I’m going to cut to the chase here, since we’re both pretty busy fictional characters. I’ve not been the best person this year, but I’ve not been the worst. Its been a long, hard year and I can at least say that I am grateful for all of the lessons I have learned, even if some of them really sucked.

So, this year, I’m going to simply ask for the following:

1. I would like my eldest son to be able to feel secure and self-confident as he enters Middle School in fall, and I would really like it if you would continue to help feed his love of art and music. He’s an amazing boy who has limitless potential, and needs to be encouraged to smile a little more. Life isn’t always so serious.

2. For my youngest son, It would be great if he was given a good, local friend who shares his love of animals and games. It might be too much to ask, but I would also really like it if there was a way to help other autistic children, as a tribute to his strength and determination. An autism clinic within driving distance would be great, too.

3. For my girls, who are just now tiptoeing out into the world, I ask simply for a childhood where they are allowed to be children. Keep them laughing, and let them grow into the wonderous beings they are meant to be, and please let them like things other than princess toys. Like mud.

4. For my husband, please let him know that we all love him, even if he comes home to chaos. Its all part of the package, and his presence here is needed and wanted, even when we’re being rotten.

5. For me, just let me continue on this road of self-discovery and help me use my daily epiphanies to help the world become a better place – for my family and for everyone else. Ok, and maybe make this year a little less heavy. I need a break.

6. Keep my animals safe and healthy, too, and don’t give us too many baby guppies.

You’re the best, Santa, even if you’re a big commercial enterprise. Rock on, old man.

Love,

Melia