas time. Madilynn seems to think that because she is writing these letters more often she will surely be remembered by Santa.

I have to admit, my daughter-in-law and son were not so enthusiastic about the idea of year round letters to Santa. They expressed concerns about taking away from the uniqueness that the Santa letter-writing project adds to the holiday season.

You see, at my house we have always planned an evening around preparing the Santa letters and doing other easy Christmas crafts. I always prepare some special treats and it becomes a family event. Everyone gets involved – even the older kids and some adults. We just make this one of our holiday get togethers that turns out to be fun for everyone.

So now I am concerned that I made a mistake by encouraging the year round Santa letters. What do you think?

I plan to tell Madilynn that we will only write letters to Santa and Rudolph when something really important happens. And instead of using the time to write letters to them I will encourage her to spend the time writing letters to her granny that lives in another state. After all, she can share the same sort of stories and pictures with her granny as she would with Santa. And her granny will truly appreciate the letters. Besides that, Madilynn’s letters to her granny will not go unanswered so in the end I think she will have even more fun with the project.

I think that will keep everyone happy and it will keep the specialness of the Santa writing tradition alive.

Santa Letters, Unique Gifts, Awesome Decorations – How Will You Make Christmas 2011 Stand Out?

If you’re like me you always want Christmas to be more special than previous years. So every year, as we go through the holiday season I find myself making mental notes about ways to improve something for the next Christmas. In recent years I discovered that ordering personalized letters from Santa for my grandkids adds a magical touch to the holiday for the little ones. They love those letters. I also learned that if I shop for holiday decorations right after Christmas I can save a lot of money. But I have trouble with that.

Here’s what has happened to me in the past. Right after Christmas I found that local drug stores and department offer Christmas decorations at amazing savings. The problem is, at that time these stores only have a hodgepodge of items left.

One year I loaded up on what I could find – thinking that the next Christmas I would have lots of decorating options. But because everything I purchased was miss-matched none of it really worked together. In the end I gave some of the new items to each of my grown kids.

Since then I have learned that you can purchase Christmas supplies year round if you shop online. When you shop at these specialty shops you get a great selection and the savings are unbelievable. Plus, shopping online is extremely convenient. 

You can sip on your favorite cup of tea while you surf from one shop to another. And you can comparison shop between several stores within a matter of minutes. Whether you are in the market for an artificial Christmas tree, garland, tree skirts, ornaments or Santa letters you can find just what you want without ever leaving home.

In fact, did you know that you can even order real Christmas trees online? I found that out last year. Of course, that’s something you will have to wait until later to shop for but it’s wonderful to know that you can get a real tree off the Internet. It will be delivered to your home so that relieves you of the hassle of shopping at the roadside stands and then stressing about how to get the tree to your house.

One of the things that is important to me during holidays is having a fabulous meal for everyone. My family and I enjoy cooking holiday meals as a group. Each family member is counted on for preparing at least one dish. It’s fun to pull together a meal that everyone has contributed to. Every year I try to come up with at least one new food item to try. I’m on the lookout for a great recipe that includes strawberries, Angel Food cake and pretzels. I had a dessert like that once and I loved it. I really want to find that recipe.

Another thing that I am going to start soon is collecting various inexpensive gifts that will be used for prizes. This Christmas I want to add some games to our get togethers and I think I will give things like body powder, lotions, and candles as prizes. Of course the kids will get toys when they win.

So what about you – how will you make this Christmas a special one?

Turning Letters To Santa Into A Magical Christmas Morning

It is easy in the busy in the world we live in to forget about those in need. This coming Christmas do what you can to help spread the Christmas spirit and bring love into someone’s heart. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money to change this Christmas.

You might not realize it but you probably have lots of things around your home that you no longer use or need. You can call area shelters or community resource centers to find out what they are in need of. 

Remember what you donate may be the only gifts some people may receive this year. Don’t donate anything that is broken, worn out, or missing crucial parts. Donating things you already own helps you get better organized.  You will be sure to land on Santa’s nice list for a job well done.

Everyone knows that practically all kids write letters to Santa Claus. Most are hoping to find something special under their Christmas tree. And all children should receive gifts during the Christmas season. If your kids have out grown toys or clothes consider donating them instead of throwing them away. During these unsure economical times there are many families who need the extra help. Before you drop off toys be sure that they have been cleaned first. If the clothes you plan to donate are in poor condition should be thrown away.

While you are out shopping you will notice some stores have bins for donated toys. If you are able to, pick out an inexpensive toy to add to the bin. Sometimes these toys are the only gift some children for receive Christmas so please do what you.

Some communities have programs where needy kids’ letters to Santa are shared with people willing to fulfill the things wanted. Many times it will include the clothes and shoes sizes they need. Similar programs for feeding a family on Christmas day also exist. If you decide to participate in one of these programs buy quality goods. The people who do this truly make these children’s Christmas letter wishes come true.

Senior citizens are often forgotten during the holiday season. There is something you can probably do in your own neighborhood. If there are any older people near you who live alone and rarely maybe never have visitors do something to brighter their Christmas. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Simple cards with a pair of gloves or even a plate of homemade goodies are good choices. On the gift tag you could write a gift from Santa

The true spirit of Christmas shines through the people who do what they can to help out their fellow man. Kindness and generosity are more precious than anything that can be bought or placed under the Christmas tree. This year let the spirit of Christmas shine through your heart and help those around you.

Cupcakes For A Party And Letters To Santa!

At my children’s school we always have a winter wonderland party for the children. I wanted to make something special for my kids to take to share with their classmates. In the past I had sent in store bought cookies or juice. When I asked the kids if they had any ideas I got the same answer from each of them. They all wanted cupcakes.

