Santa Frenzy

Okay, so as we approach Christmas, my kids are beginning to point out things that they'd like Santa to bring.  Pointing out things in the stores, from their friends' houses, in catalogs, etc., etc., etc., ad nauseum.

Buddy:  "Momma, I'd like Santa to bring this garbage truck."

GHM(Greyhaired Momma):  "I see, Buddy.  You already have two garbage trucks."

Buddy:  "Yes, Momma.  But I don't have THIS garbage truck."

GHM:  "Buddy, Christmas is not about receiving presents.  It is about celebrating the birth of Jesus.  We need to be grateful for the things we already have and to remember that the best gift we could ever receive is Jesus as our Savior."

At which point, the kid's eyes glaze over and he slowly wanders away, thumbing through the toy magazine...

Great.  That worked.  Not...

With Thanksgiving still a week away, I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about the "Santa Frenzy" going on at our house.  With over four weeks left until Christmas, I'm afraid we're in for a lot of, "Momma, I'd like Santa to bring me this.  And this.  And this."  It doesn't help that EVERY catalog in the WORLD has been delivered to our house in the last two weeks.   The fact that we've NEVER ordered from any of these catalogs is, apparently, irrelevant. 

When we had our first child, CraftyGirl, we talked about whether or not we would even "do Santa."  Did we really want to, in essence, lie to her only to have her crushed when she realized that there really isn't a jolly ol' fellow with a belly like a bowl full of jelly who resides at the North Pole?  No, we didn't want to lie.  But we did want to see the wonder in her little eyes.  We both have fond memories of Christmas mornings past and the goodies Santa brought us.   Honestly, after 6 years and now, with two kiddos to enjoy the wonder, it has been a lot of fun.

Until now.

Now I find myself more concerned with my kiddos' understanding the reason for the season.  I want them to grow to be selfless, giving people.  I want them to realize that it's not all about them.  I want them to realize that there are many, many others in the world who are not as fortunate as we are.  That we are blessed beyond measure.  That Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus.  And, without the great love God showed by sending us His Son, none of us would have a Savior.

But, maybe they do realize that.  Maybe their lives are so filled with Jesus and His great love that to them Christmas isn't a season, but a way of life.  Celebrating, praising, and worshipping God is an everyday thing.  God is real, and He is with us always. 

Maybe that is the reason they get so hyped up about Santa.  He DOES only come once a year.  He is mysterious, sneaky, and downright cute.

So, if my kids are worked up about Santa because he only comes once a year, yet understand that while we celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas, He is always here, and is with us all year long, then I think we've done our job.  If they understand that Christmas is a way of LIFE and not just a season, then I think a little delivery by Santa just might be okay.  

Bring on the lists, reindeer, candy canes, and red suit...