This is Sue from over on Clairidge Court in Montclair, NJ--you remember; you brought me a Deluxe Barbie Townhouse when I was six—except I don't live on Clairidge court anymore, but close by, in Verona. Oh, and I'm not six; I'm over 40.

I'm writing because I want you to know that I believe in you again, and I'm feeling badly because I realize how awful it must make you feel when people like me get "too old" to believe in Santa. Yet I'm guessing that your disappointment is not so much for yourself but for adults like me who lose their sense of childlikeness and magic, and, with them, their experience of surprise, joy and trust.

My revived belief in you has not come from my memory of you. I realized this week, that I never stopped believing in you. I see you in everyone that I meet. I see you in the compassion of strangers. I see you in the generosity of loving, selfless souls. I see you at the horizon on the ocean. I see you up in the stars. I see you the first day it snows. I see you in the smile of my closest friend. I see you in the eyes of my 10 year old nephew - reminding me of a world that I once knew so deeply - a world where reindeer fly and wishes come true, a world of surprise, joy, gentleness and love. I realized I'm not going to just wait until Christmas eve to reenter this world of enchantment. For 2009, I'm going to make it my intention to share my message, that, "I still believe in you! Santa." No matter how many people are untrue, no matter how many problems the world faces, no matter how many days the sun doesn't come out - I will see all challenges as opportunities for transformation that will result in "Believing in Miracles, Believing in Myself, Believing in Others and Believing in a life filled with Kindness, Peace and Love."

Thank you, Santa, for giving me the most important gift of all - the gift of hope.

So, Santa, don't forget the milk and cookies will be waiting. (I put extra sugar in them for you - please don't tell my mother)

With Lots of Love, Sue

( Loving The Life You Live! is scheduled for this Friday, December 26th at 6pm - register at www.SueWaldman.com)