There is a Christmas song and it sings, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”
I couldn’t agree MORE!
I love Christmas. I am like ELF (you know the one I speak of…). “SANTA! I know him!”
I love the Christmas trees, Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, I love the Advent calendars, Christmas Eve services, and the constant caroling through the speakers on the radio…
I love the cookies, the cookie exchanges, the neighborly cookie gifts, and the Christmas parties galore!
I love the giving, giving, giving spirits of people all around me. I love the sparkling eyes of those that receive.
I love the Polar Express and the “trip” to the North Pole.
I love the letters to Santa…
And I LOVE Elf on the Shelf (even though ours are elves from different shelves).
But it’s funny…people are raised and brought up in many, many ways. Totally okay, folks. No problem here. The problem I have is when people feel bad for being Santa fans because they love Jesus and they think both cannot exist together.
Totally breaks my heart.
Let me break it down for you…My mom—raised with Santa. Cool. My dad and his sisters—raised only with the “Hope that St. Nick would soon be there.” Noses pressed up against the window, believing in their hearts he would stop by…even though his existence was neither confirmed nor denied by his parents.
Then my mom and dad had kids and BOY did they have fun. One year, Santa’s reindeer even left a barnyard mess on top of our roof! We all climbed the ladder to the roof and witnessed that Santa’s reindeer were totally on top of our roof by the “deposits” they made!
Other years, we heard the bells outside…And, other times, Santa even stopped by on Christmas Eve, with his busy schedule and all, to give us a hug and a reminder to be good little girls and boys.
Let’s not forget The Evening News…The News always tracked Santa’s sleigh. And our eyes would be glued on the map of the world and where Santa was nearing next…
Santa Mouse always left presents in the tree.
And Christmas morning was a magical experience, walking into the room and seeing the twinkling lights, the ornate tree, the stuffed stocking, and the presents with our names spelled out correctly on them!
Our parents never failed to tell us that Santa loved us very much.
Can you tell that I’m a HUGE Santa fan?! Huge. I really do give Will Ferrell an ELF-SIZED run for his money. Hand over those tights and that hat, Ferrell. Now!
But let me say this…as exciting and magical and lovely as Santa is in our home, our children (more appropriately our daughter since our little man is only 1) have never forgotten or failed to celebrate Christ as the Reason for the Season.
You see…It’s okay, folks, to love Jesus and raise your children to also love Santa.
Because, when it comes down to it, they know—they know that Santa loves them and gives them gifts.
But Jesus loves them and gives them life!
There is a big difference between a Barbie Car and the opportunity to know, talk to, and walk with Jesus.
It’s huge…Not even Santa’s sleigh can compare with that.
And so, we, in our happy and cozy household, love Santa—but we, in our happy and cozy household, serve Jesus.
I saw and understood that even as the tiniest of a mere child…just like our daughter sees and understands that today.
So, Jesus lovers…If you somehow feel “guilt” over the excitement of Santa in your home, stop. Give yourself a break.
Because, truly, as long as your family loves Jesus, your children will always know…A Barbie car does not compare to Jesus the real Star!
Now, go and enjoy your holiday…in the holiday spirit that you choose.
Santa—a-okay!
No Santa—it’s not the end of the day!
Jesus—all the way!
Merry upcoming Christmas, my friends. I can’t wait to see and hear all about your holidays!
With a love for Jingle Bells,
Brooke
(aka the next ELF! Hollywood, give me a call. I’m ready!)
And 2 Makes Crazy 
Love it! I do wonder about it. We do “santa” but I wonder if we should sometimes. I loved it so much as a child though! I think we will continue. Thanks!!
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i got quite a few replies on my facebook regarding this—all super interesting and heartfelt. and so i’ll share what my sister-in-law said. hopefully it can also be an encouragement to you, too 🙂
“We love Santa……the kids ( and mommy) LOVE to track Santa on Norad on Christmas Eve!! I love to see their excitement and just the belief that anything is possible. Let those imaginations run wild !!! On the flip side…..one of my daughters has chosen to have minus one present from Santa, so she can give one to a little girl in an orphanage (we are going to choose a little girl in foster care). Where does her heart come from….because Jesus is spoken about and prayed to on a daily basis!! So, I totally agree with you, Brooke, we are a santa household, but you better believe my kids know that Jesus come first !!”
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In my home growing up we had stockings from Santa and one gift from him. The rest were from Mom and Dad. And we had lambs that worked very hard to make it to the manger by Christmas Eve (our behavior moved the lambs closer or farther away!) So we certainly knew the Christ of Christmas as well as Santa. We celebrated Advent as a church and as a family. We also bought a doll(s) every year that we made clothes for and other stuff (bunk beds one year) to give to the “Home for little wanderers” in Boston. And I give angel gifts to students and their families instead of Christmas presents for my nieces and nephews with their blessing. Thanks for the blessing Brooke! 🙂
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thanks pat for sharing 🙂 🙂 🙂 you are such a blessing to so many children! much love to you! xo b
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