For years I would stand in the kitchen stirring a pot of gumbo answering questions about Santa.
“Is Santa, real?” They would ask with big eyes.
“Susie-Q says there is no such thing as Santa!”
Calmly each time, I would stir the pot some more and ask, “What do you believe?”
“I think there is a Santa.”
“Santa,” I would reply, “is someone who loves you very much.”
The questions continued.
“Can he really see who is good and bad…does he really know when we are bad?”
“No, he doesn’t know every time, but he has helpers that watch to make sure you are doing the right thing. Then Jesus can tell Santa a lot too.”
I suck in my cheeks to hide me grin at their eyes growing even larger.
The day finally came when the rest of the story was revealed. I sat them down with hot chocolate and marshmallows on the couch by the Christmas tree all glittered and twinkling.
Again I repeated what I have always told them, “Santa is someone who loves you very much.”
“There have been many Santa Claus’ through the years,” I begin. “At first he was called St. Nicolas, and he was a Bishop who would give secret gifts to the poor.
“The first Christmas was Jesus’ birthday, and in church it is celebrated as Advent. (2 minute video explaining Advent) It is a time of celebrating Christ’s birthday, and it is a time of slowing down and learning that there is joy in waiting. We wait for Jesus’ return, and we celebrate his coming and the joy of waiting for His return.”
“Santa Clause is an easy way to teach you about Jesus love when you are young, and it is a fun game to play to with children as we teach them about Christ., and that Jesus came to give a gift…Life forever.”
“So, Daddy is Santa?”
“No, sweetheart, Mommy is Santa.”
Then sucking in my cheeks, and with another half-grin on my face, “Daddy doesn’t know, so don’t tell him. We still have to play the game for him.”
From the Bailey family to yours, Merry Christmas, and in this Advent time, Joy ~ He has come and will come AGAIN!
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So sweet, Diane. We do Santa here too and always will. It’s the spirit of love and surprise. One year I had “Santa” come to the front door with a sack-full of gifts I had supplied him with. Not even my husband knew. Priceless memory when my son (6, I think) announced: Umm…Mom? It’s Santa, should I let him in? xoxo.
I love that, Amy. Mom and Dad are still the authority over Santa! We still play the game.