Dear Santa

One of my favorite Christmas traditions has always been reading the letters to Santa in my local paper.  While it's no longer my local paper, I've always included Avery's letter since family and friends are still there.  The deadline snuck up on me this year, causing me to dig deep for a picture and stay up late letter writing, but I'm so glad it got done.  I'm on my way out in a bit to buy the paper, and I know Avery and I will have a great time reading all the letters from her buddies.  What a blessing to have two letters to write this year.

 Dear Ho Ho,

I am so excited about Christmas this year that I can hardly contain myself!  I'm trying hard to be a good girl, so I know my elf Toes is giving you glowing reports each night.  Thank you so much for the toys you left last year.  I am still enjoying them all.  I've done a lot of growing this year, and I've thought of a few things I would really have fun playing with.  I would like a Fisher Price Loving Family dollhouse and a grill so that I can continue to cook like the Pioneer Woman.  Other kitchen items, Bitty Baby accessories, and books would be great too.

Ho Ho, I have so many people who love me, and I love them too.  Please leave treats for Mommy and Daddy, Yaya and Poppa, and Mimi and Grandaddy.  Please leave something special for Jen-Jen, and don't forget to stop by the houses of all my buddies.  My pets Felix, Sammy, and Dixie deserve a little present as well.  And, last but not least, please remember my new baby brother Sam.  I love him to pieces and do pretty well sharing my toys, but I would really appreciate it if you would bring him a few things so that he'll give my toys a break.

I'm getting so excited to see you in Richmond and am going to try to be much braver than last year.  Please don't forget to find me in my new house!  We'll leave cookies and Pepsi for you in the kitchen and some treats for the reindeer on Christmas Eve.  And, if Felix is chewing on the tree lights when you stop by, please shoo him away.  Have a safe trip!

Love,
Avery Lankford, 3


Dear Ho Ho,

I am new to this Christmas thing, but my sister Avery has been filling me in.  She tells me that since I've been such a good baby, I deserve a few new toys.  I think she is ready for me to leave her things alone.  I find just about anything interesting, but if you have room in the sleigh, I'd really like an IncrediBlock and a Stride-to-Ride Puppy.  A few books or surprises would be great too, and new clothes are always appreciated at the rate I'm growing.

Even though I am little, I know I'm a lucky little boy to have so many people who love me.  Please leave Mommy and Daddy a special treat for any trouble I caused them in the early months.  Avery deserves some new toys for being such a great big sister.  Please also remember Yaya and Poppa, Mimi and Grandaddy, Jen-Jen and all my buddies at her house, and my pets.

I'm not sure what will happen when I visit you in Richmond, but I can't promise that your beard or microphone will be safe.  On Christmas Eve, we'll leave cookies and Pepsi in the kitchen with treats for your reindeer.  Have a safe trip!

Love,
Sam Lankford, 9 months