Yes, Mat-Su, there is still a Santa Clau

There’s a reason the editorial from the Sept. 21, 1897, edition of the New York Sun is the most reprinted in history.

Headlined, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” the work penned by Francis Pharcellus Church in response to 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon’s questioning letter is a heartfelt and triumphant testament to the spirit of the season.

More than a century later, we’re pleased to reaffirm that yes, there still is a Santa Claus. As long as the holiday season is embraced as a time for peace, family and goodwill, Santa lives, crossing religious and cultural boundaries. As long as there are those who think of others before themselves and find fulfillment in giving more than receiving there will be a Santa Claus.

He lives here in the Mat-Su Valley as well. We find him in the efforts of volunteers for Toys for Tots, Special Santa and anyone else who went out of his or her way for a neighbor.

The spirit of the season also is strong at the Christmas Friendship Dinner, held today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wasilla High School. This is the 16th year for the annual holiday gathering and is a wonderful example of how strong the spirit of the season is here in Alaska.

We enourage the Valley to attend and enjoy the Christmas Friendship Dinner.

Had Ms. O’Hanlon been a curious 8-year-old today and sent her letter to the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, she would get the same answer.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

You’ll find him in the smiles of more than 1,000 people today at Wasilla High School. You’ll find him accompanying the dozens of volunteers who’ve worked so hard to provide the meal and those who are delivering meals to those who are homebound. You’ll find him in area churches and in the excited squeals of children.

Church told O’Hanlon that, “Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.”

While we cannot see Santa Claus we know he exists by the tangible evidence he leaves. All that makes Christmas a time for giving and putting others before ourselves is proof Santa is as alive and well today as ever.