From: Santa Claus
Ho-Ho, and an early Merry Christmas to all of you.
It's that time of year for Santa to do his naughty/nice checkup of the magical ski vacation towns (especially those with an old Western heritage). You folks are very important to Santa because of your connection to nature, joy of the outdoors and a town reflecting older, simpler times.
Those of you who are privileged to live here have a unique opportunity (obligation?) to provide the city folk with a restoration of the soul, a brief escape from the duties and pressures of their daily lives.
Santa wants to award you with a big, gold star for the beautiful compassion and warm hospitality that your community is so full of (I saw this at your Trailing of the Sheep event—everyone was just aglow in old-time, friendly hospitality).
However, there is one spot that Santa would like to see some improvement: politics. Santa understands that politics is a rough-and-tumble game, but it should be done with compassion, understanding and friendliness toward those with different views (After all, elected officials are still your friends and neighbors, and you just might come up with a better solution).
Folks come here to visit to get away from the stress and tensions of their home communities. They see us as an escape from that—the last thing they want to see is the same thing here. So remember that we are judged each week by thousands who subscribe to the Mountain Express and go on the Internet. So the next time that an official gets too feisty, remind him or her that that kind of thing is unacceptable and our economy is affected by their actions.
So, extend everyone your biggest, warmest, old-fashioned Western welcome. And I promise you Santa's bag will open and the cornucopia of plenty will soon be yours!
Santa wishes you a loving Christmas and the peace found in the glowing lights of a snowy winter evening.
Jack Williams
Ketchum
