There are many views on Santa. Some feel they are lying to their kids about big man in red. Other's think that Jesus is the only "Reason for the Season." Some go with nothing. My view is do what's right for you. Santa IS Saint Nicholas and therefore has some Christian background. So you know. He was a guy that went around and gave people stuff they needed without asking for things in return. Not much more Christian than that in my opinion.... though breaking and entering is frowned upon. Alas.... not everyone can be perfect.
We talk about Santa. We "do" Santa. Our kids write to him, and Grace will talk to one here and there. It's really hard for me to not want to buy the kids the world, to not encourage greed and buy into the consumerism of the season. But not only is that inappropriate, in my eyes, but it sets up expectations for future Christmas's. Both kids have only asked for ONE thing from Santa. I think this is pretty cool. I ask daily since I was caught unaware last year about what Elijah wanted. Elijah wants a skateboard, and Grace does too. But since Santa thinks Grace is still a little young for a skateboard she has changed her request to a scooter. That is all... and frankly, I'm not going to encourage them to ask for more. They have everything they could possibly need and want. We have lucked out in finding used toys for super low prices. We have eliminated a lot of toys from the playroom. So the kids will have a good Christmas. They will have presents to open, but it's not overwhelming. I read on a mom's board I belong to that one mom goes buy, "something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read." I think that we will start doing this. I think it's a good premise for sure. This weekend I will go to a local consignment shop that has a children's book exchange. I will take some of their books and get new some that are new (to them.) And that's FREE! The only thing we are getting new is the skate board, and it's really cheap. So I feel good about this Christmas. We have some stocking stuffers to get and then we are done. All in all, we are spending less than $100 total for the kids.
Jerry and I were given Nooks for Christmas this year. Our gifts to each other will probably be covers for the Nooks...and maybe a book credit or two! I have no problem with this. I think that it's more about the kids... and quite frankly, there is not a thing on this Earth I NEED.
I'm looking forward to the kids opening their presents, waking up to see if Santa has come, making the cookies...it will be a blast...and really, we didn't have to spend a lot of money on the holiday. They are young. And really, we are doing the Earth a favor right? Recycling gifts? So Merry Christmas Earth! Hope it's a Happy Holiday for everyone!
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