I haven't written to you for a while, but there is a reason for that.
Santa, I lost myself for a couple years and just now I have found a part of myself that I didn't think I would ever get back. I'm very grateful that I am able to feel this way again, because it's refreshing.

See, back when I was 9, I started listening to the people around me, which was my first mistake, opposed to listening to my own heart. Everyone was telling me that you weren't real and that I was a fool for believing in you. Apparently there is some doubt about how you do the things you do, and there is a lot of speculation about your appearance. I began to question things and I stopped believing in you when I couldn't find the answers.

Then as I grew older I found myself looking at children and remembering when I had that same glow in my eyes and I honestly missed it. I remember writting to you and leaving cookies and milk on my table. I remember visiting your "helpers" at the local malls and then there was that one Christmas Eve that I thought I saw you. That one night that I did see you, didn't I Santa?

Santa, I am 20 years old now and I finally realize that you are real. Many people don't believe because they haven't seen you on Christmas Eve, or because they didn't get what they wanted or they merely don't grasp the physics of Christmas Eve.

But, I've finally learnt that you do not need to see or feel something for it to be real. That there are many things that humans will never understand and that there are many things humans will never agree upon, especially those things you cannot see.

Santa, I believe that I did see you that one night, way back when I was 7 or 8. I was awoken by the sound of bells lightly ringing and a loud crunching of, what I believe was, grandma's sugar cookies that I had left out. As I peeled my eyes open I saw your shadow upon my wall and watched as you chuckled. I ran out into the living room but there was nobody there, but there were presents under the tree, soot marks on the carpet and a few crumbs left.

I'm so sorry that it has taken me this long to write you, especially since you have given me so much. I don't just mean the numerous toys and goodies you left under the tree. I mean thank you for giving me all of these memories, for making me realize that there is so much to be grateful for and for being an example of true goodness.

I do have something that I want this year. Its not something that you can put in box or sack and it actually is something that you will need a lot of help with.
Santa this year I want you to help give people the ability to believe and imagine. I don't know how we can do it, but there has to be a way. A way to spread the magic of the season. A way to prove your existence. A way to make people invision the splendors of Christmas Town. A way to make people believe in the things that they can't always see, like flying reindeer, candy lands, unicorns, ice castles, fairies, magic or hope, faith, love and even you

From Gillian Barclay

Ps. I'll be sure to leave you some cookies this year and some carrots for the reindeer