Dear Santa,

I’ve written so many letters to you over the years, but this year I’m stumped. Oh, Santa. I don’t know what to ask for this year. There are plenty of things I’d like to have, but fortunately, there is nothing that I really need, not materially anyway.

I know I’ve said it before, but I’d like time. Like actual productive time where I got some stuff done. I’ve had all my boxes unpacked for a while, but not every item has found a home yet. I’d like to have the determination to get stuff properly organized instead of complaining about being so scattered.

I think it’s great that you have your elves to help you make toys, and I think I’d like one too. Not one of those creepy elves that are on a shelf, but an elf that can help me cook, do the dishes, fold and put up my clothes. My lack of free time and energy have made it hard to do any of these activities and it’s really taking its toll on my place.

Another thing I’ve always wanted is to travel the world. I’d love to explore countries and historical cities from east to west and north to south. From oceans to mountains and beyond, I’d like to witness the sights, sounds and tastes of the world around us.

Come to think of it, it looks like I just want to be you. You travel the world, have lots of helpers, get to make people’s holiday a little brighter and eat a lot of cookies along the way. Does your job come with benefits?

But Santa, I really don’t want to make this letter about me. I have a few things I wish for people everywhere, and I’m hoping you can help me out Santa.

• I’ll be Home for Christmas, If Only in My Dreams

I wish everyone was able to spend time with their loved ones this holiday season. Just one day of peace and togetherness with no fights and no outside distractions.

• O Come all Ye Faithful

I wish people’s hearts will be drawn to attend a worship service this holiday. Vicksburg has many to offer and hopefully those who don’t normally attend will open their hearts to a church family.

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.

Santa I know you know a little magic so you can get around the world in one night, and I feel like maybe you could help spread Christmas cheer throughout the year. Offering a kind word can completely change people’s attitudes. It’s the little things that can really brighten someone’s day. Just offering a helping hand to your neighbor, a person broken down on the side of the road or visiting a housebound person. I think it’s nice to offer someone else something with nothing expected in return.

At the church I attended Sunday, the preacher spoke about giving and receiving. His message was that as much as the holiday season is about giving, it’s even more so about receiving. Although we like to give, as we should, there is value in receiving a gift and not feeling like we have to reciprocate that gift. There is a vulnerability in receiving, which we should accept, instead of always trying to take the power of giving.

• Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let it Begin with Me

I sure would like peace on earth. It’d be great to alleviate the fear and hatred among people these days. I want this country to stay civilized and not tear each other’s heads off during this election year. I’d like for us to learn how to compromise and not be so extreme on one side or the other. The middle ground is typically the highest ground.

• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I wish everyone a joyous holiday. I wish all those who have suffered unimaginable pain or loss can manage it and continue through life as happy as possible. I wish those who are incredibly blessed to count those blessings and not take them for granted.

Oh and Santa, we’d also really appreciate a photographer to join our family here at The Post.

Love, Alana