Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Dear Tom,

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If I see it in your blog, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

I know, I know, this isn't really a letter to me, or in these days an e-mail to me, it's the story of a young girl in 1897 who wrote to the New York Sun asking if there was a Santa Claus after her father was unable to answer the question and suggested she write the newspaper.

But if I may take the liberty I would still like to answer her question.

To all of the Virginias out there and all of the kids from 8 to 80, of course there is a Santa Claus.

He's busy right now with all of his helpers collecting toys and gifts that he will spread under your Christmas tree.

I have seen his helpers standing in line at 5:00 in the morning, braving the cold and wind, in order to get the lowest price for gifts. I have seen his helpers demanding from store clerks to find additional items even though the store has been out of stock for days. I have seen his helpers walking casually by a Salvation Army volunteer avoiding eye contact so as not to have to part with any spare change. I have seen his helpers argue with other helpers in parking lots in order to get a spot closer to the front door of the store to save a few steps. I have seen and heard his helpers cuss about having to hang outside lights in order to celebrate the holiday season.

Yes Virginia, Santa's helpers are out there getting ready for Christmas.

Is this what it has come down to?

Each year we ask ourselves "what has happened to the meaning of Christmas?".

Yet we continue to put ourselves and families through such aggravation and misery that by the time comes around on Christmas morning we have become so frustrated that we have forgotten the true meaning of the holiday.

So, while we have a few weeks left. Let's put ourselves into the mindset of Virginia and all of the kids of the world.

Could you imagine the thrill on your child's face if you took your child to a Toys for Tots drop-off center and offered a gift to a needy family?

Do you think your child might receive some joy in dropping your loose change into a Salvation Army bucket?

Do you think your son or daughter might believe there really is a Santa Claus if they knew they could be one of his helpers and drop off some gifts to a homeless shelter?

I do. And I think it would probably be a Christmas they will always remember.

So, this year, let's try to prove to all of the Virginias that there truly is a Santa Claus!