Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus | Christmas Tradition
“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” is more than a holiday phrase — it’s a century-old affirmation of wonder, written in response to a young girl’s heartfelt question about Santa’s existence. First published as an editorial in the New York Sun in 1897, the story has since become a treasured part of Christmas tradition, inspiring generations to believe in the magic of the season.
The Question That Started a Christmas Tradition
In the fall of 1897, a young girl named Virginia O’Hanlon asked a question that would echo through history. Surrounded by doubt and skepticism, she wanted an honest answer to a simple but powerful concern: Is there really a Santa Claus?
Although many children heard conflicting opinions, Virginia believed in truth. Therefore, at her father’s suggestion, she decided to write directly to The New York Sun, a trusted newspaper of the time. After all, her father famously told her, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”
What followed was not just a reply — it became one of the most beloved messages in Christmas history.
Who Was Virginia O’Hanlon?
Virginia O’Hanlon was only eight years old when she wrote her letter, yet her curiosity reflected something universal. She represented every child standing at the crossroads between belief and doubt.
Like many children then — and now — Virginia lived in a world where wonder competed with logic. However, she refused to abandon hope without seeking the truth. As a result, her letter became the spark for a response that would reassure generations of children and adults alike.
The Editorial That Changed Christmas
Virginia’s letter reached Francis Pharcellus Church, a senior editor at The New York Sun. Though known for his thoughtful and philosophical writing, Church hesitated at first. Still, he ultimately chose to answer — and in doing so, he reshaped Christmas forever.
Written by Francis Pharcellus Church
Rather than dismissing the question, Church responded with sincerity and depth. He explained that Santa Claus exists not in a physical sense alone, but as a symbol of love, generosity, and devotion. In other words, Santa represents the very best parts of the human spirit.
He reminded readers that many of life’s most meaningful truths are unseen. Just because something cannot be measured or touched does not mean it is not real.
Published in The New York Sun in 1897
The editorial was published on September 21, 1897, under the simple title “Is There a Santa Claus?” Although it appeared without fanfare at first, readers quickly recognized its power.
Over time, the editorial became the most reprinted newspaper editorial in the English language, returning year after year as a reminder of what Christmas truly stands for.
What “Yes, Virginia” Really Means
When Francis Church wrote, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” he was offering far more than reassurance. He was defending belief itself.
Belief Beyond What We Can See
Church explained that no one sees Santa Claus, just as no one sees love, kindness, or generosity. Yet these unseen forces shape our lives every day. Therefore, belief is not childish — it is essential.
This message continues to resonate because it reminds us that Christmas magic lives in actions, not appearances.
The Spirit of Giving and Kindness
At its heart, the editorial celebrates giving without expectation. Santa Claus stands as a symbol of selflessness, joy, and goodwill — values that bring families together during the holiday season.
Why Santa Claus Still Matters Today
More than a century later, the message of Yes, Virginia remains as relevant as ever. In a fast-paced world, belief often fades under pressure. However, Christmas invites us to pause and remember what truly matters.
A Message for Children and Adults
For children, Santa Claus represents wonder and excitement. For adults, he represents hope, tradition, and the joy of giving. Consequently, Santa belongs to everyone — regardless of age.
Keeping the Magic of Christmas Alive
By choosing belief, we keep the magic alive not just for ourselves, but for others. Each act of kindness, each moment of generosity, carries the same spirit Francis Church described so long ago.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He lives wherever love is shared, generosity is practiced, and belief is protected. And as long as Christmas is celebrated with open hearts, Santa Claus will always be real.
An Update to the Story:
The New Yorker did a follow up interview with that same little girl (by then all grown up) that got printed on December 12, 1936.
The headline read:
The Santa Letter That Made an Eight-Year-Old a Celebrity
🎅 A Message From Santa
I have traveled the world for many centuries, and I have learned something important along the way. The greatest magic of Christmas is not found in my sleigh, my workshop, or even in the gifts I deliver. It lives in the hearts of those who choose to believe.
I have seen belief take many forms. Sometimes it looks like a child waiting by the window on Christmas Eve. Other times, it looks like a parent carrying on a tradition, year after year, simply to see joy sparkle in someone else’s eyes. That belief matters more than you may ever know.
When Francis Church wrote those famous words in 1897, he spoke a truth I have always known. You do not need to see Santa Claus to know I am real. I exist wherever kindness is shared, generosity is practiced, and hope is protected. Every good deed, every loving gesture, helps keep the spirit of Christmas alive.
So, if you believe — even just a little — then I will always be there. And as long as Christmas is celebrated with love, wonder, and open hearts, there will always be a Santa Claus.
With warm wishes and Christmas cheer,
Santa Claus 🎄
🎄 Write Me a Letter
If you believe, I would love to hear from you.
Every Christmas season, children from all over the world write to tell me about their hopes, their dreams, and the kindness they see around them. I read every letter with care, and each one reminds me why Christmas magic matters.
So, if you have something you’d like to share — a wish, a thank-you, or a simple hello — I invite you to write to me today.
👉 Write Your Letter to Santa
With warm wishes and Christmas cheer,
Santa Claus 🎅✨