Bubby, you’re
right. I do go to the mailbox and take
out the letters written to Santa Claus.
Just as my parents did for me, and their parents before them, I get your
gifts from Santa Claus and I fill your stockings.
You’ve heard him
referred to as Saint Nicholas, right? Saint
Nicholas was really a Christian bishop in a country that is now known as Turkey. He was known for giving generous gifts to the
poor. He was religious from an early age
and devoted his life to Christianity.
He
was just one dude. No elves. No flying
reindeer. He was just one Christian who
gave generously, trying to follow Christ’s example. In doing so, a beautiful tradition of Christmas spirit was created (known as far back as the 1820s!) that has grown to the
epic folk tale of Santa Claus. So you
are right, he is not real, but I think the spirit of generosity and celebration
that is Santa Claus is legit.
God gave us the greatest
gift of Jesus on the first Christmas. We
attempt to give generously each year to glorify it. The surprise and anticipation that comes with
the magic of Santa is just one of the ways we celebrate Christmas, Jesus Christ’s
birthday.
One day many, many years
from now, I hope you have the joy of stealing letters from the mailbox and sneaking
around to fill stockings just as I do now and your grandparents did before me. Right now you see the joy and magic as yours--
in receiving gifts from Santa Claus; but I think the real joy & magic is mine—seeing
your faces light up Christmas morning with surprise and happiness. So pretty please, help this Santa Momma out
and try to at least fake it a while longer and don’t
tell your sister.
Merry Christmas.
Love,
MOM
P.S. I am the tooth fairy and I also hide the eggs at Easter. I have no idea where those two traditions originated, but your grandparents played the roles for me, and one day you will play them, too.
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