All I Want for Christmas is...

A little girl's letter to Santa

When Sue and Chris Switalski’s youngest daughter was born on December 5, St. Nick’s Eve., they named her Nicole after the saint. The name, reflective of the Switalski Family’s strong Catholic beliefs, would later serve as a reminder of the spiritual strength and faith that would see the family through hard times.  

After birth, Nicole developed a 24-hour, head-to-toe rash. It disappeared as quickly as it came. Doctors examined the newborn and found nothing wrong with her; however, throughout infancy, Nicole slept a lot (16 hours a day). She continually had hives all over her body and ran a low-grade fever most of the time. As a toddler, she walked around with her hands and toes clenched because they hurt.

None of the many doctors Nicole saw found anything wrong with her, so the doctors decided to treat the symptoms because they couldn’t find the cause. The Switalskis had one last hope – Dr. Verbsky of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Nicole’s appointment with Dr. Verbsky’s was scheduled on his second day at Children’s, as he had just moved to Milwaukee from St. Louis. After years of no hope, the Switalskis were surprised when Dr. Verbsky diagnosed Nicole with a rare autoimmune disease – Muckle-Wells Syndrome. The disease, which mimics symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, causes joint pain, hearing and vision loss and, if left untreated, heart failure. At the time of her diagnosis, she was the only known case in Wisconsin.

Yet, they did not lose hope, as they learned it is fully treatable. At age five, Nicole began an every other day regime of shots. The sight and hearing she lost returned. All of her other symptoms, excepting an ache or two, also disappeared. Nicole, thanks to costly medications, was able to live a normal life.
Then, last year, right before Christmas, the unthinkable happened. Chris, lost his job. The Switalski family, being no stranger to adversity, did what it always does in troubling times - prayed together. They asked God to let their “hearts be open to His plan,” left their fate in His capable hands, and went on with their lives.

As in years past, Nicole, then 7, wrote her annual Christmas list. On it, in place of the usual requests, Nicole asked for magical powers. While Sue imagined Nicole wanted to be invisible or something along those lines, it turned out she was way off base. Nicole wanted the power to cure her disease, and those of other children, so no one would have to receive shots.  
Sue prayed about how to answer her daughter’s innocent plea. Fortunately, God was able to answer Sue’s prayers through a familiar Christmas figure – Santa Claus.

That year, on Christmas morning, Nicole had a special present and a letter under the tree from Santa. Nicole treasures the letter and even slept with it under her pillow for months.

In the letter, Santa told Nicole he was not able to give her the specific powers she asked for, but reminded her of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that God had already given her that would allow her to do God’s good will on earth. Santa also prayed that Nicole would always believe in the unselfish love and spirit of giving that he, himself, represents to so many.

With it, Santa left the following framed words.  

The gifts of the Holy Spirit as given to Nicole Janine Switalski

These gifts were given to you as you were baptized by the Holy Spirit when you were a baby.
Use them with the knowledge that in doing so you will choose to become a light and a beacon of hope for the mission of Jesus in this world.

Salvation - God has granted you salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ, who was born to us as a baby and remembered at Christmas.

Strength - God gives you the strength and power you will need in any situation at any time. Either God will protect you from suffering or give you never ending strength and courage.

Perseverance - God grants you the ability to get through the darkest of times. When life seems difficult or things are not the way you want them to be, remember that God has a plan for you and will allow you to walk through any storm. He is always with you.

Forgiveness - God has given you an endless supply of forgiveness. When people around you make mistakes or even if you might make a mistake, God has given you the ability to forgive others...And yourself if you need to.

Love - God has given you an endless supply of love for every living creature on earth. This may be difficult to remember at times, but it is always with you.

Nicole’s mother didn’t need Santa’s present to realize Nicole’s God-given gifts; she has seen them at work. Besides helping with tedious tasks such as putting a stamp on every single Christmas card the family sends out, Nicole also donates blood to help doctors diagnose her rare disease in other children and infants. She does this willingly because it helps others in great need. Of this generosity and willing to help, Sue has said to Nicole, “You have the gift of helping. That is the charism that God gave to you.”

Nicole’s father also knows of the gifts given by God. After being out of work for a mere nine days, Chris found a great job with the benefits needed to continue his daughter’s costly, but necessary shots.  

And so, another year came and went. The 2009 Christmas season arrived and the Switalksi’s were anticipating a relaxing holiday. Then Nicole, now 8, wrote her list. This year she asked Santa for a motocross bike. (Yes, a motorized dirt bikes extreme sports bikers use in competition.) It seems reserved, thoughtful Nicole also has an adventurous side and, by the looks of things, Santa will have a hard time replicating the magic of last year’s gift.

Article by Gillian Lester-George
Cover photo courtesy of Sue Switalski

(pictured on cover - Nicole Switalski and her gift from God)