Why We Believe

There seems to be a growing trend of parents choosing to tell their children the truth about Santa. I don't want to bash non-Santa believers, but in our household we believe! Of course we teach our children about the true meaning of Christmas (Christ's birth), but we also embrace Santa Clause and all of his goodness.

So, here are my top 5 reasons of why we believe:

5. Santa is unavoidable.
During the holiday season that man is everywhere. He's on TV, in magazines, at the mall and in most homes. To me it just seems easier to go along with the whole Santa story, rather than trying to explain to a 2 year old that "Santa is a made up lie that all adults tell their children. Oh, and be sure not to tell your friends".

4. Santa is an excellent disciplinarian.
What child doesn't stop dead in his or her tracts at the threat, "I'm going to tell Santa!" I can get my kids to basically do anything just by uttering his name. I use this to my advantage ALL season long. I love the song "Santa Clause is Coming to Town", particularly the lines, "He sees you when your sleeping. He knows when your awake". I feel like that song writer and I are kindred spirits.

3. I defer all toy decisions to Santa.
With the gluttony of toy marketing during Christmas it seems that my kids are contiually whining for some new toy. My response? "We'll see what Santa brings you". End of discussion.

2. I love conspiring with my husband.
Andrew and I work together on mostly everything with our children, but making Santa come alive is different. I love keeping his identity a secret. I love making cookies and setting them out with milk for Santa on Christmas Eve. I love setting up the toys and filling up the stockings with goodies after the children have gone to bed. But most of all, I love seeing my children's faces Christmas morning, and then looking at Andrew and knowing that we have successfully pulled it off.

and the #1 reason...

1. Santa adds a special magic to Christmas.
I grew up believing in Santa. I was completely fascinated with the North Pole, elves, Mrs. Clause, Santa's reign deer, and catching a glimpse of Old Saint Nick himself. I think one year my dad even dressed up as Santa, and my mom woke me and my brother up to take a peek. I was half asleep, but I remember seeing him crouched over by the fire setting up something. Before we had a chance to catch on, my mother quickly whisked us away. That is a memory I will never forget.