to my chicago girls

and boys- are you out there?

Last year, at the encouragement of Weddingbee's Mrs. Jasmine, my mom and I participated in the Sun Times' Letters to Santa project. The program pairs local Chicago children with volunteer Santas. These children are from low-income areas and may not receive a Christmas gift this year. As Santa, I was asked to buy a $25-30 gift. I received an adorable hand-written and illustrated letter from Jose, sweetly asking for a pair of Heelys or "books and stuff." The kid knew what he wanted and, fortunately, it was in my price range!

I can't even tell you how much fun we had buying, wrapping and shipping those gifts. I was even invited to write a note from Santa, telling Jose to be a good boy this year. I know that material goods aren't the most important thing, but I cannot give Jose peace or stability. I just gave him a little hope that Santa exists and that there is someone out there watching out for him. My letter this year (from Cruz) was just as adorable. He even clipped a coupon from Toys R Us for me :)

Anyway, with this crappy economy and normal holiday stress, this project might give you a little holiday cheer. Even if you don't live in the Chicago area, I guarantee that you will feel a little holly jolly when you send off that gift.

The Sun Times is currently short 7,471 Santas. Ho, ho, ho?