“Dear Santa, All I want is to be with my family. Chrismas isn’t about toys and other stuff like that. It’s about being with the people you love. I don’t want anything this year. Except for my grandma to be out of the hospitle. I haven’t seen her in two weeks. She’s down at Pittsburgh. I’m too young to see her. I don’t know why, but I hate it. She’s my life. I don’t want anything to happen to her. Please say your prayers for her. Your friend, Sam.”

Do you remember when your belief in Santa Claus was that strong, when anything was possible, as long as it was written on your Christmas list?

Wednesday’s and today’s issues of Allied News include a couple hundred letters from children, asking Santa to make their fondest wishes come true. Kids are kids, and, as expected, their lists include lots of stuff, from video games to anything Hannah Montana.

The children’s letters always tickle our funny bones. Sam’s sincere letter, however, touched our hearts.

It was among a stack that came from Nancy Moser’s 5th graders at Slippery Rock Elementary, and several other kids showed the same spirit of love. Abbey wished for a relaxing Christmas with no one fighting with each other. Jessica, who signed her letter with “kind regards,” asked for more time with family. Kara requested joy for others and “a good day on Christmas buy spending time with my family.”

Love, peace and joy.

These young people have grasped a life lesson that is rare even for adults. Is it a lesson they learned in school, or is it something they learned at home? Probably it’s a combination.

The best Christmas presents don’t come from Santa’s workshop. They can’t be gift-wrapped.

Sam knows that. I’ll bet Sam’s grandma knows it too.

The best Christmas presents are ones that you can give whether you live in a trailer or a mansion, whether you drive a Pinto or a Hummer, whether your bank account has $1 or $1 million. Everyone has love to give.

We can all learn a lesson of love and faith from Sam. Believe. Sam not only asked Santa for Grandma to get better, but for Santa to pray for her.

That’s a way we all can play Santa this year.

We at Allied News hope everyone’s holiday wishes come true. Especially Sam’s.