Yes, Virginia and Everyone, There is a Santa Claus

As the years pass and I accumulate experience and gray hair, my belief in Santa Claus has not only endured but evolved. This belief, however, transcends the traditional depiction of a jolly man in a red suit, an image we owe largely to early Coca-Cola advertisements. Today, my belief in Santa Claus signifies something far more profound: a universal spirit of kindness, and generosity, and the quiet joy of recognition of a spirit of kindness and generosity that can dwell within each of us.

This modern interpretation of Santa Claus echoes the sentiments of a famous editorial from the New York Sun in 1897. In response to eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon's letter questioning Santa's existence, editor Francis P. Church wrote, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." His words transcended the mythical embodiment of Santa, instead affirming that he exists as surely as love, generosity, and devotion do, enriching life with beauty and joy.

This perspective aligns with my grown-up view of Santa Claus. He represents the spirit of altruism and the inherent potential for goodness in people. Santa's spirit is impartial to our worldly differences; it only encourages us to act with kindness and to do good without expecting a reward (milk and cookies notwithstanding).

In today's world, where we often find ourselves engulfed in negativity and skepticism, the idea of Santa Claus assumes a greater significance. It can serve as a beacon of hope, a reminder that, amidst the chaos, there is still room for kindness and goodwill. Believing in Santa Claus means embracing and practicing these qualities in ourselves and recognizing them in others.  As we engage in the spirit of the holiday season, let's remember that Santa Claus lives within each act of kindness and every gesture of goodwill. He is present in the smiles we share, the help we extend, and the happiness we bring to others.

Oh, and let us not forget that we, as the incarnation of Santa Claus in our own right, do have one more thing in common with the jolly legend—our love for cookies!  Indeed, embracing our inner Santa means recognizing that, just like the fabled figure, we too can't resist the delightful charm of cookies (and maybe a glass of milk to wash them down). It's a lighthearted nod to our shared identity as Santas-in-disguise, united by a spirit of kindness and our unapologetic fondness for cookies. "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," and it turns out, he might just look like you and me.

OPINIONS AND STATEMENTS HEREIN ARE STRICTLY THOSE OF THE AUTHOR