December 15th, 1990
Dear Daddy,
I went Christmas shopping today with Mommy!
We went to the mall, and I picked out gifts for everyone, even you, Daddy! I can't say what I got you, though, because it's a secret. I got Maddie some blue sparkly nail polish. I bought Grandma Joan a picture frame, and Mommy's going to put a picture of me in it and send it to her! For Grandpa Jackson, I got a mug that says "World's Best Grandpa" on it. I also found Mommy's present. It took me a long time, but I found her this really pretty necklace. It's gold and has sparkly crystals in it, and it looks like it was made just for Mommy! It'll look just perfect with that green dress that she wore on Thanksgiving! I really hope she likes it!
I also helped Mommy pick out her gifts, too! It took her a long time, but that's okay, since she bought me a soft pretzel and a drink because I was being "so very patient."
While we were at the mall, I went to see Santa. I told Mommy that I didn't want to see Santa, because I know he's not real, and I'm too old for Santa anyway! Mommy said she's gotten a picture with me and him every year since I was a teeny-tiny baby, and that she wanted one last picture of me and him. She promised that this was probably going to be last picture she would make me take with Santa. Finally, I agreed. After standing in line for forever, I went up and sat with Santa. Before the picture lady took the picture, he asked me what I wanted for Christmas. He asked me if I wanted a puppy or kitten, or maybe a shiny new bike or scooter, like everyone else. I whispered in his ear and said that I knew he wasn't really Santa Claus, but that all I wanted for Christmas was for all the fighting overseas to stop, so my daddy and a lot of other people's daddies could be at home for Christmas. He paused for a moment, and then told me he hoped my wish would come true, because his son was over in Iraq, too, and his two grandchildren weren't going to have their daddy with during Christmas either. Then, the picture lady told me to smile and took the picture. Santa's elf gave me a lollipop, and then I walked back over to Mommy. She asked me what I asked Santa for. When I told her, she gave me a big hug and told me how proud she was of me. She said she hoped my wish came true, too.
I hope you can come home for Christmas, Daddy! I really want to see you open your present! I love and miss you a lot!
Love,
Kelly
A/N: Thanks for reading! Wishing y'all a very merry Christmas season! :)