Dear Santa

Reading Guide:

1. Christmas vacation has begun for Lindy, and she feels immediately welcomed in her hometown, greeted with a loving family and the smell of fresh baked cookies. What are some things about your hometown that make you feel this way? What is the importance of home to you?

2. Lindy’s mom encourages her to have faith and believe just as she’d done years ago when she would write letters to Santa. Do you think it’s important to believe in a power outside of yourself? Why or why not?

3. Lindy’s letters to Santa are answered every year, even when she wishes for a new father for Christmas. What was a special Christmas gift you remember from your childhood? If you were sure Santa would fulfill your wish, what would you ask for now?

4. Lindy’s relationship with Billy in grade school had a rough start, but they’ve come together as two completely different people and have fallen in love. Lindy and Peggy were the best of friends, but lost touch until they reconnected. Have you ever rekindled a relationship from your past? What was that like?

5. It may seem illogical to believe that Lindy’s letter had anything to do with Billy’s terrible childhood Christmas, yet she still feels responsible for what happened to him and his family. Have you ever felt guilty or responsible for someone else’s misfortune? Why?

6. Lindy and Billy’s first kiss sparks an initial strain in their relationship, but they both recover quickly and laugh about it afterwards. Would you have done the same as Lindy? Do you admire Billy for forgiving her so quickly?

7. Lindy’s family have their fair share of Christmas traditions, like baking their great grandmother’s sourdough buns. Do you believe in the magic of holiday traditions? What is something you do every year during the holidays and how did the tradition begin?

8. Peggy organizes a unique Christmas party complete with a game of white elephant and a scavenger potluck dinner. Do you have any unique Christmas party ideas to celebrate the holidays?

9. Billy and Lindy’s love is undeniable. Their connection is so strong that Lindy starts to question the life she’s built in Seattle. Can you imagine a love powerful enough to make you shift the very course of your life? Do you think Lindy made the right decision to move back to Wenatchee?

10. Peggy realizes that Lindy is still carrying resentment towards Celeste and Ben, which could be the reason she is so hesitant to take a leap into a new future. Lindy doesn’t realize this until Peggy points it out—she doesn’t want to give in and admit defeat by leaving Seattle. Have you ever had a friend understand you in this way? Was it helpful, and did you take their advice?

11. Pastor Dean’s message on forgiveness and letting go is exactly what Lindy needs to hear. In the moment that follows the Pastor’s message, Lindy closes her eyes and releases Celeste and Brian and, although it was difficult, she wishes them happiness. Do you admire Lindy for forgiving them? Would you have done the same? Do you have anyone you need to forgive, or any past hurt to let go of?

12. Near the end of the novel, Lindy reflects, “Christmas Eve was a time of joy and celebration. A time for family. A time to count her blessings, of which there were many.” Take a moment to count your blessing and reflect on the past year. What do you have to be thankful for?

13.If Dear Santa was made into a television show or movie, who would you cast to play Lindy and Billy?