This is what Grayson left Santa…

 And this was the letter that Santa left Grayson…

 Dear Grayson,

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! Merry First Christmas! We have all been anxious to meet you! I hope you don’t mind, but while you were sleeping I took a picture of you on my i-phone. I showed it to the reindeer on your roof and texted it to Mrs. Santa. They are all delighted that we will be stopping at your house for a very long time.

Oh, I almost forgot. This being your very first Christmas I need to explain why I was on your roof and in your house in the middle of the night. It’s because Christmas Eve us a very special night, all about a little baby a lot like you. That baby was a gift from God, as are you. He was part of God’s plan, as are you. He was also God himself, born into the world in order to save it.

That’s what all the fuss is about- the lights, music, food, visitors, and an overweight gentleman in a red suit. If there had been no Christ Child, there would be nothing to celebrate. Because He came to live among us, we have everything to celebrate, every day, every year. So, on His birthday we are all a bit over the top. You will be too, as soon as you understand that many of those colorful boxes under the tree have your name on them!

That’s where I come in. God gave us all a gift that we did not deserve and could never afford. On that first Christmas day all the world woke up to find it. So I have dedicated my life to helping people remember that Greatest Gift when they wake up and find my surprises.

This has been a very big year for your family. I know these things because your Mom and Dad have been on my Christmas Eve route for many years. First they celebrated the news that you were coming, then a new house, then the big day when you were born, and now your first Christmas!

To which I say it’s about time! I used to bring your Mom and Dad really cool stuff like Cabbage Patch dolls (check the history books), trucks, smoking robots and even tents! Now they are into boring stuff like lotion and wallets. With you here to liven up the house, the elves and I are excited to bring lots of stuff that will drive your Mom and Dad crazy. (When they say “We don’t deserve this”, remind them that that’s the whole point).

Next year at this time you will probably be walking. That’s good, because your responsibility in this deal is to leave food- sausage, cheese and cookies for me and carrots for the reindeer. You got a free ride this year, but from now on your job is to leave a plate of these goodies near your family’s stockings. My job is to eat them, leaving behind crumbs as evidence- and a note. I would suggest that you save these notes for those times when you doubt that grace and undeserved gifts are not real. I’m here, every year, to tell you that they are.

I need to get going now. Our next stop is Fulshear. I’ll be back next year. Don’t forget the food!

Love,

Santa