I knew that it would take awhile for me to get all of the cupcakes done so we set up an assembly line on the kitchen counter. All three of the kids were responsible for collecting and measuring an ingredient. While we all moved around the kitchen I asked them if they knew what they were going to ask Santa for in their Christmas letters. My daughter wanted a horse farm set and a basket for her bike. Both of the boys wanted new video games. We talked about the surprises they had found under the tree last year.

We had room in the oven to do two pans of cupcakes at a time. Sally said she was going to add in a picture of the cupcakes when she writes a letter to Santa. We started to divide the cupcakes into three different groups. I had let each one of the kids pick out the icing and toppings for the cupcakes they were going to take. The kids and I had made both chocolate and red velvet cupcakes and we wanted to be sure they all had equal amounts of each.

The kids all talked about how they couldn’t wait for Christmas morning when they would find gifts from Santa under the tree. I love to see the happiness on their faces when they dream about the magic of Christmas together. It’s obvious that they believe in the possibility that anything can happen – it’s as if the magic of Christmas is visible in their angelic little faces.

After the cupcakes had all cooled we started to put on the icing. They all take their time I was glad that they were taking so much pride in their work. Slowly all the cupcakes were covered in sugary sweetness. Next the kids put on the sprinkles they had chosen. Sally had picked tiny candy canes and red sugar crystals. Trenton liked the rainbow sprinkles mixed with small candy gingerbread men. And green sugar crystals sparkled on the top of the emerald frosting that Doyle chose.

The kids decided we should start leaving out cupcakes for Santa. Trenton said he was going to ask if Santa likes cupcakes in his Christmas letter to Santa. I told them we could make a special batch on Christmas Eve using the left over decorations from their class party.

The cupcakes were a big hit at the school. All my kids wanted to know if we could make cupcakes for all their class parties. I’m not sure about the all the parties idea but I think we have just started a new tradition this year with leaving them out for Santa. After the kids received a ‘thank you’ note from Santa last year that mentioned the great snack the kids are all convinced that the cupcakes earned them extra gifts from the old guy!

The Missing Christmas Letter

We pulled into the parking lot of the post office. All of my kids walked to big blue mail box. Except the one who was frantically bouncing around in the back of the van. I knew that could only mean one thing. Trenton had lost his Santa Claus letter. He came to me in a panic. I told him not to worry, I was sure we would find it back at home. We checked all around the van to make sure he didn’t drop it at the post office.

When we got home Trenton flew through the house like a tornado. I told him that if he couldn’t find his letter to Santa that I would help him write another one. He just kept on searching the house. I felt sorry for him. I had already checked everywhere I could think of. I had no idea what could have happened to his Christmas letter.

We looked under the couch, in the stack of mail on the desk - I was running out of places to look. When my husband Drew came home he joined in the search for the missing letter to Santa Claus. He checked the driveway, the garage, and every inch of the porch.

Trenton sat on the couch looking as pitiful as a rain soaked puppy. I got out all of the stuff to make a letter to Santa. He said he just wasn’t in the mood to write another letter. He sulked off to bed. I decided I would try to talk him into it the next day.

The next morning he came running to my room. In his hand was a bright red envelope with silver and gold stars, it was his missing letter. He had put it in his stocking so he wouldn’t lose it and had forgotten. He could barely stay in his seat waiting for breakfast to be over. The letter never left his sight while he ate breakfast. After breakfast was over and cleaned up he tried his best to rush out the door.

He held tight to his letter until we made it to the post office. He looked a little reluctant to drop it in the big blue box. On the way he told me that he hadn’t really been all that worried. I smiled remembering his frantic search the night before.

Later that week the kids’ letters from Santa arrived. Trenton was so impressed that his letter came on the same day as everyone else’s. I told him to never underestimate the magic that can found at Christmastime. I was glad we had a happy ending after the missing Christmas letter.

A Letter To Santa Can Provide A Shopping Guide

During the holiday season I try to help others as much as possible. The mothers’ group I belong to collects clothes and shoes throughout the year. At Christmas we get a list of twenty families that need help for the holidays. I believe that every child should find gifts from Santa on Christmas morning. The families on our list will get clothes for the entire family, gifts for the children in the house, and Christmas dinner.
When we receive the names of people we are to help we contact them. Our first step is to find out what they need for Christmas. We have even brought in Christmas trees to decorate homes when had to. At one house we visited the kids had never even had a Christmas tree - that about broke my heart.
All the children in each family write a letter to Santa. This way we have a real sense of what each child really wants. This will be the fourth year I have volunteered with the group. We have laughed over the funny letters to Santa and cried over the sad ones. Over the years I have kept in touch with a few of the families that I have met. Nothing is more gratifying than being able to help these parents provide Christmas for their children.
We go through all the clothes and shoes we have collected and divide them among the different families. We try our best to provide a new coat and gloves to every child. Inside the pocket of each coat each child receives a letter from Santa. Specific toy requests are usually the hardest to fill so we just do the best we can. We deliver the gifts to the parents before school is out for Christmas break. The dinner is either sent or picked up the week of Christmas.
Every member of my family has helped to make these families’ Christmas season brighter. My oldest loves to help me shop discount racks and yard sales. My sons are always ready to help when I have a heavy load to carry. I think by seeing just how lucky they are my children have gained a respect for the things they have in life. I really believe they are and always will be better people because of these experiences. I know I’m blessed to have the life I live and the least I can do is to help make another parents’ Christmas that much easier.
This Christmas when you are stressing over things being perfect at your house take a moment to look around at all you have to be thankful for. If you get a chance this year help out in whatever way you can. With the way the economy is going these days there will be plenty of families who need help with the holidays. Call churches in your area or local shelters, they will be able to lead you in the right direction.