To Believe or not to Believe

With Christmas less than a week away last  minute shopping is at its peak. Parents wait in long lines to obtain that must have toy for their child. Some even using the last of their savings just to see a smile on their childs face on Christmas day, only to tell their child that it was a toy giving to them by Santa. Others are using a more "realist" approach, and either do not celebrate at all or are brutally honest with their 2 year old that mommy and daddy are the ones that brought them the toys under the tree. Others find it appealing in their household to share the tale of St. Nick, and how their was a man who went around and gave gifts to people, while also explaining about the birth of Jesus and the reason Christmas is celebrated.


I grew up believing in Santa Claus without any idea that my mom was working twice as hard just to make sure I had presents under the tree Christmas morning. At the time I truly believed that if I were good then Santa was going to come at night while I was asleep and bring me everything that I had asked for. Waking up every Christmas needless to say I was never disappointed (except for that one year when I didn't get my Easy Bake Oven :-/), but what about the kids who are? What about the ones that sat in Santa's lap and read off a long list of items only to have their tiny little world crumble on Christmas morning because they received a scarf and mitten set instead of the latest electronic gadget? 


These are things that I have pondered about especially because this is my first year as a mom, and as a parent you always want the very best for your child. If only we could always keep a smile on their pretty little faces, and never see them disappointed. **sigh**
Unfortunately in the real world life is not all covered with sugar plum fairies, and money definitely doesn't grow on trees. Do you let kids be kids and enjoy mythical stories and embrace the idea of imagination or do you tell them the truth? Their has to be a balance to this dilemma ...or is there? 


God made our imaginations and hardwired us to connect deeply with stories, and we all know children have the greatest imaginations of them all. Jesus himself appealed to people’s imagination by telling parables—stories that communicated profound truths. Even if stories are fairy tales, and therefore not necessarily true, they still communicate truth. Parents can use the Santa myth to teach their children to be giving rather than demanding, and to experience generosity and grace. Whatever you're decision may be I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday. :-)