At this festive time of year, the Speak Freely Editorial board is getting in a merry mood. The team has spent the year busily writing, reading and editing, working to make Speak Freely better than ever. To top off the year, the team have each written a letter to Santa Claus/Father Christmas. We wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope that it is more free than it was last year!
Ian Golan – Executive Publisher
Dear Mr. Grinch,
As we approach the coming fiscal year, we humbly implore you to rescue us from the relentless tide of the budgetary Santas and their taxpayer-paid cheer.
Please come to remind us that life is not about the state-gifted goodies and spread your spirit of austerity around the old continent.
May your wisdom, save us from old bearded men with a propensity for red, and seizing the means of elven production.
Yours sincerely,
Ian
Ogechukwu Egwuatu – Editor-in-Chief Website
Dear Santa,
This year has been tough for so many people. There’s been so much war and violence, and I really hope next year will be more peaceful. It’s heartbreaking to see so many lives torn apart because of decisions made by politicians.
I also wish there could be less hate in the world. People seem so quick to fight and demonise others, and I think we would all be better off if we tried to understand each other more.
Speaking of change, could we start rethinking how much faith we put in the government to fix everything? They cause a lot more problems than they solve and they’re not exactly prudent in their spending. Maybe we can make that better next year. While we’re on that, please ask the EU to tone it down a little with the regulations. We can barely catch up.
Most of all, I just hope next year will be brighter for everyone. Love, peace, liberty, and a little more common sense would go a long way.
Merry Christmas,
Oge
John Devlin-Editor-in-Chief Magazine
Dear Santa,
I like to play Monopoly with my family each Christmas. But every year, there’s always one clear monopoly winner – you.
I can only assume you have excellent lobbyists behind you, to keep such a captive market over night-time present deliveries. What kind of shady government deals have been made in that grotto of yours? How many sly handshakes have taken place over cigars and candy canes?
This Christmas, I wish for an end to all the licensing regulations, all the special privileges, all the centuries-old legislation that is preventing a truly free market in presents. If the law will allow it, there are thousands of up-and-coming ‘santrapreneurs’ out there who are ready to take the reins. Your reign is over, dear!
Yours festively,
John Devlin
Dunya Suleymanova-Editor
Dear Santa,
This Christmas, I’d really appreciate it if you could gift the world a collective sense of humor. Lately, it feels like we’ve all forgotten how to laugh at ourselves, and honestly, it’s getting a bit exhausting.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could chuckle at the small absurdities of life instead of letting them ruin our day? Like when the Wi-Fi cuts out mid-Zoom call, or when someone takes the last parking spot just as you were about to pull in. A little humor might even make the office Secret Santa gift exchange less painful—because let’s face it, there are only so many novelty mugs one person can own.
So please, Santa, send us all a reminder that it’s okay to lighten up, even when the turkey’s burnt or the cat’s taken up permanent residence in the Christmas tree. After all, a little laughter never hurt anyone—unless, of course, you’re choking on a mince pie.
Merrily yours,
Dunya Suleymanova
Tania Rak – Head of Partnerships
Dear Santa,
As the season of warm lights and endless carols engulfs us, I find myself reflecting on a gift far greater than any that can be wrapped: the freedom to speak and to choose. In a world where opinions can be as sharp as icicles, the right to express them is our most precious stocking stuffer.
So, this year, I ask for a little extra magic in protecting democracy — the kind of it that lets people decide their futures, their leaders, and their truths without interference. I’d also love a sprinkle of clarity for those who forget that free speech is a two-way street. May their “freedom” never turn into a snowball aimed at silencing or threatening others.
And if all this sounds too ambitious, or if your sleigh’s running a little heavy this year, don’t worry — I’m not above a chic pair of shoes or that oud perfume that I have on my wishlist for a little while. Just in case, you know, you need a backup plan.
Xoxo,
Tania
Oscar Gill-Lewis – Correspondent Program Manager
Dear Santa,
Last year you got me so much. I travelled far and wide and met so many wonderful people and had so many enlightening experiences. I couldn’t be more grateful.
This year I am writing to you with a special request. I am not asking for any gifts for me. That’s right, I’m not asking for red and white candy canes or sugar plum fairies, nor succulent mince pies or a snowy white Christmas. But wait I hear you ask, “Has Oscar taken on the grumpy, gloomy mantle of Grinch this Christmas?” No, Saint Nick I certainly haven’t!
My special request this year is for you to tell governments around the world that they don’t know best, especially Keir Starmer’s. Governments do not know what type of education is best for children, it doesn’t know what the best diet for any of us is. They do not know what our tastes are nor what leisure we prefer.
Governments know not what we want for Christmas and while they endeavour to always know when we are awake and when we are sleeping, through an invasive surveillance state. For Christmas this year I would like you to make governments across the world less enthusiastic in trying to give us what they think we want and leaving it up to us instead. I wish they were more humble in their role and that they return to the few key roles they should actually be carrying out.
Merry festivities,
Christmas wishes,
Oscar Gill-Lewis
