Tis' the Season

Howdy!

Lots of people have been asking me lately (5 in the past week!) how we “do” Christmas at our house and how/if Santa plays any role.  Tis’ the season!  It really made me reflect on our whys.  So here’s my spin on it all.  Not to say that it is all the right answer, but for my family, it is what we believe is right for us. 

So, when it comes to the big jolly guy, yes he is part of our traditions.  No, he is NOT the focus of Christmas in our house.  Santa is a figure that helps others see the true meaning of Christmas.  He is giving, he is joyful, he is full of love, he helps others, he spreads cheer and most importantly in our house, he loves and knows Jesus.  Because he loves and knows Jesus, he shows grace.

 To me it’s important to give our kids that sense of excitement, joy, boundless imagination and amusement that comes with the idea of Santa. There’s enough in this world that makes them grow up way too fast.  I love the childhood they’ve experienced and I’m determined to continue to give them one that is full of fun, jovial and imaginative experiences.

 As Jesus received three precious gifts at His birth, Santa also brings three gifts to my girls in celebration if Jesus’ birth.  Even at 6, Kay doesn’t question the number of gifts under the tree.  They understand the reason and significance.  Santa is just a part of the celebration of our Savior’s birth in delivering gifts to celebrate Jesus’ love for us.  One day they may ask and question the reality of Santa (I hope no time in the near future!!!) and that’s ok.  It’s life.  At that time, I’ll turn it on them to investigate. When they are ready have a conversation about the fictional character Santa, it will be one that includes information about where the idea of Santa came from in our history.

 I love the excitement and wonder that happens in our house this time of year.  The girls LOVE “acting like Santa” and doing good deeds for others, dropping coins in Salvation Army buckets, buying for Angel Tree children and wrapping their gifts, random acts of kindness, handing out “happy bags” to homeless people, etc.  These kinds of things are what they believe Santa does with a heart like Jesus.  I can live with that. 

We read an amazing Advent book written by Jack and Kathy Stockman.  It has a piece of the Christmas story each day and each day the girls get to open a new door.  We start from the beginning of the book each day and within a few days they start reciting the book with us as we read.  Gives me goose bumps thinking about it!  I just love it! 

And our elf, “Lizard” (name courtesy of Ashland this year) comes around and he is more of just a fun little dude that pops up in funny places.  Nothing more. It’s fun and it gives us a reason to act like kids ourselves and come up with creative ways to hide him or to set him up in a comical way.  When he makes a mess, we practice showing grace and clean up after him without anger or frustration. :)

So there’s our take. I realize not everyone is on this band wagon and that is a- okay with me.  I respect, and expect, that and I ask that you respect our views too :)