Dear Santa,

In a few more days it will be Christmas. You must be really busy along with your little elves and Mrs. Claus, 'making a list and checking it twice...' You must be having loads and loads of gifts to deliver to the little ones all over the world on Christmas eve at the stroke of midnight. And, I am sure the children are eagerly awaiting your arrival, because whether they are 'naughty or nice', you try not to disappoint them.

To most of the little children who are still too young to dwell upon the spiritual significance of Christmas, the magic of the season is you, Santa. You, with your snowy white beard, twinkling eyes, merry old-face and jolly laughter, never fail to bring a smile to their lips and a sparkle to their eyes.

This Christmas I want to ask you to bring lots of special gifts for the children in our country. They are priceless I know, but you will be more than generous in obliging my humble request. The biggest gift I want you to bring is the 'gift of love' wrapped in warmth and tied with ribbons of tenderness and care. Santa, you and I both know how much little children need to be loved and cherished. But alas, many a child is silently suffering because they have been deprived of it. The orphaned, abandoned and the abused are all yearning for a little love, a gentle touch and a kind word, but people are too busy in this micro-chip world to even listen to their pleas. So, if you bring a huge, huge, huge box full of love, there'll be enough to shower upon all the sad and lonely little children, especially in orphanages, on the streets and shelters, this Christmas. Don't you think it will be wonderful to see the twinkle in your eyes reflected in theirs? Yes... it sure will be the magic of Christmas!

Then dear Santa, I like you to bring the all important 'gift of peace', enveloped in sweet harmony. Even though peace has dawned in our motherland, many live without peace in their hearts and minds. Your precious gift will help put a song of peace in their hearts and teach them to live in harmony with everyone, like one big family. As Baby Jesus was born to spread the message of love and peace on Earth, these gifts are truly what you should bring.

Well, Santa there is more - Perhaps I'm being like Oliver Twist, but these are all what we really, really need today. I know you have plenty of space in your ever expanding sack to add the gifts of goodwill and cheer, joy and laughter, health and wealth too to my list.

However, don't miss out on the toys for the children from your wonderful toy factory in Lapland. Thank you for your generous gifts Santa. May you have a jolly time on your rounds. Happy Christmas to you too!

- Miru

P.S.Don't forget to sprinkle some Christmas magic before you leave.