“Santa’s fake,” Jonathan said.
“What?!” I exclaim stunned because he’s only six years old.
“Yeah, I saw the fake Santa.”
“Who told you?” I asked.
“No one. I saw the real Santa at David’s school and the fake one at the Christmas breakfast today,” Jonathan recounted.
I sighed in relief and then thought, Did I almost blow? Did I come close to giving it away?
You never know what your children will surprise you with, what they will say, who they will say it to. Jonathan is such a social butterfly; he tells everyone our story. I’m certain that’s why he was selected to attend a Christmas breakfast at the local Kiwanis Club. He has no problem striking up a conversation with anyone and telling the person what he did, where he’s going, what’s happening in the home, etc.
I tell Jonathan Santa Claus has so many appearances during this time that he needs help from other people. I don’t know if that was the right thing to say, but it was what came out of my mind at that very moment.
The holidays can present such a challenging time for parents. For parents who are in need and struggling financially, the thought of fulfilling special holiday wishes for their children must be overwhelming and daunting. What do those parents think? What must they be going through? Wouldn’t it be nice, Grace, to believe in Santa Claus for parents? For some parents in need, Santa does come in the form of support from charities like Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, or other local organizations that solicit donations from the community.
Whether Santa is fake or not, I believe in magic, in the support of people coming to aid others and give them a hand up. And I think there are many Santas out there who come and lighten the load for others, even for just one day.
Guiding Lesson: Eve, this is a wonderful season for many. There is so much abundance. Gifts, food, desserts, wine, parties, decorations, sales, music, good wishes, friends, family, excitement, along with anticipation for a new year.
However for some this season is a reminder of what they don’t have, what is missing and what is scarce. Their reality may be filled with loneliness, hunger, thirst, lack of shelter, proper clothing to stay warm, being an outcast, friendless, no family, mourning a loss of a loved one, jobless, depressed, anxious, decrease in health, brokenhearted, absence of a brighter tomorrow etc. Adults do need Santa as much as children.
Maybe this is why the real story of St. Nicholas has become the enchanted hope everyone wishes to find in today’s world. Down deep inside people in despair hold on to the hope of the Spirit of giving that St. Nicholas began many centuries ago. His generous spirit brought hope and made things better even if it was for just one night. Why not continue to pass this along? The story behind Santa is real. It is hidden behind a red suit and white beard. But if you look closer you will find hope for you and you will find an invitation to also join in passing on the beautiful tradition of giving and of hope. This is a hope that humanity will look inwardly and celebrate their abundance outwardly.
Eve, you did well to tell your son that Santa has helpers because there is so much work to do. This is true. It’s time to go to work to reach out and lift up those in need by sharing the blessings and hopes that you can give. Do you believe?
Grace
MissGuidedMom 