There is no Santa

So there comes a time in a family where the serious discussion of Old St. Nick seems to be the hottest topic of conversation. Sunday night after a busy weekend we sat down as a family, popped some popcorn and watched "Elf" the movie. The kids loved it....and daddy probably laughed the loudest. After a discussion about what the kids thought about Santa we realized Grace was fully convinced that Santa is real....and that Christmas would not be the same without him. While we have never emphasized Santa...we didn't exactly discourage him either. We pretty much would just fill their stockings with toothbrushes, socks and other things that Santa loves to bring....of course! Why Grace thought Santa would actually bring these types of things I have no idea, but we decided we needed to remind our children why we celebrate season....which is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Plus, knowing Grace's personality we believe reinforcing the idea of Santa could confuse her faith. We don't want her believing so strongly and then be upset with us that we lied to her. We also didn't want our kids to think of the very real Jesus like they think of Santa. So, we very gently told the kids that we like to pretend about Santa....and that their was a man that lived who made toys for kids....but it's just pretend. Where as Jesus is really God who came as a little baby...etc. etc. Grace was just beside herself, while Elijah completely got the fact that we just pretend that Santa comes and was just fine. We specifically told Grace that lots of her friends still believe in Santa and she didn't need to share her new epiphany. Well, let's just say Grace is not very good at keeping secrets. She came home from school the next day only to hear she has spilled the beans to her whole class....and several of her classmates were crying and very upset. Of course, it has to be my kid who has to speak the truth. We were more upset with the fact that she disobeyed us. I called her teacher....who was so gracious with the whole thing. She said it was actually really funny....and it's bound to happen every year sooner or later. I guess we have to stand by our decision to speak truth to our kids. Besides, I firmly believe you don't have to have Santa to enjoy Christmas. I will be truly happy if our Children show just as much excitement about celebrating our Saviour.