Dear Santa, all I want is ...

Santa, I've run into you several times this season, during parades, in stores and other pre-holiday gatherings with adults and kids. We've chatted briefly but I've never made the time to tell you my Christmas wishes. Since you subscribe to the paper, although it gets to you a few days late up at the North Pole, I'm sharing my requests at this late hour.

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Hopefully, you get to read this before that sleigh is fully loaded. I know what a pain repacking is.

I have yet to put up my tree at home, Santa, but hope to have some simple decorations in place before you visit Dec. 24. I'm not in need of anything for myself, but I would like you to give a little extra care to others in our area who are in need. Maybe some of the many helpers you have will do the same.

It's been a rough year for many families. Lots of bread winners have lost their jobs and that means less money for basic needs such as food and clothing, not to mention gifts under the Christmas tree.

In response to the hardships, lots of people have opened up their hearts and wallets but maybe Santa, in these final days before Christmas, you can work to convince some of the rest of us who haven't helped others, or who can afford to do more, to reach out.

Christmas isn't about spending money, as you know Santa, and there are lots of people who would appreciate the gift of time and cheer this season. I'm thinking of those who live by themselves or in nursing homes. As I'm sure you know, the holidays can be a depressing time for those who feel alone or left out. Those separated from their families also feel blue this time of year.

It's another year of war and separation for many, with mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, serving abroad in desolate, dangerous places. I know you'll be visiting those soldiers and sailors, airmen and Marines later this week. No corner of the world, however, remote, is unknown to you. Another thing, Santa, remind us to pray for those service members and their families and to share our gratitude.

While the year had its ups and downs, I know you've seen even darker times, Santa. War, hardship and want aren't strangers to you, Santa, but neither are love and generosity.

In this season of giving gifts, help remind us that it's not the size or cost of what we give that's important, but the thought that goes behind it. I'll have a cookie or two for you on the kitchen counter, should you happen to wander by. The milk's in the fridge, but check the date to make sure it's still good.

I'm bad about not throwing it out.

Safe travels, Santa.

Work Well Done

Hat's off to Tell City Electric Department for their hard work after a Dec. 11 accident snapped a utility pole on Indiana 66 across from Fifth Third Bank. We featured a story on the accident and driver Thursday.

Electric-department crews worked through the cold night and well into the next morning to make repairs with a new 60-foot pole, all the time keeping power running through lines that feed southern Tell City as well as Cannelton. City police stood vigil to redirect traffic.