magic
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 by Maile Wilson 
A couple weeks ago, in the spirit of the season, we decided to download the movie Fred Claus. Simple enough. Until the eight year old wheels of logic started turning in my son's head, and the interrogation began. "But how does Santa get in here if we don't have a chimney?" "Does he know the code to the alarm?" "How does he fly through the night when it's daytime on the other side of the world?" (That one made my head hurt). But we dutifully lied through our teeth as the questions got to be more and more detailed. "YES! We mailed him the key to the front door, ALRIGHT?!!"
A few days passed, and I guess it had been eating my husband up. Because the next thing I know, he waltzes into the room to casually announce that he has single-handedly informed our children (the youngest is THREE) that Santa Claus is indeed NOT REAL.
Me: "Are you serious?"
Him: "Yep, I was sick of lying to them."
Me: "Well, why don't you just tell them about the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. And while you're at it, tell them how babies are made. For good measure, why don't you just pour them a drink?!"
But the damage had been done. Or so we thought. A few more days passed, when my oldest asks my husband, "If Santa's not real, then who always eats all those cookies after we go to bed?"
My husband could see in his eyes how much he desperately wanted Santa to be real. He said, "You know what...I never thought about that. But you're right...the cookies ARE always gone the next morning. Maybe he really IS real afterall!" All three children tuned in. And by the end of the conversation, Santa was alive and well again. And so was the possibility of magic. It made me realize that sometimes it's not important to have all the answers, because so much joy comes from just having the faith to believe.
What do you believe in this Christmas Eve?
Leave a comment, and one lucky winner will receive $100 to spend at Blurb!
Reader Comments (166)
I love the magic in believing. Trust me christmas Is about children. When they're grown and you have no little ones to buy for You will See. Its just sooo not the same. Treasure these years. They're very short.
And yes. I'm positive God forgives the lie =)
We made wedding albums for our family for Christmas but haven't been able to purchase one for ourselves!
This would be the perfect holiday gift!
Congrats on the save
I have to turn to the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" - something about watching that movie each year is life changing. It always makes me walk away with a bit of a glow. Its message--that each one of us is important and has something to contribute to the greater good. It is a story that all of us are familiar with - as we grow from children to adults - looking to find ourselves. That life, although a long and winding road, truly is wonderful. I guess this is what the magical time of Christmas for me is all about.
Of course there is that lovely quote at the end by the little girl "Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings."
Merry Christmas!!!
I've known the truth for years, but I still cannot sleep on Christmas Eve. Although I refrain from what I did at 6 years old--getting out of bed at 1 am and checking out my Christmas stocking. I got a sled that year, and after sitting on it for awhile (you can't really play with a sled inside), it was time to turn on the stereo and then I decided to play the piano...
My parents were very patient people (luckily my husband is, too).
Merry Christmas!!
...that Santa is the means by which our children can grow their imagination, hope, and curiosity...
...that if we don't allow our children to imagine things that might not be real, they might lose hope in their own dreams one day.
It sounds like you've got it down.
Merry Christmas!
I love how wild of an imagination children can have. There's something so magical behind Santa and Christmas. It brings out a great spirit in all of us.
oh the joy of xmas! :)
We questioned my Mom and told her we doubted and in her very black and white way she said she was very happy she didn't have to deal with all those presents anymore. We promply had second thoughts. Santa is the spirit of the season.
I realized after the fact I had given my daughter's 2nd grade Jewish teacher a Santa ornament. When I questioned her about giving such an inappropriate gift she answered logically "Mom she doesn't celebrate Christmas but she believes in Santa!". The ornament went on the door and I was put in my place. Smart teacher.
Cheers to magic!
Merry Christmas everyone!
So I believe!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22609510@N03/3028594710/
With 8 and 6 year olds in our home, we believe in Santa. I knew at a young age that Santa was pretend, that he was something fun to believe in during the Christmas holiday. I hope that that knowledge doesn't come to my boys for at least two more years, I want them to believe he's an actual person a little while longer.