Benedict Cumberbatch: 'Dear Santa, I never did get that lightsaber'

Benedict Cumberbatch: 'Dear Santa, I never did get that lightsaber':

londongypsy:

Father Christmas has been “bastardised to represent materialism gone mad”, the actor Benedict Cumberbatch has lamented, as he reveals he never received the lightsaber he asked for as a little boy. 

 
Cumberbatch, who became a father for the first time this year, said the figure of Santa Claus has been “changed into different colours by corporations” despite its origins in pagan rituals “ a million thought miles” from elaborate demands for presents.

If he was given one Christmas wish, he added, it would be for “a little more time for children to be children”.

Cumberbatch, who has recently starred in Hamlet at the Barbican, is one of a number of celebrities who have written a public message to Father Christmas this year for the Letters Live series, marking national letter writing day.

He joked he had not yet received the lightsaber he requested as a child, despite making efforts to be on his best behaviour.

This year, he added, he would leave “extra port and mince pies” out if Santa could help “solve some of the greatest worries we have for our children”.

Cumberbatch wrote: “This is what I’d like to ask you to help with. A little more time for children to be children. Stretch the moment of magic and playfulness.

“Distract them from the realities of a world gone mad so that they can laugh with their breath rather than sob with their tears. Especially those caring for family members, or suffering illness, hunger or poverty.

“Especially those hiding in buildings as bombs rain down, or being handed shaking with fear or cold into a boat to escape environmental disaster or war. Please help to light up their worlds with a moment of joy and hope.”

Speaking about the task of writing to Father Christmas, he added: “When I think about it you’ve got it tough this year… And when I really think about it I’m not sure that asking you for a lightsaber and getting one (not that I ever did by the way) is equatable with controlling the space time continuum and making the good of childhood last a little longer.”

Cumberbatch, who has one son with his wife Sophie Hunter, ended the letter by writing: “I feel a little sorry for you. And I guess I’ve done exactly what I said I wouldn’t … Asked you to help with adult problems and solve some of the greatest worries we have for our children. I promise to leave some extra port and mince pies for you!”

Signing off with a kiss, he added: “Please could I have that lightsaber now?”

Just when I thought I couldn’t love him more!