Dear Santa
Dear Santa,
It's me, Priyanka! I am sorry that I cried watching you enter my house as a six-year-old. I didn't notice the bag of chocolates and gift you had but your giant hand and legs with a dancing belly. Times have changed and I am a grown up now but I still cry when somebody offers little kindness. They say you are not real but I still hope fairytales might be true someday. So yeah, I am writing this to you full of hope. You might be busy delivering gifts to the poor and my letter might not be so amusing but the child in me awaits your arrival just like every year.
I don't need a new Christmas toy or a glittering pair of shoes. I rather not ask for a trip to London or an expensive bottle of wine. It's something more than that. Can I trade people for objects? Christmas is not just about receiving presents. The most important thing is being with your loved ones. Being with one's family. I need my family.
Santa! Do you know how I spent my Christmas days years before? It used to be an amazing part of my year. As soon as my quarterly exams were over, I travelled to my granny's. It's like entering a different world. I can imagine the scene of me entering the house which is already being loud on 60's Boney M. Christmas songs CD. My aunty and others will be making the rose cookies and our traditional family sweet 'Kalkals', setting the house with a sweet fragrance. My granny and my cousins will be playing the train game while dancing to the beats. As soon as I enter, I join the team by holding their hips and moving with them. After the arrival kiss and hugs, Granny will take us to different stations inside the home where sweets are being made. Myself and my cousins will be more than happy to eat all the treats. That's granny's way of feeding us.
My grandpa is the artist. He makes the star, handmade. I'll find him busy with the paper cuttings. He is a handsome man wearing a white fur sweater with the most beautiful smile. Meanwhile, Uncle Lenin will set up the crib and decorate the entire house with his friends. Just when you feel everything is peaceful, I'll hear a roar from the kitchen. It's Uncle Anto. He is the Chef. The ladies just help him with the small tasks. He prepares the best mutton biryani and Kebab. He is good at everything. Ask quickly as someone rushes over with the onions, he will calm down. We always organise a big lunch. The entire town joins us. From the milk lady to the minister, the house will be crowded till 1:00 a.m. the next morning. Before we even think the Christmas will be over but the hush never ends. At last, we sit together, feed each other and have a cup of wine that completes our celebration. We shared love, food and happiness.
But it's not the same Santa. After losing the craftsman, the chef and the decorator of our family, we never celebrate Christmas the same way. I miss Grandpa, Uncle Linen and Uncle Anto. Christmas is nothing without them. But for once, I want them back. Just for the Christmas Eve. I heard that you travel through Skies. Will you please go a bit high, reach the Heaven's folders and bring them home? It's been years since we smile perfectly. Only they can make us happy. For this Christmas, please bring them home. It will be my Best Christmas ever! Just like the old times. I hope you grant my wish. I will be waiting here with a "Welcome Home" board. Tell them "I have always loved them and this time I have made them greeting cards". You can join the evening at our home. I swear you will have your BEST CHRISTMAS EVER at our home, Santa!
With love and hope,
Yours
Little Girl