I had a long talk with my eldest in the wee hours of this morning.
He kept me company as I sat feeding his sister while the rest of the household slept. He looked like he was turning something over in his mind, some puzzle he was trying to figure out on his own.
Mom. I want to believe in Santa Claus, but Daddy is making me feel like maybe... He's confusing me! He tells me he exists, the he says things to make me think maybe he doesn't exist!
My husband, as it turns out, isn't very good at keeping his story straight. Clearly there must be some kind of coordination between Santa and the 'rents, but it seems the Santa-Parents connection has been less than consistent of late, leaving my son to wonder if he's being "led down the primrose path". Did I get that Polar Express reference right?
Just like the little boy in the Polar Express, my son is at the age where the magic could be at an end. We've known this day was coming, and while we have no intention of fooling our son... how can I tell him Santa doesn't exist?
I can't take that magic away from him when I... I still believe in the magic.
That's right. There's a part of this grown-up that still believes in Santa Claus.
The way I look at it (and the way I explained it to my son) what's Santa about?
- Generosity of spirit
- Justice
- Hope
- Sharing
- Community
- Love
- with a dash of Miracle
If that's what Santa represents, I don't see any harm in keeping the faith alive in a little corner of my heart.
I mean we all know the media can blow things out of proportion, don't we? Stories take on a momentum of their own and details get fuzzy... distorted... blown out of proportion.
Maybe instead of travelling the world, Santa only travels a small portion of the world and hopes to inspire by example.
Maybe he isn't around in flesh and blood anymore. But who's to tell me that I can't take comfort in knowing that somewhere, in some time, Santa exists.
Nobody. That's who! Because I know for sure he exists. And I hope he always lives right here in my heart.
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6 comments:
There are different types of Santas and other kinds of magic - we just have to be open enough to see them.. ..that's what I emphasize to the kids ....they do exist.
A Blessed and Holy Christmas to you.
It's funny because you know I don't believe in "A" Santa and I never have, but I have no doubt that there are many Santas and that we are all Santa when we are at our best.
As a parent of three children and a grandparent of three grandsons, I say keep the spirit alive. Let him find out in his own way in due time. As the famous newspaper reply goes....."yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus".
I Believe! Hope you and the kids have a wonderful day together!
xoxoxo
CatLady
That's really, really interesting. I tend to lean toward the 'lying to your children' perspective on Santa (but since I'm not sure where it comes from, I keep it to myself. Uh, till now! Yikes!) I love how you've made the magic of santa truthful! Thank you!!
I agree! My oldest (9) says he knows all about Santa, but loves the whole Santa and Christmas and hasn't changed a bit since he was younger. I love the fun in Santa and Christmas! :)
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