Dear Abby: A few years ago at Christmas time, I helped Santa Claus by filling in for him at a small shopping mall. Spared the long assembly line of children in large malls, I was able to enjoy spontaneous visits with teenagers and adults, as well as tots bearing lists of toys.
A pair of teenage boys ran up, gave me a hug and a grin, and asked me to bring them motorcycles. After a brief chat, they walked away chuckling – pleased with their visit with St. Nick.
A bright and happy 3 1/2-year-old girl sat on my lap and chattered constantly, asking questions and answering mine. Finally, she looked me in the eye and said, “I thought you were fake. You’re real!” Her doubts removed, I’m sure she had a magical Christmas.
A young father, all alone, paid the elf photographer for one picture and said, “I don’t have custody of my children but want to show them a picture of you and me shaking hands.” When he received the finished photo, he looked at it and mouthed, “Thank you,” and departed.
However, my most emotional visit was with three teen girls. The first one giggled and asked me for a sports car. The second topped her by asking for a mansion. The last girl whispered in my ear, “I’d like a job for my father.” As they walked away, the last one refused to answer her friends’ question, “What did you ask Santa for?” Her profound request was between her and Santa, who was overcome with emotion.
I truly believe her father found a job because, you see, that night Santa prayed that he would.
– Robert
Dear “Robert-Claus”: Your letter touched my heart. Your prayer embodies the true spirit of Christmas, and I hope you and your family are enjoying this special day. And to my Christian readers: a very merry Christmas to you all.
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Dear Abby: My mother is a talented artist, and my sister and I love to give her creations as gifts to family and friends. My sister and I have purchased these gifts – albeit at a discount – but money is exchanged and the gifts are from us.
Our problem: Often the people receiving the gifts assume that we did not pay for them. Sometimes they have even said, “Thank your mother for me.” How should this be handled so the recipient knows we were the givers and not the artist who made the work – who “happens” to be our mom?
– Jessica
Dear Jessica: When they say, “Thank your mother for me,” tell them the gift came from you and not from her. It should not be necessary to explain further.
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Dear Abby: I am going to a conference in a city where an old flame lives. I haven’t seen him in nearly 10 years. I am considering looking him up, but now I’m questioning my motives. I’m single, and don’t know what his status is. I don’t expect a reconciliation, but the idea to give him a call popped into my head – and then I got nervous. I would love to see him. Have you any advice?
– Tempted
Dear Tempted: Yes. Call him! You are single, and if he is too, it could be a new beginning for both of you. Ask him to lunch so you can both catch up on what has happened in the past decade. If it turns out he’s married, invite his wife along. Who knows? You might make a new friend who could introduce you to “Mr. Right.”
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write to DearAbby.
com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
