{Do you believe?}

12.16.2009

This last week someone told our girls that there is no such thing as Santa simply because they would prefer to not deal with it every year. Now, that made me sad because when you stop believing you lose something magical within yourself that takes away from this whole season. I think his story has a great message that should not be forgotten. There really is nothing quite like watching the face of a child light up as they write Santa a letter or the joy a child gets sitting on Santa’s lap. The innocence of a child is a big part of what makes this time of the year so special.

While obviously the best story of Christmas is the reason we celebrate (the birth of Jesus), there is nothing “un Christian” about Santa Claus. It is important to me as a mother that my children understand the true meaning behind Christmas, but it is also important for my whole family to believe in Jolly Old Saint Nick!

Santa Claus is such an important and fun part of childhood. Yet, too many parents feel the need to ruin this innocence by disclosing the truth about Santa to their kids. Now I would never advocate a parent lying to his or her child, but before you go and ruin your children’s belief in Santa, ask yourself one question. Does it hurt my child to believe in Santa Claus? All children have the right to be fascinated in stories, fables, and myths which only engage a young child’s sense of wonder and imagination. Come on people… teaching your children about Santa is unlikely to send them into therapy!!

I’m thankful our kids have Jerod and I to let them know it’s OK to believe! This holiday season let Santa be a reminder to us all that goodness does exist!

Happy Holidays Friends!

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by Jenny

7 comments

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December 17, 2009 - 7:31 am Katie - This is so sad! But don't let them stop believing just yet, now they can learn the grown up and oh so relevant version of the wonderful story of Santa. I still believe in the spirit of Santa and think especially at this time of year we are each responsible to play a role in making that spirit a reality. While the girls may have been told the "truth"...that there is no one single Santa who flies all over the world in one night delivering presents...there are thousands of Santa's everywhere making sure that love and joy are spread and children are not forgotten. Whether through contributing to Toys for Tots, buying gifts for an angle tree tag, adopting a family or just spreading cheer to your neighbors - we are each Santa when we think of someone else. And this lesson I know you and Jerod will pass on to the girls - Christmas is about thinking of others first and the joy that fills our hearts when we share love with those around us. And that is both the story of Jesus Christ and Jolly Old Saint Nick. Jesus came, sacrificing to live in human form, to teach us how to love others, he always put others first even to death on a cross. He did everything out of His love for us - giving the greatest presents of all, his birth and his death. He did nothing out of selfish desire. And Jolly Old Saint Nick doesn't save the best presents for him and Mrs. Clause, he doesn't drive a fancy brand new model sleigh or live in a big house (I know, I have been there!)...he thinks about how to bring joy and love into little childrens hearts. Keep the spirit alive Jen...help them be little Santas to everyone around them including the one who tried to ruin this special season for them!

December 17, 2009 - 7:56 am rebecca heise - Jenny- I don't know what to say...to put it simply, it's very sad to think of kids not believing in Santa. They grow up so fast and there's just this little window of time when their imaginations run wild and they do believe. Some day soon we'll be sitting around the Christmas tree with teenagers and the days of magic and the unbearable excitement of waiting for Santa will be a thing of the past...how sad that someone felt it was their place to make your kids grow up! HOHOHO! Merry Christmas! Rebecca

December 17, 2009 - 1:53 pm Mary Ann Warnock - I know that with the love you and Jerod share and pass on daily to your children they will continue to "Believe" in all that is good and continue to have those wonderful imaginations! Your home is one of love, creativity, teachings of caring, and a family that makes you feel wonderful just to be around. Your teachings will be what the children believe in and not those of the person that trys to discourage them in so many ways. That person could only be an unhappy one themselves to have tried to do this to such young children! I have had many Santa gifts in my life and still love the excitement of getting them!! Keep up the good life you have and it will prevail for all of you.

December 17, 2009 - 2:28 pm Jodi - What a horrible person!!!!!! The best part of being a child is believing in things like Sants. Christmas is the celibration of the birth of Christ!! Are they going to start saying that there is no such thing as him!!! Good for you, and instilling good values and beliefs on your children. U R amazing!!!!

December 17, 2009 - 8:48 pm Carrie lou - Madison believes in Santa Claus! Last year a volunteer at school told her there wasn't really a Santa Claus and I felt as a loving, protecting mother it was my duty to nip that in the bud with the certain someone! It is so wrong to take that away from a child and the parents at Christmas! We BELIEVE and always will! We all know the true meaning of Christmas, but to RUIN the moment of watching and listening to your children tell Santa what they want for Christmas and the excitement and sparkle in them as you watch them come around the corner to see what Santa brought....is CRUEL!

December 19, 2009 - 7:59 am Alison - Well said Jenny! The pictures of your kids, house, and treats are just gorgeous! You are so talented.

December 22, 2009 - 8:11 am Jenny - Thank you everyone for your kind words! I truly love reading all your comments!

Jenny Ross Designs

HELLO!

{Do you believe?}