Hi Patrice,

It is a wonderful story to connect with and understand the themes therein. I find there are a number of strands woven together to make an appealing story. Santa Clause and Christmas are brought in to go along with a child's requesting letter for parents. Fortunately, there are sympathetic childless parents to make a go for the kid who badly needed mom and dad. Then there is this issue of squabbling parents and domestic violence, in which the child witnesses a shooting incident. Parental irresponsible and loveless behavior is focused on here.
The child's mind-
This is the crucial issue which makes us think about why such things happen. The child's letter and her untouched innocence could move a cold heart too. The foster parents are justifiably moved by the frank expression of the kid.
The transition from a child's point to those of other characters is achieved without being obvious.

Dialog and setting are winsome.

Write on!