Believe . . .
For almost four years now I have been peppered with questions from a beautiful daughter of mine about the nature and reality of Santa Claus.
And for almost four years my answer has always been the same,
She always seemed to ask these questions in front of her younger siblings, so her questions have never really gotten answered. Instead I just turn the questions back on her. The conclusion being, it all happens through magic intertwined with the various stories portrayed by Hollywood.
This evening the questions started up once again . . .she is becoming self-conscience about her belief because she says she is the only one in 7th grade who still "believes".
After a brief discussion with Paul about the matter we decided we would let he in on the secret of Santa. I did not get the reaction I had anticipated . . . from all of the questions I was expecting an, "I knew it!" moment. Instead I felt like I was breaking the news that a beloved Grandparent had suddenly died. She was crushed!! She said to me later, "You have ruined all my hopes and dreams."
I had no idea that taking the time to "answer" her question would bring this result. I wish I could turn back time.
For the record: I still believe! I believe in the legacy began thousands of years ago by a man who walked the earth bringing joy to children, of the legacy of the same man who threw gifts into the homes of the needy. I believe in imagination, dreams & magic that can bring a smile to a face and a twinkle in the eye. I believe in the spirit of kindness & love that comes as we give of ourselves and share with others. I believe in spreading joy to others. I can still hear the bell ring . . .
"Is Santa real?"
"How does he deliver all those packages in one night?"
"How does he fit down the chimney? How does he get back up the chimney?"
"The kids at school say that Santa is not real. They say it is just their Mom's and Dad's . . . is that true?"
And for almost four years my answer has always been the same,
"If you stop believing, he will not come."
She always seemed to ask these questions in front of her younger siblings, so her questions have never really gotten answered. Instead I just turn the questions back on her. The conclusion being, it all happens through magic intertwined with the various stories portrayed by Hollywood.
This evening the questions started up once again . . .she is becoming self-conscience about her belief because she says she is the only one in 7th grade who still "believes".
After a brief discussion with Paul about the matter we decided we would let he in on the secret of Santa. I did not get the reaction I had anticipated . . . from all of the questions I was expecting an, "I knew it!" moment. Instead I felt like I was breaking the news that a beloved Grandparent had suddenly died. She was crushed!! She said to me later, "You have ruined all my hopes and dreams."
I had no idea that taking the time to "answer" her question would bring this result. I wish I could turn back time.
For the record: I still believe! I believe in the legacy began thousands of years ago by a man who walked the earth bringing joy to children, of the legacy of the same man who threw gifts into the homes of the needy. I believe in imagination, dreams & magic that can bring a smile to a face and a twinkle in the eye. I believe in the spirit of kindness & love that comes as we give of ourselves and share with others. I believe in spreading joy to others. I can still hear the bell ring . . .
. . . because I truly BELIEVE!
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