With all the buzz going around this holiday season, too many seem to have forgotten what the true meaning of Christmas is. We all seem to be too worried about having the perfect gifts for everyone, that our houses look absolutely perfect when company comes over, and that we receive everything we want for this season. I feel as if our world has started to become extremely selfish and has forgotten why Christmas can be the best time of the year—minus the cold weather, that is.
When did the children of this generation start expecting Santa to bring them everything they ask for—if they were even told about Santa? So many kids nowadays know that Santa isn't real and don't care about any of the stories associated with him—they just want their presents. So many parents claim that they don't want to lie to their children through Santa Claus because that teaches them that lying is OK. Well I can flat out tell you that is a huge lie, as I am one of the children from the "Santa is real generation." There is absolutely no harm in getting your child to believe in the big man in the red coat. If they aren't told, then these children are deprived of the magical feeling that Christmas gives to them.
When a man with a white beard is the one delivering the presents, kids are not greedy but in awe of how this whole practice works. They are extremely excited and happy, bringing a glow to their eyes that only believing in magic can bring. They are only expecting gifts if they are good and believing children—they aren't demanding of Santa to answer every one of their wishes since he has everyone in the world to answer to.
There is surprise on Christmas morning as the children have no idea what they might find underneath the tree—they didn't just give their parents a list of stuff they expected on Black Friday. No feeling can compared to that of realizing that Santa could be real as they read his name on their packaging. And you know what the crazy part is? The kids aren't greedy if they don't get exactly what they wanted from Santa. They know that Santa had to deliver toys to millions of kids around the world—some less fortunate than themselves—and they are happy that Santa didn't miss them this year.
Making cookies and pouring reindeer food outside is one of fondest memories that I have when I think back on my childhood—that is when the magic seemed most real to me. And honestly, meeting a child who believes so much in the spirit of Santa makes us all remember the true magic of Christmas and why it is so amazing every single year. Without the magic of Christmas, what's the point for the children? They are too young to understand the celebration of Jesus just yet—why not give them someone who emulates his morals to believe in?
Children need someone to believe in through all the madness the world has to offer today. Parents need something to work for in giving their children the best every year—instead of giving up and telling their children Santa isn't real because they can't give them what they wanted. Too many people have stopped working hard because no one has anything to work toward. I know I would work overtime to make sure that my kids had the most amazing Christmas if I knew they believed in Santa.
The kids have to know that there is still some good in this messed up world. They don't have to deal with the difficulties that we have to deal with today. Let them imagine and believe in magic before the world tells them the truth. Before the world comes crashing down on them, let them be happy and caring and giving. Let them believe that their is a man out their that sees all the good they can do—not someone who is expected to give them whatever they want. Let them believe in the happiness of magic so when they are older, they remember to spread the Christmas cheer to everyone.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of love, generosity, kindness, family, and forgiveness. Santa is a role model who possesses all of those traits and someone who can help teach children the value of this early on. Without Santa, what is Christmas going to become? A time of year where children just receive presents because they're supposed to? Please explain to me how that is teaching, or giving our children experiences to remember? Explain to me how this won't create bitter and greedy adults? Children need magic and something to believe in. We, as adults, need something to believe in. I'm telling the story of Santa to my children. Who is willing to spread the magic with me?
