MY OLDEST DAUGHTER TEXTED on Wednesday asking for a cookie recipe. The kids, she said, would want to leave a treat for Santa.
Oh, to be young again and believe in an overweight bearded man in a red suit bearing gifts on Christmas. Just to clarify, the 6 ½-year-old granddaughter is questioning Santa’s validity. But Izzy hasn’t vocalized her suspicions to her younger brother, Isaac. I expect she wants to share her doubts, yet is hesitating lest she’s wrong. Who wants to risk Santa not leaving gifts?
There’s something to be said for believing in Santa, no matter your age. Or maybe, more accurately, there’s something to be said for the magic that accompanies believing. So I suppose, in reality, I believe in Santa still.
I believe in the joy he brings. The smiles. The goodness. The laughter. The reminder that, even in difficult times, Santa navigates around life’s obstacles through a dark sky, Rudolph’s nose lighting the way. That’s such a strong visual, one we’ve seen illustrated many times in children’s picture books.
This time of year, so many individuals, organizations, churches and more bring joy. They are, like Santa, the bearers of gifts. Toys, food, clothing, gift cards… They become the magic. But it isn’t all about the tangible “things,” although those are decidedly needed and appreciated. It’s also about what giving means to the recipient. It means someone understands, someone cares, someone sees.
Santa is not fictional. He’s real, in a magical sort of way that is timeless and believable, even to the grandma of a suspicious first grader.
TELL ME: What are your thoughts on Santa?
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I so, so agree with you, and such fun as a grandmother to see the magic and tradition carried on, isn’t it?
Yes, we grandmas delight in viewing the world through the eyes of our precious grandchildren. I hope the weather calms in Michigan so you and your family can celebrate together.
thank you, it looks like most of us can be, and we will meet up soon with those who couldn’t make it –
That’s great news. I was just out for a grocery run. It’s nasty out there, unbelievably cold and windy. If I didn’t live in town, there’s no way I would venture anywhere. I’ve never seen so many closed roadways in southwestern Minnesota (my home area) on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website road map. Snowplows are being pulled from roads in multiple counties. Motorists are stranded and needing rescue. A dangerous situation.
I hope that everyone is safe, the weather is so severe
The Minnesota National Guard has now been activated to rescue stranded motorists.
Lovely post, Audrey. ❤ Santa lives in our hearts.
That’s a good way of putting it, that Santa lives in our hearts.
I still believe in magic and miracles. There is just something about Santa or a Snow Person that just brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. I was busy yesterday getting the snow people dishes ready to set out for the Holiday weekend festivities. I really try to get to the simple in just wanting some good quality time with family and friends. To gather to be merry, eat, make cookies (better if you can just eat them – ha), laugh, talk about memories and make new memories/traditions, etc. Wishing You the BEST this Holiday – Be Blessed – Enjoy 🙂
I love all the detailed thought you put into this comment and are also investing in your holiday prep. Enjoy the magic and miracles of Christmas, for they are many.
I told my kids when they were young that if they stop believing in Santa Claus they’d stop getting presents from Santa.
I got that from a “Little House” Christmas episode.
Laughing. I don’t think that was in the Little House books. At least I don’t remember.
No it was a tv episode
Yes, I caught that TV part in your comment, but do not recall that being in the books. But then again the TV show is not like the book.
One of my favorite Christmas children’s book is “Santa’s Favorite Story”. Santa tells the animals who are worried that Santa isn’t ready for Christmas about his favorite story: Christmas is not about Santa, but Jesus.
I will have to look for that book. You’re right, Christmas is about Jesus, not Santa. I will post about that truth on Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas. When I see or think of Santa, I feel happy. He is so jolly and makes children happy. Ho, ho, ho.
Ho ho ho, Judy. Yes, he does. Santa makes us feel joy and happiness. Good to hear from you on this blustery cold day.
Couldn’t resist saying he’s Father Christmas to me! And I was ‘bribed’ not to break the spell for my younger brother by being given the mince pie and (tiny) glass of sherry left out for him on Christmas Eve. I haven’t told him yet, and he’s 64 now. Hope the magic lasts another year for your family.
Now that’s a unique form of bribery. You should tell your brother. He would laugh. Merry Christmas to you and yours.