So today I was all geared up and excited for my Operation Santa duties. It’s a great initiative which a lovely friend introduced me to. You get to be ‘Santa’ for a needy child who has sent a letter to the man himself, by buying the things they have requested and returning to the post office with them wrapped, and then pay to get them shipped. It also happens to be at one of my favorite buildings in the city, the post office on 8th Avenue. The building itself is beautiful, but it’s the quote that gets me every time: ‘Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.’ A bit classier than anything the Royal Mail has come up with (including The Real Network!)

I packed every piece of official ID I have – my passport, social security card, US visa, employment authorization card, bank cards, you name it – I had it. Apart from a drivers’ license or other state issued DMV ID (I don’t have an American one and my British one doesn’t count apparently), so they wouldn’t let me take part. I felt so sad as there was a HUGE pile of letters waiting to be answered. Seriously, it was about a foot high – and with 2 days left to go and only one other family there taking part, I doubt they are going to get answered. Despite my pleas, they just wouldn’t let me do it. ‘Rules is rules’ as they say.

Luckily, my brother wanted to do a bit of extra toy shopping and that provided me with a chance to rectify the morning’s epic fail and complete a one good thing (although I have to admit it was slightly less satisfying). So the inevitable trip to FAO Schwartz took place. We found the big piano, but didn’t have a go as there was a line of children waiting and I don’t think they would have been happy with 2 grown adults playing chopsticks! A gift was purchased and at the register there was a chance to donate to Toys for Tots, an organization trying to bring joy to disadvantaged children this (and every) Christmas. I suppose the outcome is the same – a chance to share some joy by buying a child’s toy, but the donation felt too easy, and I really wanted the personal touch of answering a letter. So I’m already planning for next year and applying for my DMV ID…