Yes, Katie, there is a Santa Claus

This past week Katie, my eight-year-old daughter, accidently opened a package that had a Christmas present enclosed from Santa Claus. I thought it was her annual Christmas ornament. (D’oh! on my part).

I’ve always known that one day the big Santa question would come; I had no idea that I would be the cause of her beliefs to be brought into question as a result of a simple mistake on my part. Immediately she asked, "Papa, there's really a Santa Claus, right?” I did what any holiday loving parent would do and said yes. As it turns out her best friend had been telling her that it wasn't true.

I asked Katie to tell me what she really thought about Santa Claus. She said it didn't matter what her friend said, she still believed in Santa Claus. I was reminded that her strong belief even after seeing evidence contrary to what we have been telling her is what really keeps us all going even as adults—believing in something bigger than ourselves, even when it seems so illogical or unseenable.

As we all celebrate the holidays I want to remind you of one of my favorite letters written to the editor at the The New York Sun by another eight-year-old girl, Virginia O'Hanlon, who had her belief shaken. Take a moment and read Virginia’s letter “Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus”.

Whatever your belief, religion or tradition, we at Moiré Marketing Partners would like to extend our deepest thanks to our clients that have supported us this past year. And we look forward to working with you in 2010. Happy Holidays to all.