Merry Christmas Virginia and to all of us who believe

The following is from the editorial page of the New York Sun, 1897, written by editor Francis Pharcellus Church, and titled Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus:

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor — I am eight 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. Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

Ephemeral Art: Bold Chocolates by Aarti Khosla

Aarti Khosla and her boldly delicious handmade chocolates.

When it comes to handmade chocolates, Aarti Khosla of Weston, Connecticut doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk.

Taking a break from her marketing career to raise her family, she decided to pursue a passion she could do at home — make chocolates.

Justice for Tom

Tom Steinert-Threlkeld, center, at a stop last year on his Santa Claus ride.

An arrest has been made in the hit and run case that claimed the life of Tom Steinert-Threlkeld of Weston, Conn.

Alexander Scott Lee, 21, of New Milford was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 3, and faces charges including evading responsibility for a fatal accident, making an improper left turn and tampering with evidence.

On Oct. 20, Tom was riding his bicycle in Bethel, when Lee hit him with his car. Tom was knocked to the ground and a second car ran over him, pinning him underneath. Tom had to be extricated by the fire department and later died from his injuries.

After Lee hit Tom, he fled the scene.

Beautiful music

Amira Willighagen and Jackie Evancho have voices like angels.

Is it déjà vu all over again? Or perhaps a battle of the angelic divas? Whatever it is, Jackie Evancho and Amira Willighagen are making beautiful music.

Jackie Evancho wowed the judges and the American public in 2009, when at age nine she sang Puccini’s aria “O Mio Babbino Caro” for an audition on  America’s Got Talent. Since then, Jackie’s star has risen to fame. She has recorded five albums (two gold, one platinum) and has filmed two solo concerts for the PBS series Great Performances.