Businessman Is Shattered After Reading His Son’s Letter to Santa Asking for a Different Dad

After Peter was adopted by a wealthy couple, he gained nearly everything a young boy could wish for. Yet one thing was missing. He barely spent any time with his adoptive father, James. When James finally read Peter’s Christmas letter, it forced him to face a painful truth about himself.

Peter lost his biological parents when he was just three years old. For the next two years, he lived in foster care, moving through days that felt long and lonely. Shortly before his fifth birthday, he met the people who would become his adoptive parents. Heather was warm and gentle, and James was tall, broad-shouldered, and always seemed important.

When Peter stepped into their home for the first time, his eyes widened. “This is bigger than the White House!” he exclaimed. Heather laughed and happily showed him around. Over the next year, Peter grew especially close to her. She helped him with homework, baked with him, and made sure he always felt safe and cared for.

James, however, was rarely present. He was either traveling for business or shut away in his home office. Heather did her best to keep Peter entertained, but she knew there were things only a father could share with him.

One afternoon, Peter pointed excitedly at one of James’s classic muscle cars, its engine protruding through the hood. “Mom, how do car engines work?” he asked.

Heather smiled apologetically. “I’m not sure, Peter. That’s something your dad would know.”

When Peter tried asking James, he was brushed aside.

“I’m in a meeting, Peter. Go watch TV for a while,” James said, handing him some money. “You and your mom can go out later.”

At first, Peter didn’t mind much. His dad was busy, but he always had the newest toys, video games, and gadgets. Other kids at school were impressed, sometimes even jealous. Peter never bragged. He shared what he had.

What his friends didn’t know was that Peter felt jealous too.

One of his classmates, Kieran, often talked about time spent with his father. “Last weekend, we went fishing,” he said once. “My dad caught a spotted bass!”

Peter listened quietly. Even surrounded by expensive toys, he longed for moments like that.

Whenever he asked James if they could do something together, the answer was always the same.

“I’m sorry, buddy. I need to focus on work. Money doesn’t grow on trees,” James told him.

As Christmas approached, Peter heard his friends talking about family traditions and holiday trips. James hadn’t planned anything. Feeling confused and hurt, Peter decided to write a letter to Santa.

Heather later found the letter and grew curious. Peter already had everything material he could want. When she read it, her heart shattered.

She went straight to James’s office.

“You need to read this,” she said firmly. “Our son is desperate for your time. Maybe this will finally get through to you.”

James was distracted and didn’t read it right away. That evening, after his meetings ended, he finally sat down with the letter.

“Dear Santa,” it read, “I don’t know if you remember me. Last year, I asked you for a dad because I was alone in foster care. You gave me a mom and a dad, and I’m thankful. At first, I loved my dad very much, but I don’t think he loves me the same way. He’s always busy. My friends do fun things with their dads, but I just get toys. I don’t want money. I want time. I don’t think he wants me to be his son. I know this is a big wish, but for Christmas, I want another dad.”

James broke down in tears.

Sitting alone at his desk, he realized that while he had worked endlessly to provide a good life, he had failed to build a relationship with his son. That night, he made a decision.

The next morning, James called his business partner and told him he was taking a month off. He then booked three plane tickets to New York.

That evening, he quietly pulled Heather aside. “Keep Peter busy for a bit,” he whispered. “Pack his bags. We’re leaving in the morning.”

“When?” Heather asked, stunned.

“Tomorrow,” James replied.

Peter went to bed unaware of anything. The next morning, James woke him gently.

“You ready to go, buddy?”

Peter blinked and noticed suitcases by the door. “Where are we going?”

“We’re spending Christmas in New York,” James said.

Peter exploded with excitement. It was his first flight, his first big trip. In New York, they explored the city together. Peter was especially mesmerized by the Rockefeller Christmas tree and the ice rink.

They spent Christmas eating together, laughing, and sharing stories. One evening, James sat beside Peter.

“I know I’ve been too busy,” he said softly. “That’s going to change. We’re going to spend a lot more time together. I promise.”

At the end of the trip, as they packed, Heather smiled and handed James another envelope.

“Peter asked if it was too late to write to Santa again,” she said.

James opened the letter.

“Dear Santa,” it read, “I don’t want another dad anymore. Please forgive me for asking. I love my dad. I think you didn’t give me a new one because you knew how great this one really is. Thank you for the best Christmas ever.”

From that moment on, James made sure his priorities stayed where they belonged.

What can we learn from this story?

Money can’t replace love. No amount of toys or wealth can substitute for time and connection. And no matter how busy life becomes, family must always come first.