In 1897 eight-year-old Virginia O Hanlon wrote the New York Sun to ask a simple question: Is there a Santa Claus? The editor s response was a stirring defense of hope generosity and the spirit of childhood. His essay has been reprinted countless times since and the phrase Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus has become part of American Christmas lore. Based on these actual events Yes Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.