Dear boys and girls (adults too),
I recently visited your town during its early Christmas celebration on Dec. 3 and had the privilege of meeting almost 100 children at the Middlebury Community House. It’s a terrific event I do every year, and I want to offer a big thanks to the Better Middlebury Partnership and the hardworking people who make “A very Merry Middlebury” possible. What a wonderful time I had hearing the hopes, dreams and wishes of the children who sat on my lap!
I would also like to thank some very special folks for being so very helpful and special to me during my time in Middlebury. They are the men and women of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department.
They meet me and my sleigh every year when I roll into town and safely take me down Main Street on a very tall fire truck to where you are all waiting. This year, as I was climbing up onto the truck (about 8 feet off the ground!) I lost my balance and almost fell (back first) due to my excitement — and a big belly! Before I hit the ground I was caught unharmed by the ready, prepared and strong firefighters.
So, here’s a special thank you to all the volunteer firefighters who keep our towns and its residents safe! Santa will be sending a Christmas donation to my local fire department and I encourage all of you who have the ability, to do the same. These men and women are always there for us, and we need to be there for them to make sure they have the training and equipment they need.  
I am truly touched by their tireless dedication to our communities, and also to the sweet nature of the children I meet with each year and want to send them, (and grown up children as well) a personal message: The true meaning of Christmas begins deep within your heart. It is the feeling you get when you help someone in need, when you show kindness and are patient,  brave and strong. I believe that no one is better than you are, but you are no better than anyone else. Children all over the world want to be happy, to live in peace, and feel safe and loved. Do whatever you can to make the world a better place. This is Santa’s wish for all of you, no matter how old you are.
Children, until I see you again next year, know that I hold each of you in my heart and wish you the very best and Merriest Christmas! Ho Ho Ho!
Sending love,
Santa Clause, North Pole 2016