I believe in Santa Claus

Dennie Quill, Contributor

I SUSPECT that Santa Claus is very busy right now in preparation for his long journey starting on Christmas Eve, but I wanted to be assured that he had read my email. So, in keeping with the current communication trend, I have sent him reminders via text, Facebook and BBM. After all, isn't that how we connect with each other these days?

Yes, there is lots of magic in Christmas - especially in the form of the iconic bearded, red-and-white-suited fella who sets off from the North Pole with a sleigh full of gifts and makes his way around the world in a single night, bringing joy to the hearts of millions of children.

People infused with holiday joy don't much care about the origins of Santa Claus, even though we know that he evolved from Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop of Smyrna (modern-day Turkey) who lived during the fourth century AD. Fact is, loving, kindness, compassion and caring are all part of the Santa experience. The spirit of Santa is visible in every kind gesture, in every hug, in every crudely wrapped gift, in every Christmas card and in every act of kindness during this magical holiday season.

A need for fantasy

Whether you see Santa as the heart of Christmas celebration or as a diversion from the vagaries of life, the fact is, the Santa tradition is deeply woven into our culture. We know only too well that fantasy is a child's escape from the harsh realities of life. Adults, too, need some fantasy to help them build resilience to the challenges they face each day.

I am hoping that just as how Santa gladdens the hearts of little children, he will make big children like myself happy too. So I have sent him my own wish list this year:

"Santa, what ghastly weather, I can just imagine how tough it will be to make your rounds this Christmas Eve. However, I am confident that you will not let down the scores of people who are eagerly awaiting your arrival.

"First off, I appreciate the fact that you will not reward those who have been good only in the weeks leading up to Christmas, but you usually reserve your gifts for people who have genuinely been good throughout the year.

"Santa, as you are well aware, 21st century Jamaica is not easy for anyone. We are overwhelmed with crime, and societal values have been so eroded that school children are now having sex on buses. The entire moral fibre of society is so frayed that people no longer recognise the difference between right and wrong. Erase the "ah nuh nutten" attitude from our psyche.

Spare us disaster

"You are the gift giver of mega proportions Santa, and I ask that you provide our country with better, creative leadership that can inspire the changes that we need to become a more peaceful and prosperous society.

"Spare us from major disaster in 2011 - we could not negotiate our way out of anything like a major earthquake or hurricane. Then I want you to fill the hearts of the criminals and those who are corrupt, and show them a new way.

"Finally, I ask that you help Jamaica to grow its way out of poverty, so that our beautiful country may become the wonderful place where those in the Diaspora will return to, and where investors will want to put their money, and for all Jamaicans to feel proud and secure as they go about their daily lives.

"Santa, while you are making your rounds, check in with God and urge him to hold Jamaica in a tight embrace for 2011 so that this little rock will prosper. I know you expect no reciprocal gifts and that your joy comes from seeing the delightful smiles of the children when they receive their gifts.

"Dear Santa, please make Jamaica smile once more."

denniequill@hotmail.com