We only did "Santa" as kids in the same we do for our boys now...either as a fun character (like the Grinch or Mickey Mouse) or, when they start getting "technical" explain the whole St. Nicholas thing.
I have to admit, I get a little pricked when people imply that Christmas without Santa for little kids must be some magic-less, joy-less, unimaginative scientific or religious boondoggle. We have tons of joy, tons of magic, tons of imagination and love. My kids open presents from people who love them and chose them thoughtfully to bring them joy. We have traditions and snuggles and read stories and sing Christmas carols. I guess I'm the grinch because I just could never see how in the world Santa would make a better Christmas than one focused on real people that really love them and real joys that surround them.
And honestly, I can't stomach the lying part. I, personally, just can't separate it out as an okay or "excused" lie. It's just me, but I just can't look my kids in the eye and actively lie. I know for so many it's a magical wonderful thing to create this big fun ruse for your kids, but to me it feels like an elaborate practical joke and I just can't invest that much time and effort into something that's not true when there is SO much wonderful about Chrostmas that is true and is real. We enjoy those things full-bore. Conversely, I sometimes wonder if all the focus on Santa distracts from the real and true things.
Little J brought it up the other day...how some kids think Santa is real and some kids don't. He said he doesn't, but he doesn't want to disappoint the kids who do, so he'll just keep his mouth shut. I thought it was cute and funny.
However you do it, I know we all love our kids and want to give them the best Christmas we can. I just want to drink up every moment of this month. I hate that I have to work even one day.
Tonight we drove through our town plaza to see all the lights and wreaths hung over the streets and the big tree (and tinsel Santa
) in the center of the Plaza. Then we decorated little J's personal mini-tree with everything except his very first hand-picked ornament, which he says he doesn't want to hang until Chiristmas morning...while watching The Santa Clause...as cute fun entertaiment.
I love this month. Love it love it love it.