Although Novella and Aveline have both had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap a time or two, and we have some Santa decorations, toys and movies. We do not actively celebrate Santa Claus in our home. When I found out I was going to be a momma and Ryan a papa, we began discussing and trying to figure out all of those “things” that you have to decide and determine as a parent. Will you do elf on a shelf, will you teach about Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, will you have your child baptized or dedicated, etc… and the list goes on and on. Every family is different in what they do and do not teach, everyone parents differently, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. For us however, we decided that the real magic of Christmas isn’t about presents, behaving so that Santa will bring you toys, reindeer on your roof top, or elves that report back to Santa if you’ve been a good little boy or girl.

The REAL magic of Christmas is the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. The REAL magic is when you ask a 2.5 year old little girl what the true meaning of Christmas is, her reply is, “Jesus Birthday!” Then she proceeds to sing “Happy Birthday Baby Jesus”. If you ask her who Santa is, she will tell you that Santa is pretend. When you ask her what other people believe she will tell you that, he brings them presents.

Yes, I know. I am that mom. The one who’s kid is going to likely ruin the “secret” and the “magic of Christmas” for her friends, not intentionally of course. Other Children may or may not believe her when she tells them. That is okay, but to us, the most important thing is that SHE KNOWS the TRUTH. There is nothing wrong with pretending or playing, it’s okay to put a gift from Santa underneath the tree, and to read the books, watch the movies, and have Santa decorations, I think we even have a couple on our tree. We are not opposed to the character, in fact St. Nick was a real person, who really did do good for children. This is how I was brought up as well, I never really believed, I always knew the truth, although as my mom told me recently, “You really wanted to believe at times”, but in the end I believed in someone far GREATER!

The Three Wise Men brought Jesus three gifts, GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, and MYRRH. Our gift giving rule with our daughters is not money based, it is that at Christmas they get three gifts because that is what Jesus received from the wise men after he was born. Now that they have a sister each, they still are only getting three gifts, two from us, and one from their sister. We plan to continue this tradition as they grow up to continue to put an emphasis on the TRUE meaning of the season. Sure, we have a lovely Christmas Tree set up down in the basement, where the presents have all been placed,, and the stocking are hung by the mantle for decoration. Upstairs in our living room is a small tree, lightly decorated and next to it is the main piece of decoration in our primary living space, our nativity scene. It is the Willow Tree version, and it is simple, but absolutely lovely.

Every year on Christmas morning before we “celebrate” we read the story of Jesus’ Birth, the magic and wonder of his amazing arrival, and all that he would do for us on Earth, and all he still does for us to this day with our awesome God.

So while you might celebrate in your own way, and you might enjoy the magic of Santa in your home…please don’t forget the REAL and TRUE meaning of this CHRISTmas Season. CHRIST is still very much alive, so let’s celebrate him too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY JESUS! WE LOVE YOU!
*Note: If you want to read another blog with similar ideals, this blogger really “hit the nail on the head with her points”, as one of my good friends said. She articulates her thoughts wonderfully and expressed exactly how Ryan and I feel on so many points! So check it out! What To Do About Santa