These are the words that I hope to say to my eldest child come the Christmas season next year and going forward. Alas, it seems that Santa’s brother from another mother is as elusive as a reservation at the French Laundry or going through airport security in 15 minutes.

Case in point, in the holiday department in Dillard’s at the MacArthur Mall, there is a tree that is decorated with all Black Santa’s, Black Ballerina’s, and other Black-centric ornaments. Right after Thanksgiving, my mother stumbles upon that tree and excitedly, said to the clerk on the floor how wonderful the tree was. She then went on to ask him where and when the Black Santa would be coming to town. The clerk, who was also Black, said something like, “Yadda, yadda, yadda, there isn’t one”. Not one to be dissuaded, my mom, who I think was Nancy Drew in a former life, set out to find one for Morgan and Coever.

Fast forward to the 1st of December. Evidently, there IS a Black Santa, and he was going to be at the Newsome House in Newport News on December 8rd — FOR ONE DAY ONLY. WTH? And no, we didn’t make it to the Newsome House for their “Soulful Christmas Celebration”. The reason why is another blog for another day.

Anyway, in our search for Black Santa, I even went so far as to suggest to Craig buying a Santa suit, dressing up for our girls, snapping a few pics and then returning the suit!! Or keeping it for next year, whatever. Shoot, if word got out that we had a Black Santa, consider Christmas paid for! Those of you who know Craig get one guess as to his response.

So, in the spirit of 8-year-old Virginia Hanlon, here is my letter, not to the editor of the Virginia Pilot, but to Cyberspace.

Dear World Wide Web: I am 29 years old. It seems to be that there is no Black Santa Claus. Some have said “We live in Hampton Roads! There’s got to be one!”, while others have said, “There really isn’t one.” Please tell me the truth; is there a Black Santa Claus? By the way, I have included a photo to help you in your search.