Dear Santa,

I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written. Truthfully, now that I’m an adult it’s been awhile since I’ve needed anything from you. I feel bad to only write in times of need, but that’s kind of what you’re there for, right? You’re busy this time of year, I get that. But you’re also in the business of Christmas miracles, and that’s what I need more than anything you could wrap and leave under the tree.

So here’s the list of things I’d like for Christmas this year:

1. For my 2-year-old to stop opening the bathroom door in public restrooms when I’m mid-pee.

2. For my 5-year-old to eat something other than peanut butter and jelly OR for the ability to not be bothered by it.

3. To not go into labor during rush hour traffic. More specifically, to deliver in the hospital as planned, and not in the car by the side of the road. This is my third baby, Santa, so my body may have other ideas. I’m going to need your help.

4. More sleep. For everyone — me, my husband, and my kids. Especially when this next baby comes. But I know this is a pretty common request, so you just may tell me to “Get in line, lady!” Hey, it never hurts to ask!

5. Another year of good health for my mother-in-law. Really, I want at least 20 more years, but I’m willing to take it one step at a time. My daughters love their Nana, and they need her around for as long as possible. I need her around, too, Santa — how often do you hear that?!

6. Safety at school for all children. I went to “back to school” night at my daughter’s elementary school and burst into tears when the principal described the emergency drills kids have to do. And when my daughter said something about “run to safety” while she was playing, my heart broke a little. If all parents could have a little less heartbreak this year, it would be an amazing gift.

That’s all, Santa. Pretty short and sweet, right? I’ll leave you some cookies and milk no matter what, but please do what you can. I’m looking forward to that Christmas miracle.

With love,

A Mother

Rachel Wilson
Rachel is a native of the West Coast and didn't know that her straight hair could frizz until she made the move East! After earning a Master of Environmental Management from Yale, she moved to Boston for a job opportunity and, on her first Saturday night in the city, met the man who would become her husband. They married in 2012 and are learning more every day about how to be parents to daughters Annabel (2013) and Eleanor (2016). Rachel and her family recently relocated from Charlestown to the Metrowest suburbs and are enjoying their yard, but dislike shoveling snow from their driveway. Rachel currently works as an energy and environmental consultant, and wore Birkenstocks before they were trendy. Likes: her family, her in-laws, cooking ambitious meals and leaving the dishes for someone else, hiking, running, yoga, climbing mountains, reading books, farmers' markets and her CSA, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, the sound of her daughters' laughter, and coffee Dislikes: running out of milk, New England winters, diaper rash, wastefulness, cell phones at the dinner table