Santa Who?

I don't really remember Santa Clause being a very big part of Christmas during my childhood. My parents did perpetuate the myth that somebody broke into the house at night and left a present for us but I don't think they spoke all that much about Santa. I also don't remember how I found out that he didn't exist. Perhaps we knew it all along. It wasn't a big deal.

This year, Aaron has seen the old man in the red suit around the shopping malls and I made a lame attempt at explaining who he was. I tried telling him that he needed to be "good" or Santa would know. Then I told him that Santa delivers pencils and paper on Christmas day. I even took him to visit Santa but he took one look at the guy and walked out again.

The whole idea of Santa has left me a little unsettled. While the fantasy of it all may be exciting for the little kids, I'm not sure its something that I want to encourage. Also, I believe 2 year olds are all about logic and fact so, the whole Santa story isn't really plausible anyway. It took me a few days to sort it out in my mind but I think I've decided now not to have Santa leave any presents.

I can make Christmas just as fun and exciting without Santa. And, without the emphasis being on presents. I do want Aaron to know that the real reason for Christmas is Jesus and it is the season of giving instead of receiving.