As a child, there are few better thrills than the long, anxious countdown until morning on the night of Christmas Eve. Each minute feels like a painstaking hour, and the mind begins to wander anxiously as the clock starts to tick closer to dawn…

Followed swiftly by the bright, early bloom of sunrise, then commences the holy charge out of the bedroom and down a flight of stairs, wondering what awaits you as you make your way into the living-room, finally greeted by a colorful patch of presents under the glistening gold light of the tree.

It’s a certain type of magic that resides forever within the hearts of the children who eagerly await and celebrate Christmas — and the only thing that actually can top the early-morning ecstasy is the paramount feeling of pride the parents feel, knowing that for another year, their mission with Santa wasn’t just accomplished spectacularly, but that it will be both remembered and cherished for a lifetime.

This isn’t just another idealistic best-case-scenario—it should be instead, at the very least, a mandatory experience for every child and family who celebrates the holiday. It goes without saying that no child deserves anything less than a fantastic spectacle of fun, cheer and presents waiting for them under the tree on Christmas morning. It’s more than a holiday; it’s an essential and central pillar of childhood. When it’s done right, it doesn’t get any better.

Unfortunately, this is an issue where it’s much easier said than done.

A single mother of one is asking for help this Christmas, to help make the day special for her daughter. They are a family of low-income, and have been hit particularly hard this season, as the mother is currently nursing a disability that has left her unable to work. She noted the only family-member that’s currently working is her partner, who helps support the family with his part-time job.

With every penny, the bulk of their money goes toward bills, groceries and other expenses to keep the household running. They humbly ask Santa — and the community — for help injecting a little more holiday cheer into this year’s Christmas for their daughter, so they can celebrate happily together on Christmas morning.

Now in its 58th year, the Item Santa fund helps to make Christmas brighter for those in need. To donate, clip the coupon in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, 85 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901.

The coupon can also be found online at this link: https://itemlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/page.pdf

All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2025, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.

NOTE: The application period for aid from Item Santa has closed and The Item does not process applicants. All questions about the program and distribution of gifts should be directed to the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.