Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

Your magic is universally inspiring. Thank you for all you’ve done to light up the hearts of so many throughout the world. Because of your benevolence, humanity is filled with a spirit of generosity for a few weeks each year. Homes get decorated with joy and filled with laughter. Thoughts turn to those less fortunate. Feasts are shared. Gifts are given with wild abandon. It’s a whirlwind of love (most of the time).

I only have one thing on my wish list this year, Santa. The greatest gift you could give me is to remove all the names from your Naughty and Nice list. I know this is a monumental ask of you and so I’m willing to provide some on-the-ground support to help...like a human-sized elf!

I recognize it’s a tradition to unroll the long, ancient scroll and scan the names.  I realize it’s your go-to question when you and your helpers work the malls throughout the country. Please know that I understand this all originated from a place of helpfulness; a pervasive seed you could plant that would help parents, throughout the year, but especially the weeks leading up to your much-anticipated arrival.

Santa, I know you love all the children, all throughout the land. That’s why I’m asking this of you. You see, there have been studies showing children aren’t equipped to handle the pressure of being categorized or labeled, even if it’s a positive label.  Parents also start to view their children through these polar opposite lens’ and develop a conditioned belief system based on this one concept: is their child naughty or nice?  Through my work with parents, I help them understand that all behavior is just the nervous system’s way of communicating.

In addition, children’s desire to make it onto your Nice List is driven by fear and, Santa, I know you don’t want children to be scared of you.  Sometimes kids just have hard moments.  Instead of sending children to the Naughty List or threatening that they’ll get lumps of coal in their stockings, we parent coaches teach families about developmentally appropriate life skills instead.

I don’t mean to be a grinch, Santa.  I know you’ve loaded up the sleigh already, but hopefully the elves can quickly throw in a few extra goodies. My one wish is one to lift up humanity and ultimately expand upon your intention for the season. I’ll carry the spirit of Christmas forward, all throughout the year, as I empower parents to build more connection in their relationships with their children.

Merry Christmas to you and safe travels to you and the reindeer tonight.

Peace and love,

~Amy