Crowdsourcing Christmas

It’s that time of year again.  The annual ritual of receiving the kids “Lists for Santa” is underway.  It has become a favorite part of the Holiday season, not only because of what it teaches me about my kids, but my unique group of friends who have helped out along the way.  I learned the power of crowdsourcing, and was reminded of the power of friendship, as part of this process a few years ago as a new parent.

I have one kid who keeps us on our toes.  I think this may be the last year he fully “believes” in the magic of Santa (although don’t we all still believe on many levels?).  So this year’s list I find particularly important.  He knows that Santa has helpers.  And boy, did Santa ever need helpers!  His 2012 List of Santa has me scrambling, yet again, to activate the creativity and mercy of my network, to help bring some holiday magic to the Sherinian living room this year.

My 9-year-old’s list is full of books (no surprise) and, as always, has a somewhat globetrotter bent.  He loves geography, so this is no surprise.  But this year’s list also includes an asterisk with a special notation:  “This is what I REALLY want.”  And, like most years, it’s not easy.

Adam has asked Santa for “An airline in-flight magazine from every airline in the world.”

Is he kidding!?  Is he testing us?  Does he know that this scramble, over the course of 15 days, is nearly impossible?  Is this a desperate attempt to connect with his mom and dad and their crazy travel itineraries of the last year?  The answer to most or all of these questions is probably “Yes.”

In the meantime, I am feeling up to the challenge.  There are 2 weeks until Christmas.  And I am not too proud to ask for help.

If you are traveling on an airplane over the next few days and can grab one of the courtesy copies of the in-flight magazine, you would be doing a great service to a 9-yr-old boy who still believes in Santa, who feeds off the energy and excitement of the global scene, and whose parents are desperate to help make some Yuletide magic happen for him.

I will gladly reimburse postage.  And you will of course have the undying love of the Sherinian family for your help as a corps of Santa’s Elves who are collecting frequent flyer miles but also collecting part of a “Christmas miracle” in a very small, but significant way, for a little boy’s Christmas dream.

Thank you!

Please send magazines to “Santa Sherinian”, 2200 Wilson Blvd, Box 102-441, Arlington, VA, 22201