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John Daley ReportingEvery day this time of year, many children-- perhaps yours-- are writing letters to Santa Claus.
So just what happens to all those nice notes? We discovered Santa is getting some help.
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "Isn't this gorgeous? She's talking about her little brother Michael has been good, too. Isn't that sweet!"
In Utah, Larene Sorensen is Santa's Secretary.
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "Some of these, I'm just so touched. The artwork is so beautiful."
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "I just absolutely love these children. I think they're fabulous. I mean, they have so much magic in them still. Do you know what I mean?"
Santa asked Larene to help. So she opens all the letters, like this one from Katie in Logan.
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "Dear Santa. I want a cd that's Happy Feet."
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "Merry Christmas, Santa Claus. P.S. I've been really good this year. From, Katie. Pretty good."
Larene sends back a reply...
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "The only problem sometimes is I get a little overloaded and get a little stressed."
..on Santa's behalf, saying "I'm proud of you."
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "Also, remember to do the best job you can do. It'll make you happy in the long run. Love, Santa."
Some kids are consumer-minded.
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "A lot of children will do that. They'll even send entire catalogues."
Many get creative. Check out Santa on the surfboard. Hang ten, dude...ho, ho, ho.
Others worry about Mom and Dad.
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "Some of them will say 'Please help my mommy be happy. She's been sad ever since Daddy left.' Or, 'Tell my Daddy that I love him.'"
And through the wobbly handwriting and misspelled words, Larene has a window on the next generation, on their hearts and souls.
Larene Sorensen/ "Santa's Secretary": "They do touch my heart. They really do touch my heart. As a matter of fact, some of them have made me cry in the past. And a lot of them will make me laugh."
Every year, Santa's secretary gets five or six thousand letters.
