December 17, 2009
Letter of the Day in the Charlottetown Guardian:
Dear Santa:
Apparently 'tis the season of goodwill and of getting in touch with old friends. It's always nice to get cards and notes from people who care enough to send you their kind words and warmest wishes.
There was a time when I had loads and loads of friends who would send me beautiful cards and tell me how lucky they felt to know me; how I inspired them and set an example in the world to be looked up to and emulated.
It's Dec. 16 and I've hardly received any cards at all and I'm worried. I even check my email daily to see if everyone is sending me their love and best wishes that way, but still nothing.
I can only think that I may have done something to upset my friends. Could you please look in your book and let me know if I have been naughty or nice this year.
Thank you,
Canada
Dear Canada,
Thank you for your letter. Usually I don't have time to respond to letters personally because I'm a little busy right now, but your note caught my attention.
I was shocked to see that you were right, and that almost no cards have been sent to you this year. There were a couple of nice big ones from China and India, and some very expensive looking gifts from Mr. Shell and Exxon, but that's it.
I hate to tell you this, but your name appears more often than anyone else's on the naughty list this year - for some of the very un-Canadian things that seem to have gone on in Afghanistan, to the beating you are getting in Copenhagen right now.
It seems that most of your friends just don't like or respect you much anymore. I can only imagine how uncomfortable and shamed you must feel at the moment, but you still have time to put things right.
I would advise you to do the right thing in Copenhagen and become a good neighbour again, just like you used to be. Your children will think it's the best Christmas present ever.
Your friend,
Santa
