got a call last night from my 'baby' in florida. Y. is just 4 and she wanted to tell me that santa is made up by people who want folks to celebrate Christmas but think they will do it only if there is "make believe" afoot. heavy sigh.
i tried so long even after i knew our son was onto the whole santa thing. i tried to explain/ convince him of the wonder of the whole season.
i think that really drove him from it - the idea of a magical event.
now i DO agree with Y that this season has really gone too too far out there and people who have no clue as to the celebration's roots have joined in to make merry and drink, eat, get freebies (another reason i send donations instead of gifts or i make the gift ... it benefits others and it is from the heart).
what i don't like is the loss of innocence and mystery. it's good she is learning and expressing on her own or with her Baba and Mama's help.
BUT my own interp of santa has always been a bit different from what i was taught as a child.
(aside from the argument that St Nick was a real guy who did good things for kiddos)
i learned at 9 that my grandpa 'played' santa at the local dept store and had my own version of him just helping the 'real' one...though i knew there was no guy in red longhandles riding in a big sled lead by heavy headed deer just flying around the world (tho that is fun to imagine).
my thinking (and in my class room of 3-5's i always told them the truth about how i feel without stepping on any home traditions or destroying any lasting hopes) my thinking was and still is that santa is a word used to describe ANYONE who has a good heart and puts it to use.
those who feed the needy and nourish the hungry/thirsty, and lend listening ears to those in tears. it is the person who takes compassion to the step of ACTION and actually gives.
without expecting any big return, we become santa in the best way when we share.
so i must differ a bit with baby Y - for me the spirit of santa will always exist in my heart.
2 comments:
I like that!
I never thought believing in Santa was lying, although I know some who do.
I feel a little sad for those who get lost in the crazy, rigid ways of celebrating this season.
I equally feel a little sad for those who turn Santa into a political figure which deserves some stance of "correctness" in how we and our children relate to him.
I'm not sure when or how it got so complicated. Like you, I think it just be about love, compassion and giving. Isn't that what we should teach our children?
I'm glad you are writing and look forward to keeping up with you. LOVE YOU!
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