I have 2 boys, 9 and 7. The 9 yr old started questioning the existence of Santa last year a little. He would say things like "I think Santa is more of a spirit of Christmas than actual person". This year, he's been saying things like "I think Santa is a myth", and what he wants for Christmas is to actually see Santa (that's what he's asked Santa for). He's also asked me "mom, have you ever lied to me?" After finding me hiding Easter eggs on Easter, I think the whole "Easter bunny" thing is done. So this Christmas has been one that I'm sure a lot of parents have to come to at a certain point, "do I tell my kid this year?"
I've been struggling with this more and more as the season goes on. Do I tell the older one, explain who St. Nicholas was, and let him in on "the secret", and have him promise not to tell little brother, (which I can imagine his first fight with brother would bring that one straight out), or do I tell both? Or neither?
I remember my parents telling my little sister, who was about 6, the story of the "real Santa". She came home after hearing this story, and the first thing she tells everyone, "Santa's dead." Harsh words to hear from a 6 yr old! I was 12 and it hurt to hear that said, kind of like hearing a kid say "I don't believe in fairies" while watching Peter Pan...you wanna scream "NO!"
I want to share why I believe/believed in Santa. I grew up believing in the big guy. There was a certain magic I always felt on Christmas Eve, like something great was happening. I gotta be honest, I still feel that way every Christmas. I may not get up as early as I used to, but I still feel that excitement knowing that even if there weren't a single present under that tree, the day was going to magical, where great memories would be made. There was a certain wonder about snow and Santa and stars...and remembering miracles taking place thousands of years ago in mangers. I decided to allow my kids to believe in Santa, because Santa represented to me kindness, and a giving spirit. A lot of times, like Charlie Brown says, the whole Christmas thing becomes a big "commercial racket". The kindness and giving spirit I want to be in my boys, not about the toys or the commercialism that often tries to creep into the holiday's. Which is a different problem I'm having with my youngest, who has asked Santa for : an iPod touch, a DS, an Xbox 360, and games for the DS and 360. None of which we can really afford this year. In trying to explain that he might not get these things, it's "Santa doesn't have to buy them, he makes all his stuff!". Oh dear....
This holiday season, I am going to remember all my Christmas' and Santa and think about what made that special. Was it the toys "Santa" brought me? Cause I honestly don't remember one that was from him. I do remember the joy and family, and music, and laughter that always is, and always will be. So while I ponder whether to let my kids in on the secret, or how to let them in, I'm going to make sure and always remember why Christmas is celebrated. The One who brings hope. The Prince of Peace.
Merry Christmas!
