Santa, why didn’t you bring what I asked for last Christmas?

Ah, a very common question for Santa. Actually, much thought goes into what Santa brings you for Christmas. And, it can be very confusing for children when Santa does not leave what they asked for. 

Did Santa not get my letter? Was I on the Naughty List? Were there not enough toys at the Workshop?  The true answer to why you do not get the gift you asked for can sometimes be a little complicated. It might be best explained by telling you a little story:

As I sat in my cozy workshop reviewing the long list of Christmas wishes sent by children all over the world, a particular child was on my mind. The elves were bustling all around me – wrapping presents, polishing sleigh bells, and double-checking the Nice List. But my eyes were fixed on one particular letter – a request from a little boy named Oliver.

Oliver’s letter was simple. He wanted only one thing: the newest, fastest, and most expensive gaming console.

I stroked my beard thoughtfully. I knew Oliver had been a good boy all year – helping his little sister, being kind to his friends, and always saying “please” and “thank you.” But, I also knew something Oliver didn’t include in his letter. Oliver’s parents were worried. They had written their own note to Santa explaining that Oliver spent too much time alone in his room, playing games and missing out on time with family.

I leaned back in my chair listening to the faint jingling of sleigh bells outside. I had a decision to make. I wanted Oliver to have a wonderful Christmas but sometimes the best gifts are not the ones children ask for – they were the ones they truly needed.

After some thought, I called over my Head Elf, Sparklebell. “Let’s get Oliver something different this year.” “A gift that will bring him joy but also bring him closer to his family.”

Sparklebell’s eyes twinkled with curiosity. “What do you have in mind, Santa?”

“A board game set – one filled with adventure, mystery, and fun challenges,” I said with a smile. “Something he can play with his parents and his sister. And let’s add a special note.”

That night, as I flew across the sky in my sleigh, I stopped at Oliver’s house and placed the carefully chosen gift under the tree. Tucked inside the box was a small handwritten note:

Dear Oliver,
Sometimes the best moments aren’t on a screen but shared with those who love you. Merry Christmas!
Love, Santa.

On Christmas morning, Oliver tore open his gift expecting the console. His face fell for a moment but then he read the note. He looked up at his little sister, who was already excitedly opening the game box, and then at his parents who smiled warmly. Maybe Santa was right.

That evening, laughter filled the living room as Oliver, his sister, and their parents played together for hours. It wasn’t the gift he had asked for but it turned out to be the best Christmas he had ever had.

And far away in the North Pole, I smiled knowing that I had made the right choice.

As you may now see, a lot of thought goes into what Santa does with your Wish List. Santa also works with parents, teachers, coaches and many others to make sure gifts are just right. And, Santa loves the magic of surprise. Sometimes, I bring gifts that might turn out to be even better than what you originally wanted.