When I got a letter from Santa Claus ...

Obviously, it was official.

It had a Santa stamp (8 cents), the return address was on Rudolph Lane in Santa Claus, Ind., and it was marked "Personal" to "Master Michael Todd (Mike) Stephenson" and my brother Brett.

A letter from Santa.

I came across it the other day while looking for something else. Postmarked Dec. 18, 1972. It acknowledged receipt of my letter requesting a tape recorder and directed me to brush my teeth, put my clothes away and go to bed early. Brett would get his "moving toy," whatever that was, and a nice one too. Picked out by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Even better news: Although Christmas was on Monday, Santa had a busy weekend and needed to stop by our place on Saturday. He was sure I wouldn't mind.

And the signature was under the closing, "Your man in the chimney," a total giveaway that Dad wrote the letter.