Santa

I've done a lot of thinking about Santa since Curtis was born 6 years ago. When I was a kid my parents told us children about Santa and then pretty much let us go with our imaginations. We saw Christmas movies and shows and read books and pretty much grew up with the basic North American Santa Claus beliefs. I remember writing him letters and leaving him cookies with such a feeling of wonder and excitement each Christmas like most other middle class children in New Jersey did at the time.

What I don't remember is when I found out the 'truth' about Santa. I can say, as a very sensitive person with a good memory for pain, that I did not feel lied to or misled by my parents when I did find out that it was them providing all those toys under the tree and eating those cookies that I set out each Christmas Eve. In fact my memory of the event is pretty foggy at the most and I am thinking it may have been the kind of realization that happens over a course of time.

Now, having said all of that I completely understand all of the arguments against Santa. I don't want to lie to anyone ever, let alone my kids. I also don't like the fact that most of what kids do believe about Santa has to do with consumption and greed. I try really hard not to label my boys, so the thought of a 'naughty' or 'nice' list sends shivers down my spine....However, there is something just magical about Santa.

I have come to the conclusion that I will allow my kids to believe whatever they want when it comes to Santa. As long the story of Santa continues to bring them such joy, then I see no reason for me to burst this bubble. After all I believe in lots of things that I cannot see or feel or prove, so maybe Santa is just another human practice in faith on a more elementary level. Without some magic and faith in our lives I personally believe that this earth would be a very depressing place to live. So in these last days before Christmas I say a very jolly Ho Ho Ho and a Merry Christmas to you!




PS - It was a nice mild December day when we saw Santa at the neighborhood festival. Unfortunately the weather has taken a turn for the worse and we are all bundled up and enduring the few weeks of cold that Florida gets each year. Warm wishes to all!