Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-01-05
A LETTER FROM SANTA CLAUS.

My dear Young Friends
DOUBTLESS you will be surprised, as you glance
over this paper, to discover piece addressed to
yourselves; and still greater will be your surprise
when you see by whom it is written. But assure
you feelquitc like acquaintance for, if have
never seen you l have made you many visits-I
have left you numerous tokens of my regard and
although | have not the privilege of communng
with you face to face, | surely may be allowed to
express my thoughts through the medium of pen
and paper.
You are all, probably familiar with my name,
perhaps with my history at least this much of it
that am spoken of as a very benevolent old man ;
DID, it is true in years, but remarkably brisk and
active in my appearance. My age, think, must
be an exception to the general rule of mortality,
for reckon 1t by centuries instead of years and
the same favors which am wont now TO bestow on
you, / once bestowed upon your grandfathers and
their ancestors when young. For | take especial
pleasure in preparing gifts of every description, for
my different friends and acquaintance, who are
scattered over all parts of the globe. On account
Of the extent over which ] am obliged to travel,
have appointed two nights in which to perform
this ofice,-the eyes of Christmas and New Year.
At these times the stockings are duly hung up,
ready to receive, with open mouths, anything which
j may be pleased to deposte in them.
But dare say you are curious to know by what
means | transport myself from place to place, and
from one country TO another in order to facilitate
my movements, L nave provided myself with n
rhnriot suiiieentiy dInple 10 contain my store of
presents, and drawn by eight horses which rival
the lightning in speed. Were / to attempt to emu
merate the variety of articles with which nv
car is loaded, you would be amazed. Suffice it to
say, have large supply of all manner of bon
bons and trinkets for those who have become nv
tavortes, because of their kind behaviour and oblG
ing disposition; and to those who unfortunately
possess qualities the reverse of these am accus-
toned to give sundry hints in the shape of rods and
letters of advice; and | generally find that these
have such a salutary effect on those whom they
concern, that on my next journey | can with JUS
tlce bestow upon them the same rewards as upon
the most deserving
Such is brief outline of my history; and from
this account you may obtain some ideas regarding
my manner of life. 1t is my custom to enter the
village at midnight with my train and as the doors
Of the houses are usually locked at that time to
descend the chimney-that being the most conye-
ment entrance. After filing the stockings again
ascend, and having mounted my car, am gone in
twinkling. Should you ever, in the dead of
New Years eve, be awakened by an unusual clat-
ter in'the vicinity Of the house, and be too drowsy
to inquire the cause, do not for a moment doubt
that II is me, performing my usual round of good
offices. And should you ever chance to hear any
one insinuate that there is no such parsonage as
myself, defend me to your utmost
And now, as bid you Gdieu, wish you happy
New Year, and that you may spend, not only this,
but many more years, in peace and prosperity.
Ever Yours, SANTA CLAUS,
WI. Blanc, january LIST, 1874,