By Pat Larsen
For Capital Region Independent Media
Dear Santa,
OK, I’ll admit, Santa, that this may be a little unexpected given the fact that this letter is coming from someone in their 70s and you’re used to only hearing from kids who are just that… hopeful kids.
I still think of myself as one of the bigger kids, however… so that’s how I’m justifying taking up some of your time. Then again, it is 2024 and you probably have a staff of public relations people, so fingers crossed, they’ll bring my request to your attention.
Knowing that, I decided I had to send you this message on behalf of those Baby Boomers like myself who may no longer put so much stock in… believing. You know what I mean.
Times, they are strange indeed, Santa. You’re probably too busy to notice what’s happening, but if you could help even in some small way, I think everyone would appreciate the effort.
I’d like to start with asking you to come to the defense of anyone named KAREN. My Auntie Karen is one of the sweetest, kindest people around but it seems that somewhere along the line, everyone named Karen has been misaligned with a phrase we used to call “tattle-tales.”
Even back in the day, if you “told” on a friend or your sibling, you would get in as much trouble from your parents, so why is this still OK? And WHY the name Karen?
If you have any influence here, please work your magic so those kids or adults named Karen aren’t being made fun of any longer. It might seem like a small thing but trust me, it’s not.
Next up…and I believe this is really going to be important to you as well, given the epic journey that’s coming your way on Dec. 24. You’re lucky you’ve got reindeer navigating through the night skies because here on earth it’s become treacherous driving on our roads.
There is absolutely no regard for the speed limits and definitely no consideration for safety when being passed by another vehicle occupying the same lane as you.
Oftentimes, it seems we need to pay more attention to what’s happening behind us to avoid an accident as we need to watch going forward for street signs and traffic lights.
I’m not sure what you can do about this but perhaps you have some influence with the authorities to help.
By the way, from our vantage point here on Earth, we can see many satellites traveling through the night skies. Please be careful. I’m sure Rudolph’s already reviewing the game plan with the crew to get you to every location safely.
Finally, there’s still the matter of what we used to call “Whirled Peas”… you know what we mean. When asked what we wished for at the holidays, we’d almost always ask for Peace on Earth.
My thoughts are that if we just begin with kindness and prayers every day, we can help continue to spread those good feelings that are present at Christmas. I’m especially hoping you can bring those messages of hope and peace as you travel this Christmas.
I know this is asking a whole lot. But kids believe in the powerful messages that you spread. You’re still very important so maybe the adults will listen also.
I still do believe in you, Santa, in people doing the right things, in the power of prayer and in slowing down when they’re driving so we can all arrive safely to our destinations.
I hope this isn’t too much to add to your exhaustive list this holiday. Please take care of the kids first and then if you can spread that leftover magic over the earth.
I just know it will be very welcomed.
Merry Christmas, Santa…
Sincerely,
Pat Larsen, from Greene County, NY, columnist, author, and still a kid at heart.
P.S. If you need to contact me, I can be reached at 518-275-8686. But you knew that already Santa, didn’t you.