My mother-in-law just sent me two Decorah Journal newspaper clippings. One was published in 1970, the other 10 years later in 1980. The first letter was written by a sweet 4-year-old boy, thinking not just of himself but of his three younger brothers as well….It reads: Dear Santa, My name is Michael and I am four years old. I would like a road grader and an end loader. Mark would like a table and chairs and Lincoln logs. Keith would like a takeapart truck. My little brother Stephen is one year old. He would like a See-n-Say. There will be milk and cookies for you on Christmas Eve.”
Michael Holthaus
I am guessing my husband Michael’s mom, Mary Ellen, had a hand in his spelling and she probably baked the cookies used in the bribe too. I love that there is not a battery operated electronic device anywhere on the list. As you can also tell by the letter my in-laws had four boys in four years. Their family picture really did look like a step ladder of kids.
Ten years later the paper ran a letter from another Holthaus child.
“Dear Santa, I am trying to be a good girl. For Christmas I would like a My Bobble Baby, a backpack and a Mattel Stroller. I have four brothers, please bring them something too. I will have milk and cookies for you.
Love, Beth Holthaus
Again the cookie bribe…. smile…. but thinking about her four older brothers in her letter was a nice touch, don’t you think?
Beth “Ann” Margaret was about 6 when she wrote this letter. (Her name is really Beth Margaret but I like to add the “Ann.” I think it has a nice Hollywood ring to it.)
My family celebrates the coming of Santa every year. Christmas morning each person spending Christmas with us has a “Santa” bag filled with treats and treasures waiting under the Christmas tree. It adds to the holiday excitement and fun. Do you think if I get my letter in the mail soon Santa elves will have time to make me a self-cleaning Easy Bake oven? Peace and Joy to you!
Believe in love.
Believe in magic.
Believe in Santa Claus.
Believe in others.
Believe in yourself.
Believe in your dreams.
If you don’t, who will?
Jon Bon Jovi
Taste of Home columnist Sandy (Anderson) Holthaus lives on a farm in South Haven, MN with her husband, Michael, and their children Zoe, Jack and Ben. Her heart remains on the North Shore where she grew up with her parents, Art and LaVonne Anderson of Schroeder. She enjoys writing about her childhood and mixes memories with delicious helpings of home-style recipes.
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