Santa dear,

I am sorry to hear that you are not in the best of health. Would it be proper to pray for you next Sunday? Oh, right,you're a saint; of course it would be proper!

No worries about potential tardiness -- I shall appreciate my pressie whenever it arrives, and as you say there is still plenty of time before Christmas. Anyway I don't begin to think about getting the house ready for Christmas until about winter solstice, so had your gift got shipped earlier, it would not have a tree to sit under when it arrives.

Thank you very much for remembering me and my cub!

Your affectionate
Bear