Over the years, I have seen Kris Kringle in person in different settings. The first one I remember was when I was very young, maybe 9 or 10. My mother took me to Macy’s department store. It was a big deal to go into the city, and I was very excited. When I got to sit on Santa’s lap, I told him I wanted only one thing: a piano. I saw Santa glance at my mom, and she shook her head.

That’s when I learned you don’t always get what you ask for.