Hi. Remember me? It’s been a long time. I sure hope you haven’t forgotten me. I still remember you.

I’ve been thinking about you a lot these days. I’ve been wondering how you and your lovely wife are doing. And I’ve been wondering if life still is the same for you as it was when you and I had those late-night talks 40 years ago.

Remember the time I actually saw you? You and your reindeer sure were moving fast! Do you remember the time that my brother made me an offer I couldn’t refuse? You know, that was the night he and I huddled on the stairway and he said he’d tell me if you were real, if I would tell him what Grandma bought him for Christmas.

Do you remember that? Those were the days.

Well, Santa, I know you’re busy. So I might was well get to the point.

Like you, Santa, I have a list. And because I’m a journalist, my list is filled with questions.

What I’d really like to know, Santa dear, is if you still make your own toys. Or do you jump online, type in a credit card number and wait for the UPS truck?

And, Santa, are you still partial to milk and cookies? Or are you more into fancy coffee and dreamy cheesecake these days? Or would your rather snack on fruits and vegetables because you’re worried about your cholesterol count?

Is Mrs. Claus still in your life? Oh Santa, tell me those nasty rumors about her working outside the home aren’t true.

Are you paying those elves well, giving them stock in the company? You can’t be too careful, Santa, about keeping good employees during these days of low unemployment.

What about those reindeer? Is Rudolph still your main man? Or are his knees going, after all of those tricky landings and take offs?

And what about those little boys and girls? Do you still know if they’re naughty or nice? And does it matter to you, still? I hope so.

Gosh, Santa, I hope you don’t mind all of my queries. It’s just that we haven’t talked for a long time, and I’ve lost track of what’s happening with you.

After that conversation with my brother those many years ago, I was a little embarrassed to even try to talk with you. I thought you might be upset that I doubted your existence.

Now that I’m all grown up and know better than to trust older brothers, I hope you’ll forgive me.

I’ve hung my stocking above the fireplace. If you get time to swing by the house Friday night, I’d appreciate it if you would slip a few answers into my stocking. We hung them with care, of course in alphabetical order this year. Mine is the second from the right.

I hope you don’t have to be out too late on Friday. Give my best to Mrs. Claus, the elves and the reindeer. I miss you all.

Your friend,

Caroline