Dear Santa,

My grandma moved to a new home this year. It’s something called assisted living. I miss her. She doesn’t live close enough for me to ride my bike over to see her anymore. Can you help me find the perfect gift for her, Santa? I want her to know how much I love her.

Thank you, Santa.

Love,
Cindy

Dear Cindy,

I’m sure your grandma knows that you love her, but a little reminder here and there helps, especially when she lives some distance from you. Let me see if I can help you.

Mrs. Claus and I, as you know, live at the North Pole. We’ve noticed that each year we get a little older we feel the cold a little more. We’ve talked about moving to the tropics, but decided that it would be difficult to move our entire operation from the traditional location. Our family and friends are here, you know.

I like the lapghan Mrs. Claus made for me. When I sit down to make a list and check it twice, I like to sit in my recliner, prop up my feet and cover up with that lapghan to warm me from the outside in. And I enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa, too, while I’m reading. Or sometimes a cup of hot herbal tea. It warms me from the inside out.

Yes, Cindy, I don’t just read my lists. I read newspapers that keep me informed about the places I’ve been and the people I know. I like to read some of the books that are published every year. I can’t read all of them, but I can read my favorite writers and sometimes a new one in a favorite genre.

And, you know, I get letters and cards from a lot of kids from age one to 92. It’s nice to get those cards and letters. Sometimes it’s just thank yous for gifts I’ve delivered. Sometimes it’s letters to chat. Other times it’s letters like yours, Cindy, asking for help for someone else.

Everyone doesn’t have a lot of money to spend on presents and that makes them feel real bad. But Cindy, some of the best presents don’t cost very much. Some cost nothing at all.

You can write to your grandma several letters a month, maybe once a week or so. Talk to her about what’s going on in your life. Tell her about your activities like band, sports, dance classes, and so on. Tell her about your pet and the funny things that happen. And don’t forget to tell her that you love her.

You can create “art” to send to her, and don’t forget to send photographs of you, your family and you with your friends. She will share those with her neighbors and friends at her new home. Grandmas like to brag about their grandchildren.

Some things that grandparents appreciate are: hand and body lotions, a warm sweater or cardigan, socks, slippers, shampoo. Since they may not be able to get out to buy things for themselves, it helps when someone else can get these things for them.

Some grandparents get forgetful as they age. They may not remember their family members. They still need love.

If you can visit in person, you could visit as often as possible. If transportation is a problem, maybe you can talk to Mom and Dad and ask if they can help.

When you really get stumped about a gift to give your grandma, ask her if there’s something special she’d like to have or something that she needs. You might ask her caregivers for suggestions of things that she needs or wants.

Sometimes it takes a team effort to find the right gift. But the time it takes to find out is also an expression of love.

Best wishes, Cindy. Thanks for your letter. I hope I’ve helped.

Love,
Santa