In 1897 eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon asked her father whether Santa Claus really existed. Philip O’Hanlon suggested she write the New York Sun – assuring her “if you see it in The Sun, it’s so” Virginia wrote Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, If you see it in THE SUN it’s so. Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
On September 21, 1897 newsman Francis Church responded in a printed editorial titled – Is There a Santa Claus assuring Virginia that yes there is a Santa Claus.
I too have often wondered; if there really was a Santa Claus and if so what did he do during all the rest of the year. When I was a kid it was confusing when Christmas morning my brothers and I would find gifts left by Santa supposedly build by his elves at the North Pole…..but they came in box that said Wammo or Milton Bradley. For years I would lay restlessly in my bed at night wondering if Santa was real or was he a FRAUD.
During a recent trip to the Dallas Farmer’s Market – I finally learned the truth! As I turned the corner to my surprise I was face to face with none other than old Saint Nick himself. When I spotted the wad of money in his hands I then realized why all my presents were not hand made by little men with pointed shoes – THEY RAN OUT OF TIME and Santa had to purchase additional presents at Montgomery Wards (pre-Toys-R-Us and Amazon). I also realized why every year Santa left us an orange in the bottom of our stocking every year – obviously there is a surplus of Florida Oranges at the North Pole!
So as Francis Church wrote to Virginia in his editorial some 116 years ago…Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! Everyone knows the tooth fairy is real! (might be a good subject for a future blog)
Actually I have seen Santa on a big old red Harley during my travels! See ya down the road Nick
Merry Christmas to all
Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing Little Elf Judy (The Santa Clause 1994)
