Dear Santa,

Clara's letters to Santa are always a bit scary. No matter how many times we read about the Whos down in Whoville, giftless and singing, she still wants stuff. Tons of stuff.
Last year's letter greedily listed a dozen or so overpriced items, but at least it was padded by some niceties about Santa's cookie preferences and inquiries as to the health of the reindeer.

This year, after starting with a very cordial, "Merry Christmas", Clara showed her true almost-8-year-oldness and went to town with a list the size of Texas (inversely proportionate to the size of Santa's budget). There was barely room for a signature by the time she was done requesting. I insisted that she continue writing on the back and try to make her letter a bit more balanced, which she did, but I'm definitely feeling the need to help both Clara and Trevi find the joy in giving as well as getting. So that's my assignment for December.