“Santa, it’s so good to see you again!” said the little girl skipping up to the big red velvet chair. “I’ve been waiting all year to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, little one.  Have you been a good girl this year?”

“I’ve tried, Santa.  But it’s hard to be good all of the time.  It seems like I forget how to be good when I’m not thinking about Christmas.  When I’m waiting for Christmas Eve, I’m good to everyone, and it’s easy to be joyful in my heart.  But when I get caught up in my day-to-day life all of that good feeling is taken over by the worries and frustrations that the world throws at me.”

“Do you hold Christmas in your heart all year?”

“Don’t be silly, Santa.  Christmas only comes in December.  I can’t celebrate Christmas every day of the year.”

“Maybe not but you can keep the spirit of the season alive in your heart every day.  Imagine that you take the feelings you have at Christmas – that spirit of caring, of happiness, of giving – and felt it every day.  What would that be like? “

“Oh, that would be wonderful, Santa.  I’m always so excited and happy at Christmas!  I love my family and friends so much, and I love to give to the red kettle and gifts to kids who need them.  But we aren’t supposed to do that all year, are we?  That’s something that we only do in December.”

“December is the month that we decided to give gifts. You can decide – everyone can decide – that they want to keep and show that spirit every day.  People need our time, talent and treasure every day – not just for a couple of weeks in December.  Our family and friends need our love.  Those who are less fortunate need to eat good food, wear warm clothes, and have the opportunities to improve their lives every day.  Everyone should keep that spirit of caring throughout the year.  It would make the world an even better place.  Life is so wonderful – our community is so great – that we should all look for every opportunity to help someone who is in need.  It will make our community better, and make us all feel a spark of Christmas spirit any time we want to.”

“Oh, I would love that, Santa!  That would be so wonderful to bring out the best in people like you do.  How can I do that?  Will you stay with me all year, to help me keep that spirit?”

“You don’t need me, little one.  I am only here for a season, but you can find that spirit any time.  It’s in your heart.  All you need is to care about others, to be happy, to want life to be good for everyone.  The spirit of Christmas is inside you and you can show it every day of your life.  That will make you feel as special and magical as this season, all year long.” 

Wouldn’t it be great, if we could all keep the spirit of Christmas inside us all year, and share it with everyone we meet?

In this most charitable time of the year, remember that people still need your time, treasure and talent every day.

Best wishes to all in the New Year from the United Way of Sheboygan County staff and volunteers.