Santa Baby

Dear Santa --

I'm sorry that I haven't written to you in years. It's not that I stopped believing in you, no sir, it's just that you are so busy with all those kids and parades and television specials that I didn't want to bother you with my little list of things I wish for. And to be truthful, the other men in my life have generously gifted me with everything I ever wanted ...... although no one slides down a chimney better than you!

It's funny, Santa. When I was a little girl, you were the older gentleman in my life. I'd stand in line to sit on your lap and look into your twinkly eyes. You were so much older then, and I was so much younger. Now I look into the mirror and see myself as almost your age and while I've grown older, dear Santa, I think you've grown younger.

And more handsome.

I think it's your hair that gets to me the most. Not grey. Not even salt and pepper. Just white. Brilliant white like the first snowfall. When I look at your hair, I remember how gently and quietly that first snow falls in the winter. I could fall - just like that -- for you. All you have to do is ring that bell, dear Santa, and I could be yours.

When I look at your long white beard, dear Santa, I think of cotton candy and I remember how it tickles when it crosses my lips and the way it melts in my mouth. I tell you this because I know you can keep a secret better than most, but when I look at your beard, it takes all my willpower to restrain myself from holding it and rubbing it across my lips. Mmmm. Cotton Candy........

When I look at your belly, dear Santa, I have to laugh. It seemed so big to me when mine was flat and tight, but now our bellies look about the same -- although I must confess, I would never accentuate mine with that big, black, shiny belt. And when we laugh, we both have bellies that jiggle like a bowlful of Jello. I love Jello.

Do you?

And the color red .... I love the color red, and aren't you all wrapped up in red, dear Santa? Red clothes, red cheeks, red nose. Oh, Santa! I love the color red. It makes me think of hot fires and red hot cinnamon kisses and you.

I love the twinkle in your eyes, dear Santa. It's like you know some delicious secret and it tickles you to death. It seems you can hardly keep from laughing. Funny, that's how I feel when I see you .... I can hardly keep from laughing with delight. I love a man with a hearty laugh.

I wish we had more time together. I wish you'd be here for me in the spring. Or in the summer, I'd love to walk with you on the beach. But you're not. You're only here with me for a short while once a year. Maybe that's what makes our relationship work. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and you're absent ten months out of the year. But when you're here, with your Ho-Ho-Ho, and your list of Naughty and Nice, you melt my heart.

This Christmas, dear Santa, I will leave a big plate of cookies on the dining room table for you.

I'll also leave a glass of milk, and in case you want it, a shot of Peppermint Schnapps.

If you'd like a little something extra, dear Santa, look for me in the bedroom.

I'll be the one wearing the red bow.......................... and a big smile.

Merry Christmas to all!

c2009 Linda S Amstutz