Dear Santa

In this house, we don't celebrate Christmas. Upon being asked her favorite Christmas song, if she's excited for Santa to come to her house, the Mad Hatter has always given a very poised and adorable answer of "Actually (actu-a-wee), Santa doesn't come to my house because I celebrate Hanukkah!". She is very proud of this statement (as are her parents), and often astounds adults with her immediate, clear, and eloquent response. You know, being so little and all. And the fact that some of them actually ask her who will be coming to her house instead.

However.

This has not stopped her from having a slight obsession with Santa this year.

If I'm correct, Christmas was actually 4 days ago.

For the last 2 days I have been listening, non-stop, to a medley of Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (a la The Boss, complete with the accompaniment of her sunshine drum), and Jingle Bells.

Did you know how much fun it is to ride in a "one-arm oaken" sleigh?

Apparently, very.

Yesterday, I was on the phone when she walked in with a piece of paper - all decked out in glittery stickers, smiley faces, and "words" she'd written. The words did not look familiar, but her name at the bottom was perfect.

"Mommy, can you please mail this to Santa for me?"

"Sweetie, uh, Santa doesn't come to our house. Why would we send him something? Besides, Christmas is already over."

"Mom. It's a thank you note - I want to thank him for coming to my preschool. It was really nice of him."

Well. At least I've taught her a thing or two about manners.

Still a bit stunned, I told her I wasn't sure what Santa's address was. Her answer?

"Just ask one of my teachers, mommy. Of course they know what it is! Or you could just look it up on the internet!"

I'll get right on it.

And for the record, after yesterday's stunt with Mommy's pashmina and your hair clips, don't be waiting for Santa to visit our house next year either!