Dear Santa...

I figured since my kids have all written letters to the big guy, I might try it. I doubt he can do much about my wants, but it's worth the effort, so here goes.

Dear Santa,

I've been a pretty good girl this year. I haven't broken any laws, well, if you don't count speeding. I don't since basically everyone else does it. I've kept the commandments for the most part. Maybe a little bearing false witness, but fibbing to your kids isn't really lying, is it? I don't usually ask for anything, but there's a few things I'd like, if you're so inclined.

1. I'd like people to keep their arguments at home, especially this time of year. When I've spent two days searching for a video game and am in a line waiting for one, which I'm 99% sure they don't have, I don't need to hear it. If your mother wants to buy something for your sister, it's really none of your business how much it costs. Arguing with her about it, in GameStop, no less, isn't going to help the situation. AND, the fact that you are a grown-up arguing with your mom makes it even worse. When you have a problem you need to 'discuss' try doing it within the confines of your house, then only your neighbors have to listen.

2. I'd like it if people would not lose all sense of decency and ethics when they get behind the wheel of a car. We all make mistakes, so someone just needs to chill. I mean, ok, if I run into you while walking, it wouldn't do as much damage as in a car, but still. If I don't actually run into you, just sort of look like I'm going to, is it neccessary to go balistic? When I wave apologetically, you should wave back and mouth, "It's ok." Pointing your middle finger at heaven will not get you a place there.

3. I really wish that people would be nicer to kids. Now, I know that a group of 8-10 year-old cub scouts can be rambunctious. I was a scout leader and I'm a mom, so trust me, I know. But, when said group shows up on your doorstep to sing carols, is it so much to ask that you stand there for 2 minutes and listen? Opening the door, then closing it and turning off the lights is just wrong. I'm not a big believer in Karma, but, dude, you slam the door on cub scouts at Christmas and you are just asking for it.

4. I want my kids to be nicer to each other. Whatever happened to the threat of 'be good, Santa is watching'? It's like my kids don't care, or don't believe. (Which isn't true, they totally believe in you!) Maybe it's because they know me too well. I'm not very good at following through on threats. That's lesson 1 in my bad parenting skills class. I guess after so many hollow threats, the promise of Santa not bringing gifts is as thin as the air we breathe. It'll get better after Christmas. Then I can threaten to take away the gifts they got. Yeah, that won't work either. If I take away their stuff, they won't have anything to do and I'll have to deal with them. *sigh*

I know you aren't a miracle worker, but my kids are convinced you're magic, so maybe you can help with my list. No matter what, I'll keep believing.

-Jewels

*And, to my readers, I'm wishing each of you a wonderful Christmas. One that is filled with family, love, relaxation and a healthy dose of quality chocolate, and hopefully, a nap. I'll be dreaming of that with you!