COVINGTON, Ky. — Kids in one northern Kentucky city who drop off their letters for Santa Claus at city hall are getting letters back from the big guy this holiday season.
Santa went above and beyond for one little girl, making this a Christmas she’ll never forget.
She’s been working on her list all year, so Lucy, an 11-year-old, had to make sure she checked it twice before dropping it off at Covington City Hall.
“Dear Santa, I have been working really hard at school this year. And I’m trying to be kind to others. I even babysit my neighbor’s cats, even though I’m allergic. My list is not very long this year. I would like a new pair of green and white Nike shoes, a new hoodie and a new watch. And FC Cincinnati gear. And if you have enough room, a hover board would be nice. Love, Lucy.” she wrote.
The question is: is being nice all year really worth it?
“I think it does pay off. Because then if you find something you really like, you can hold on to it and don’t buy it, and then you can get it for Christmas, and get more excited about it,” Lucy said.
For the second year now, Covington kids can bring their letters and drop them off in the city’s official North Pole mailbox.
“I think it’s a little bit better. Because if kids don’t have elves or anything, they can just bring it here and still love Christmas. Just don’t worry about Santa not bringing something they really want,” Lucy said.
Parks and Recreation staff send the letters off to Santa, who will respond to every letter he receives as long as there’s a return address.
“It’s a great way for us to be able to bring Santa to the kids, get their letters up to the North Pole, and just make sure everyone’s getting into the holiday spirit,” said Alicia Chappell, Program Coordinator for the City of Covington.
But Lucy wasn’t expecting Old Saint Nick to show up to receive her letter personally.
“Have you been a good girl this year?” he asked her.
“It was pretty cool,” she said.
It didn’t take long for Santa to get to work on his letter back to Lucy.
“Dear Lucy, I am happy to announce that you have made the nice list this year! And I am so glad to hear of all of the wonderful things you have been doing to help others. Your hardwork and kindness are not going unnoticed.
In your letter, you asked for so many wonderful things. My elves and I have been busy all year getting ready for Christmas and I think we have come up with the perfect gift for you. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, so you will have to wait until Christmas.
P.S. You always leave the best cookies!” he wrote.
And the answer to whether being nice all year pays off is pretty clear.
“I love making all the children of Covington happy, and it warms my heart to hear all the wonderful things they’ve done for our city over the past year,” Santa said.