Surprise! Santa Sends Back Letters

EDITOR’s NOTE: Paper Publisher Tim Timmons recently shared a letter to Santa in his weekly Two Cents column. Imagine his shock when he got this in his mail a few days later.

Timmy (may I still call you that in adulthood?),

Your old pal KP was kind enough to let me use his computer to respond to a letter you recently sent. (Although I haven’t received it, KP was kind enough to forward it to me. Hey, who says newspapers can’t still be first?)

Anywho (as the two of you like to say), it’s kinda busy up here, so I’ll get right to your requests.

But first, let me say, there is no age limit on the magic known as Christmas. From birth to death, all you have to do is believe. I’ll always be here for you and your family. Especially those ‘grandpups’ you spoke of!

Now, let’s get down to business. I’m aware of your good behavior. There were a few moments I thought were suspect, but overall, you made the ‘good’ list.’ I think it gets easier, as you get older, don’t you?

I’ll give you credit. Having not heard from you in quite some time, you opened with a tough one. Peace, huh? You’re on target; peace isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. We all agree with you, right down to the last reindeer. Needless to say, it’s been a tough year. And you are right. Too many haters have made your country a more difficult place to live. The downside is, I just don’t see it getting any better. You know I have a microscope on people, and I don’t like what I’m seeing. Seems like your folks are in constant crisis, interrupted by moments of success. You’re a smart guy. You know it should be the opposite. May I suggest you appeal to a higher authority than myself on this one? (BTW, I’m all in with God. How else could I do what I do in one night without him?)

Happiness? I can help you with that one, but it’s limited. Back to that one night thing I mentioned; it’s all the happiness I can bring. Funny; you may be the only one who has ever thanked me for the gifts I left. You’re welcome, by the way. And not trying to tap out once again, but I’d say that higher authority I mentioned earlier, has given you a decent share. Your family alone is a pretty fair payoff, wouldn’t you say? But just for giggles, let’s toss in a fair share of colleagues (might I mention, I enjoy reading Butch Dale?) A goodly amount of friends, and a pretty steady group of advertisers who help keep the presses rolling, are all in. So there!

Your last request is a no-brainer. Even in the toughest of times, there will ALWAYS be people who have more, willing to give to those who have less. That was set in motion long before I ever dropped down the first chimney. Here’s where I do the thanking. As I know you are, I’ll always be grateful for those folks who make a community just that, a community. Think about those from your past who have helped make you who you are. In essence, your community. Never forget your parents. Or people you’ve worked with. They all played a role in helping you be the man you are today. You picking up what I’m putting down? Good!

It was good to hear from you Timmy. I’ve missed you. 

Peace, Happiness, and a spirit of Community be with you.

Santa  

Kirk Puckett is the above referenced KP. He has known Timmons for more than 30 years and is a retired educator, administrator and law enforcement professional. According to Santa, and Timmons, on the scale of good guys, KP ranks in the top 1 percent.