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In 1897 eight year old Virginia O'Hanlon sent a much republished letter to the now defunct New York Sun, asking if there was really a Santa Clause.  The editorial response, written by Francis Pharcellus, has become a Christmas staple for over a century. Let's suppose, as our world has changed over the last 120 years, that Santa wrote The Sun, airing his doubts, and what the Editorial response would be.

Dear NY Sun Editor:

As I sit here at the North Pole, watching the events of the world transpire daily, I often ask Mrs. Claus if I've outlived my time, if there are no longer Virginias who need my presence, if the strife of the world is so great that one Jolly old guy and eight tiny reindeer with a magical sleigh and jingling bells can no longer assuage their fears and worries.  Mrs. Claus gently reminded me of what Virginia's father said, "if you see it in the Sun, it's so", why not ask them? So, while I fully realize that the Sun's presses have been silent for nearly three quarters of a century, and that much-read Editor is certainly reigning over the great newsroom in the sky, some things, good things, live on forever in our hearts and minds, so I'm asking now, are there any Virginias left, with their child's wonder and hope? Should I spend Christmas Eve in the recliner, sharing hot chocolate with Mrs. Claus, the reindeer snug in their stable enjoying carefully baled Alfalfa hay, the workshop never to make a toy again, the Elves comfy in their retirement?

Signed, Santa Claus

Dearest Santa;

Thank you for your confidence in The Sun, and the opportunity to assure you that, indeed, there are still many, no millions, of Virginias, Sallys, Sams, Johns, Billys and uncounted other children who do still need you and your joyous "Ho, Ho, Ho"! While the world has changed in the 123 years since Virginia sent us her question, so many things have stayed the same.  Even though children are surrounded by pandemics, wars, terrorism, storms and natural disasters, they retain than wondrous ability to hope for the rainbow after the storm, the snowmen after the blizzard, the new life growing after the forest fire, the joy of seeing friends and grandparents after isolation.  That childlike ability to see the silver lining is what enables them  to survive the strife of events and to grow and prosper into positive adults who truly believe there is hope beyond adversity. While the trials of life have vastly changed, the joy of hoping for better things ahead has not diminished. The anticipation and joys of awaiting Christmas morning to see what you've left them will never abate! The hope of a glimpse of that sleigh and Rudolph's nose in the night sky, the possibility of the faintest jingle of sleigh bells wafting from behind a passing cloud, and imagined(?) "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas" echoing across the landscape from above--all the seeds of hope and joy that grow in children's hearts and minds! These things will never become outdated Mr. Clause, nor will they ever be unneeded! Rest assured that your hot chocolate with Mrs. Claus must wait until Christmas day, the reindeer need to continue to brave the night skies to pull the jingling sleigh, and the Elves still need to keep the workshop humming, as there will always be Virginias, and they will always need the hope and anticipation you bring each and every Christmas Eve, now and into the future! The wish lists are probably different, fewer sugar plums and wooden trains and more electronic marvels or dolls of newly famous stars, but the need for anticipation and reward are still there! So, Santa, we unanimously opine that you are still needed as there are still Virginias and you will remain a valued part of Children's hearts for generations of children to come.

Sincerely,

The New York Sun 

PS:  Ho, Ho, Ho, and a Merry Christmas to all!!