So, No,
Santa's not coming to our house this year because our children have been bad, they’ve actually been really good
(for the most part). But, last week we were at the jewelry store with the kids.
There was a 70-ish old lady in there who was ahead of us. As she turned to
leave she looked at Cale, bent down and with a shaky voice said, “Little buddy,
what’s Santa bringing you for Christmas?” Cale looked back at her and with what
seemed like all the volume he had he yelled, “Mam, Santa’s not real!” Matt and
I took a breath and didn’t move or blink waiting for the response. Seconds
later the entire store busted out in laughter. We were ready for some pretty
nasty backlash or looks even for being “those parents” whose kids don’t believe
in Santa. But, thankfully there were no other children in the store and one of
the ladies working there said it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. So,
no, Santa’s not coming to our house this year, and here’s why:
1.
We don’t want to teach our children to “behave”
because they get gifts for doing so. They behave because that’s what Jesus
calls us to do and as believers we follow in obedience. My kids are excited
about Christmas morning. To my knowledge they’re not any less excited than kids
who are getting visited by Santa. They’re getting presents. Lots of them and
nice ones. They know they’re getting presents because when Jesus was born the
wise men brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh…which at that time
were extravagant. They know on their birthdays we celebrate their precious
lives by giving them gifts. They also know that on Christmas morning they get
gifts because we celebrate the life of the son that the Father sent so we could
one day spend eternity in His presence, in His kingdom. They know they’re
getting presents on Christmas morning not because they were well-behaved, but
because they are well-loved.
2.
If they have to choose between a poor, baby in a
manger that was born to save their sins and a jolly, magical fat guy that
brings them whatever they want while they’re sleeping…who do you think they’re
going to be more excited about? Well, “why do they have to choose?” you might
be thinking…this is why: As a parent, it is my job to point them to Christ. The
reason for this season is Jesus…I’m not going to lie about that. If they think
I lied about Santa why wouldn’t they think I lied about Jesus? Ella went
through (and still is to some extent) a stage about lying. One day I told her
after they took a nap we would go outside and play on the playground. Well,
when she woke up it was raining and we couldn’t go. She said I lied. I didn’t
LIE; I just didn’t know it was going to rain. A little extra “fun” at Christmas
time wasn’t enough reason for me to play a role in her one day doubting a
Savior. It was our own personal conviction. We weren’t willing to risk our
credibility in their eyes. There’s too much at stake. Let me clarify, I don’t
think I’m a “better” parent because we don’t do Santa. If you've ever read any post of mine you know on most days I feel like a terrible parent and I second-guess most decisions. I don’t think believing
in Santa is wrong or bad, but for OUR family it took the focus off of Jesus. It
didn’t work for US. I love Santa, he’s exciting. I have friends that could make
a living off of their awesome and creative ideas they do with their elf, I also
have friends that just barely get by with the elf solely because they’re not
creative or don’t care, but it makes their kids excited…and that’s admirable
too. I love all that stuff. And how you choose to celebrate Christmas is
absolutely the best way to do it. As parents, we do what works for us, what works
best for our family and our children. It’s not wrong or right, it just is.
3.
They know the story of Santa. They think he’s
awesome and they like to talk about it. They know he was a real saint that lived long
ago and secretly gave gifts to people. Besides “The Miracle on 34th
Street,” “The Santa Clause” is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. The second
one’s my fave, but I LOVE, LOVE all three. We watch those movies, we have some
Santa ornaments, he’s on 3 of the 4 of our stockings…Santa is welcome here, but
he’s not our reason for celebrating. Like all other humans, my kids know he
lived and died. One of the little boys in Ella’s class said it best, “Santa
couldn’t be real because he couldn’t live that long. Only Jesus lives that
long.” Priceless. To clarify again, the kids know not to go around sharing the
SOS (Secret of Santa.) Ok, well, obviously Cale doesn’t yet. We’re working on
it. But, Ella knows that a lot of kids do believe in Santa Claus and that it is
NOT her responsibility to go around saying otherwise. So, your secret is safe
with Ella….though, I’d stay away from Cale for the time being (wink).
4.
We are scrooges and wanted to take out the joy
of Christmas. I’m kidding. We were actually hoping to stress and focus on the
true joy and meaning of Christmas…the birth of our Savior and yes, giving to
others, like He did and does. We are blessed by Christ. As a family we can give
gifts to each other, to others that we love and to others who are in need
because Christ so lavishly gives to us. We didn’t want to take away the “magic”
of Christmas by spilling the beans about Santa or not participating with an
elf. We wanted there to be no confusion about what the “magic” of Christmas
really is. Through the power of Christ we hope to make their Christmases magical
because of who he is and the excitement they get from celebrating that. They
may hate us one day because we didn’t participate in the “Santa” thing, I hope
not, but it’s possible. It’s possible there are a whole slew of things they could
hate us for. But, I have a feeling when they come to know their Heavenly Father
in a deep and personal way and if Matt and I can keep the focus on Him that
hopefully that won’t happen. I guess it’s a chance we’re willing to take.
As a kid, I did
believe in Santa. I didn’t ask questions about him that I didn’t want to know
the answer to. He was magical for me and when I found out he wasn’t real part
of the magic of Christmas was gone too. Growing up, the most exciting part of
Christmas for me was the gifts. And my parents did an awesome job of getting us
the things we wanted. But, then I’d be disappointed in the things I didn’t get.
Or when I went back to school wearing the outfit that I thought was the coolest
thing in the world only to find out that what I had was now on the sale rack at
the Limited Too and my friend was wearing the one that was on the mannequin in
the front room of the store. It wasn’t my parents fault. They got exactly what
I asked for. It was my ugly heart, my greed, my sense of entitlement. For me,
the joy of Christmas left after the last gift had been opened. The Christmas I
remember most: I was close to Ella’s age, 7 maybe 8. My parents, brothers,
grandparents and aunts and uncles took gifts and Christmas dinner to a family
with two little girls that otherwise wouldn’t have gotten anything. I don’t
remember what I got that year, but I do remember the look on the little girl’s
face (who was my age) when I handed her a wrapped present. She gave me a hug.
She was warm, her hair was dark and greasy, she had big, beautiful eyes and her
smile went from ear to ear as she opened her baby doll. I remember Jesus that
Christmas all those years ago. And that’s what I want to give my kids for
Christmas.
So, believe in Santa or don’t. Do the elf,
half do the elf or don’t. It’s entirely up to you. But, DO love and spend
quality time with your family…just loving and enjoying them- not stressing out
about how to make it bigger and better. Make gourmet cookies or the ones that
are pre-cut. Give to others. Honor Him. Remember Him. He is the reason for the
season no matter what else you “believe in” while doing it.
P.S.- Shameless
plug…if you’re looking for a Christ-centered alternative to the Elf on the
Shelf, check out The Christmas Angel. The Angel visits, like the elf, but
instead leaves your child a message of something he or she can do for someone
else. You can order online or pick up one at your local bookstore.
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