Hello Children of Leesburg, Virginia:
I hope that you're all keeping healthy & happy as we make our way through 2011.
As I do every year, I have been keeping notes of the behavior, attitudes and schoolwork of the children of Leesburg. We are five months into 2011, so I wanted to give you some feedback as we work towards Christmastime. This also helps me to keep organized so I know who goes on my "NICE" list, and who doesn't make it. With just a little bit of effort, I know that you ALL can make it onto the "NICE" list - so, let's get started on some of the things that I've observed:
GENERAL - APPLIES TO ALL LEESBURG CHILDREN
* What has happened to your manners? I have noticed that many of you seem to have forgotten the importance of saying "please" and "thank you" when communicating with another person. Santa Claus likes children who mind their manners, so make sure that you are using the very basic "please" and "thank you" whenever appropriate in your daily conversations.
* Being kind to one another. I see far too much fighting and bickering going on in Leesburg. This is simply nonsense. If you are having trouble with a sibling or classmate, go to the adult who is in charge and politely explain the situation to them. I'm sure that your parents or teachers will appreciate you coming to them.
Now, following is a list of children, whom I love very much, but who need to improve. Remember, Santa Claus is watching and wants to see improvement so that I can put them on my "NICE" list in time to gather toys for Christmas.
Sherry Jones - on a positive note, I am pleased that your grades in school have improved, and that you're paying attention more in class. Good for you, Sherry! What I'm concerned with, though, is the way that you've been treating your sister. You've been quite mean to her, Sherry, and I don't like it. You haven't been sharing with little Tracy like a good sister would, and that makes her sad ... which makes me sad. Remember how you felt when your older brother wouldn't share with you? Not very good at all, right? Well, don't treat Tracy like that. Be kind to her, and love your baby sister. You also need to work harder on doing your part to clean up around the house. Don't be a lazy-bones, Jones!
Matthew Campbell - You're a good kid, I know that - and, you know that. Which is why I can't figure out why you have been so thoughtless to your parents. I don't like the attitude that you've been displaying, Matthew. You're better than that, and your parents are very good people who deserve a son who doesn't talk back to them and mouth them like you've been doing. What has gotten into you? Regardless, I know you know how to be polite and that you want to be a good boy, so I wanted to point this out to you before you go onto the "Naughty" list. Straighten up, Matthew, okay? And, send me some more letters - I always enjoy getting those from you!
Sean Szabo - well, look at that, it's your birthday! Happy Birthday, Sean. I can't believe that you're already eight years old. My goodness, where does the time go? I remember when you were just born, and bringing gifts to you when you were just seven months old! Anyway, Sean, I have to be honest with you - you've been very mouthy lately, and it bothers me. Why are you acting like that? You're not a mouthy boy - you're a good boy, and I often speak to Mrs. Claus about how nice you are ... and smart, too! But, you have had a very bad attitude lately. You haven't been using your manners, either. You are a very lucky little kid to have a Mom and Dad who love you very much, and who work very hard for you. Treat them with respect. No more mouthy attitude, and do what you're told, okay, Sean? Also, clean up that room - I'm beginning to think that you don't need any more toys at all since it doesn't seem like you're taking care of what you already have. I love you, Sean. I know you can behave better, and I look forward to seeing your improvement. You're a super "NICE" boy, and I know you should be on my "NICE" list! Help me to put your name on there, okay?
Lindsay Hilton - what is going on with your schoolwork? Your grades have really fallen, and I'm wondering why you're not paying attention in class. Lindsay, you need to do better. I was happy to learn that you're going to Summer School to work on your reading and math skills. That is important. Do well in Summer School, and you'll start third grade off great! I know you're working on this, so good for you, Lindsay! Also, when your parents give you a chore to do, it's because they trust you to be responsible and help out around the house. Here's a little tip I learned from Grandma Claus when I was a wee lad - get the chore done first thing, and then ... IT'S DONE! How about that?! So easy. You can do it, Lindsay. You're a nice girl, and I know you belong on the "NICE" list - you just need to work a little more at it.
These are the kids who I know have the most promise, so I wanted to make sure to put my observations out there. I'll try to send a follow-up note in June, okay? Between now and then, let's see some great improvement from all of you. AND, if any of you would like to send me an email and ask any questions, just
click here, and I'll get back to you as soon as I take a break from the toy shop.
I LOVE ALL OF YOU!! HO HO HOOOOO!!!
Santa Claus
