Yes, Newburyport, There is a Santa Claus

Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. My friends have been telling me Santa Claus isn’t real. I’ve heard people around town saying, “If it’s published in The Townie it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is Santa Claus real?

-Elizabeth
10 Market Square, Newburyport

Dear Elizabeth,

Your little friends are mistaken. The suggestion that “Santa Claus isn’t real” may be the silliest thing to ever echo through the historic streets of downtown Newburyport. The world is full of skeptics who sometimes believe only what they can see and touch, yet often the most important parts of our world are what we can’t see. After all, the littlest children have the biggest hearts, though we can’t see them with the naked eye.

I’m going to tell you a secret, Elizabeth. Santa Claus is more than a jolly man in a red suit who munches on your cookies and delivers gifts. Santa is the magic you feel when you decorate your tree, marvel at the first snowfall, or find the perfect gift for someone you love. He’s the warm glow of holiday lights, the sparkle of connection, and the joy of giving. 

Think about it: you can’t see the air you breathe, yet it sustains us. You can’t touch love, yet you know it’s there. You may never see Santa Claus, but he is the thread that weaves us all together — in community, generosity, and joy. Like air and love, without Santa Claus, we would not be human.

Indeed, without Santa Claus, Newburyport would be gray and cheerless. Imagine no twinkling lights on the Market Square tree, no cheeky ornaments from Partridge In A Bear Tree, no warm holiday pajamas from Soak & Shoreline, and no beautifully wrapped turtles under the train at The Candyman. Without Santa, there’d be no festive outfits, thoughtful gifts, or even cozy gatherings over hot cocoa and delicious meals. Most importantly, there’d be no magic.

NO MAGIC. 

What would our city be without magic? 

A very dreary place, that much I can tell you.

My advice to you, Elizabeth? The next time someone says Santa isn’t real, tell them to look around Market Square. Do they see the wreaths on lampposts? The twinkling lights on the town tree? Hear the joy of neighbors wishing each other “Merry Christmas”? Feel the cheer and goodwill pouring out of decorated storefronts? The warmth of amazing meals served to extended tables of friends and family gathered at downtown restaurants? That is Santa.

The magic of Christmas is alive and well, especially here in Newburyport. Keep believing in Santa Claus, and more importantly, keep spreading his magic to everyone around you.

Yes, Elizabeth, there is a Santa Claus.

Elle Perry
Newburyport resident

Passionate about a local issue? We want to hear from you. Check out our submission guidelines.

Photo credit: Lani Shumway