Editorial: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

It is our pleasure to once again share this holiday tradition with our readers. On Sept. 21, 1897, the New York Sun published what has become the most widely read letter to a newspaper. The letter was from 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon. Her letter was published, along with a reply from the Sun’s editorial writer, Francis Pharcellus Church.

Dear editor:

I am 8 years old.

Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, “If you see it in the Sun it’s so.”

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