Dear Santa,

I realize that once again, I am putting this letter off until the last minute. But I hope you’ll forgive me when you realize that the only reason I’m writing you is that this year, I’m letting you off the hook.

With the way the economy has been going these past few months, I have found myself more and more realizing just how truly lucky I am. I have a good job, that I enjoy, and coworkers that I like. I have a house I adore, and a beautiful new kitchen that is more than I ever dreamed. The cats are all healthy and happy; even the ones with issues seem to be improving year by year (case in point – this morning I trimmed Checkers’ claws and for the first time since we adopted her not only was there no screeching and a minimum of flailing, there was also no bloodshed, on the part of either of us. Does this count as a Christmas miracle?I think it does!).

And so there is really nothing much that I want from you this year. I’ve already received some of the best sorts of presents already. A week in Seattle with my whole family for Thanksgiving. An evening singing Christmas carols (deliberately, badly, off key) over videochat with my little sister and my niece. Reuniting, through the power of the internet, with dear friends from years past. Time spent with family and with friends. How do you top any of that with something wrapped in paper and sparkly bows, placed under the tree?

So this year, Santa, go ahead and focus on bringing things to other people who really need them, like jobs, and refinanced mortgages, and an eternal supply of empty pens in the White House (at least for the next few weeks) so that this horrible administration can not sign into law any more damage before they are finally, thankfully replaced. This year, I’m quite content with what I have.

Sincerely,

Jenipurr

(P.S. Of course, if you do happen to run across a spare small, housebroken, fire breathing dragon that is in need of a home, well, I certainly wouldn’t say no.)

Tis the season for Holidailies!