A letter from Santa Claus

This is the first year, in more than 30 years, that I have not been able to visit you at Garden City Center. Due to the pandemic, it was decided that I should stick closer to the North Pole to oversee toy production. I do want to let you know that myself, and Mrs. Claus, are well. My elves are working overtime and trying to make some visits across Rhode Island to add to Christmas cheer. You just may find one or two of them in Garden City Center during this shopping season.

I know it has been hard on you. You are a child and have many questions. Under normal circumstances I would place you upon my knee and talk with you, calm you, and even give you a hearty “ho, ho, ho.” I would normally be in my cabin in Garden City Center and over the decades, I have enjoyed seeing generations of the same families come to see me.

Christmas has not been canceled. It just may seem different, like Thanksgiving was.

Many things are different, such as school, gathering with extended family and friends, and mask wearing. I am fortunate that Mrs. Claus has made me some special and magical masks to wear on Christmas Eve as I travel the world.

I have been reading your letters and receiving your wishes and I am also getting great reports from my elves and even your elf on the shelf have filled me in. That very special feeling of Christmas is here and we will never lose it! Please continue enjoying all the magic of the season.

I do miss seeing how much you have grown; if you have lost a tooth, or if it grew back. I miss the stories of you decorating your tree or watching the Christmas shows and the talk of baking cookies (one of my favorite treats).

Most of all, I miss your smiles and special time we would normally spend together in Garden City Center. Although I am not there, the decorations and the great shopping remains!

I promise you that we are all healthy and my reindeer and Rudolph are once again ready to lead the team on Christmas Eve.

I wish you the healthiest and happiest of Christmases, and please be kind to one another – we are all in this together.

Santa Claus