Is Santa real? No, he's not real in the way that he's shown in cartoons and marketing campaigns and images of him flying through the sky with magic reindeer. But he is real in many other ways, and those are the ones that count. That's why I still believe in Santa. Today's Santa comes from the real-life generosity of Saint Nicholas, who spent his life helping children and the poor. His compassion and generosity set a shining example for people around the world who have translated his good deeds into the legend of Santa Claus.

I also believe we are always given gifts in life when we try our best, play well with others, and use our best manners. These are qualities Santa looks for when deciding who goes on the Nice list and who goes on the Naughty list. But we don't need have to wait to get on Santa's list to practice these traits. We simply need to remember that we'll be rewarded every day for behaving in ways Santa would approve. The rewards may not come in boxes, bags, or bows, but they will come in the form of love, happiness, joy and friendship.

I also believe in the magic of Santa's spirit. I believe life is magical, miraculous and mysterious, just like Santa, but only to those who are willing to believe. In our small world that is also full of hunger, hatred, poverty and grief, the magic of life disappears as soon as you choose to stop believing. Belief in magic takes patience and care. Many people have lost the ability to see small miracles that happen each day because they no longer believe in the inherent goodness of life.