Photo: Patrick Tehan, San Jose Mercury News, Thursday, December 25, 2014, B1 Amelia Rodriguez, 6, left, and her brother Mason, 8, of Santa Clara, tell Santa what they want for Christmas, at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose, California

If I Were Santa Claus If I were Santa with kids asking for presents, my gift would be the precious present moment— not to worry about the past or the future. Buried treasures are not on some desert island or under heaps of snow at the North Pole but right here & now— in this golden present. Kris Kringle had it right telling Susan in the film Miracle on 34th Street that there's a country called Imagination where children should visit to play and stay— little skeptical Susan wanted a real house and believed Santa when it was delivered. If I were Santa, I'd tell them to listen to Joseph Campbell's mantra "Follow your bliss" then you'll be the best in whatever you do. I'd also share with them the five virtues recommended by the Dalai Lama— forgiveness, patience, tolerance, compassion, self-discipline— when practiced will bring happiness in your life, long & lasting friendships, harmony with Nature, and miracle gifts surrounding you like sunshine. If I were Santa, I'd give children the letter Francis P. Church of the New York Sun wrote "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus"— He exists as surely as love and kindness exist, for the most real things are those we cannot see— Santa's gift of gladness is real and abiding.           Peter Y. Chou           Mountain View, 12-25-2014