Most of us have heard the phrase, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” and probably know the context of it. But if you’ve never read the entirety of that article, I highly recommend it! 

In September of 1987 (see, lots of us are thinking about Christmas beyond December), a little girl wrote the New York Sun. Her letter read:

Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “ If you see it in THE SUN, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? 

     –  Virginia O’Hanlan

Her article was given to Francis P. Church, who previously served as a Civil War correspondent. His responding article brings me to tears every time I read it. Maybe that’s an overreaction, but I think, after you read it you’ll feel the same. 

Wise children and adults know that being able to believe in “love and generosity,” two things we also cannot see, is at the heart of Christmas. You gotta have faith, baby. Little Virginia grew up to be a New York City school teacher who received a Masters and a Doctorate in Education, an incredible feat for a woman now, let alone in the early 20th century. She championed the importance of play in children, and how it created compassionate, capable adults. 

In December of 1960, she was a guest on the Perry Como Show. After telling him about her wonderfully full life, Perry Como asked, “In other words, you’re convinced, really convinced, there is a Santa Claus?”

Virginia answered, “Absolutely. This letter has been answered for me thousands of times.” 

Less than 500 words, the full response from journalist, Francis Church, is worthy of a read! You can see and read the article in its original printed form here. And, if you’d like to read more about little Viriginia’s life, this article is excellent.