Santa

 

 

So an old teacher of mine, posted this comment on facebook:

"I have a Christmas question. I know I'm going to be unpopular here but is Santa real? I guess the real question is why do we celebrate Christmas? If it's for Christ, cool. If it's for having time away from school and relaxing, cool. I guess one of my parenting questions is when is it ok to lie to our kids, while teaching them that lying is wrong?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!"

 i wanted to comment on it, but i couldnt bring myself to.

So i decided on expressing my feelings on this. 

For me, growing up, Christmas, was the time of year were you not only could smell and see the joy, but the time where you could feel the magic. Having two very catholic parents, i was never unaware that the "real" celebration for Christmas was to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. Also, my parents instilled in me, the belief that getting presents didnt mean much and all that mattered was being with your loved ones. This, from a very early age exposed me to humility, and to be non-materialistic. However, with that said Santa Claus was very much alive in our celebration and getting presents whether they be big or small was always one of my favorite part (although i never voiced my joy at how much i loved presents haha.). It was never explained what Santa clause's role was in Jesus birthday, but then again i never cared enough to asked. I know a lot of people who have had bad experiences with Santa Claus, however, Santa claus will always hold a special place in my heart. He taught me to believe in magic. Writing letters, baking him cookies, leaving warm milk, presents under the tree, all are traditions that i love and cherished. To this day, i know some may find it impossible, absurd, or even a lie, that i, 20 years of age, i still wholeheartedly believe in santa. Even though i dont put my xmas card on the tree for santa to see at night, i still write him one. As much as i believe in him, there comes a time at ones age where, believing in things like this becomes unconventional and even unacceptable. As a matter of fact i still believe in almost everything i believed in when i was a few years younger. And not in the way that some people "believe" in it just so they can feel like a "kid" again. i really truly feel in my heart that these magical, and mythical creatures exist. I dont understand when people say, "oh i feel like a little kid again." I still feel like a  kid. Ive never felt as if ive transition into anything else besides a child. believing in santa claus has never been a question of "is he real or not" what did matter was the fact that without santa i dont think i would have ever believed in all the wonders of magic.

-lily