What Santa wants for Christmas is something all of us should want

Dear editor:

Santa came to our town again this year, and I had the privilege to talk to him for a few minutes.

Santa told me he always loves to come to Mountain Home and ride the fire truck. This year was especially fun as the Junior High Cheer Team cheered Santa and the truck along all the way to the park! So, thanks to the firemen and the cheer team for helping Santa have so much fun. The parade was fantastic with a lot of friendly faces!

Santa did mention that sometimes he hears things that are a little sad. Last year, a little girl wanted only to see her mom, who was away getting help from the state to help her be a better mom. This year, a small girl asked only to have her dad home from the war. And another child wanted only world peace because receiving presents is not what Christmas is really all about.

This gave me something to think about, so I asked Santa what he would like for Christmas. He said he would be happy if the children didn't have to grow up. He would like it if they could just stay young and innocent. Then maybe we wouldn't have such a need of more jails and wars. We could focus more on the wonderment of the Christmas season and share joy, love, happiness and world peace.

That sounds wonderful to me. Put my name down on the list for the same things Santa wants. I hope to talk to that jolly old man again soon.

Willie Heckathorn