Solo Mom: The sweetest thing

Almost teary eyed, my little girl asked me “Mommy, if Santa brings presents for all of the good girls and boys, who brings presents for moms as great as you?”

I, of course, told her that she and my son ARE the greatest gifts I could ask for, but she wasn’t buying it. She’s 6, after all, and every kid her age loves presents.

When she sat on Santa’s lap, I heard her ask for a gift for me - specifically, a locket, so that I could carry her and her brother close to my heart at all times. She carefully printed at the bottom of her wish list for Santa, the same request, adding many “pleases” and “thank yous” to ensure a positive response.

On Christmas day, there was a beautiful bag under the tree, noticeably different from the other Santa gifts. In it was a card, a letter, from Mrs. Claus, and two boxes. The letter explained that Santa was far too busy delivering presents to all the good children (there are so many!) to possibly recognize moms as well. But, because she had been so thoughtful, and so sweet, Mrs. Claus herself had to step in, just this once, and accommodate my daughter’s request.

One box contained a locket for me, of course, which now holds a photo of each of my children and is almost always hanging around my neck.

The other contained a “wish locket” for my daughter. Instead of photos, it holds wishes, written on “magical” slips of paper. When you wear your wish close to your heart, it’s bound to come true, of course.

Apparently Mrs. Claus is a bit sympathetic to us single moms. She sure has a lot of elves to care for!