Monday Memories: Santa was tightening his belt in 1981

Deanna Rice, 4, had visions of pricey toys dancing in her head when she sat down to write her letter to Santa. Paper and crayons were ready to go, until mom suggested that maybe those toys were too expensive even for the jolly old elf. That got Deanna thinking in a different direction. Perhaps she should ask for beautiful things that are free instead. With the printing help of older brother, Lelan, she asked Santa for “a sunny Xmas day, lots of snow on the ground, and a rainbow across the sky.” In this December 1981 Blade archive photo, Deanna finishes illustrating her letter. “I was told you were not rich,” she wrote. Santa might have been able to come through with the first two items on the list as the forecast called for sun and snow. But even Mr. Claus would need some help pulling off a rainbow in December.  Go to thebladevault.com/memories to purchase more historical photos taken by our award-winning staff of photographers, past and present, or to purchase combinations of stories and photos.