DO MOST KIDS STILL BELIEVE in Santa Claus? Or at least the magic of Santa? I hope so.
There’s something profoundly wonderful about Santa. He represents the best in all of us. He listens. He’s always happy. He loves cookies and milk. And he doesn’t promise us the moon. To do so would not be in our best interests, although a child with a long list of wants may disagree.
There was a time when I paged through the Sears & Roebuck Christmas catalog looking for toys I thought I needed. It really was a futile effort as I never got them anyway. But I was dreaming as every child is wont to do before Christmas. Except, I think, in 2024 kids are more likely to get what they want.
I wonder what Santa thinks of all the requests today. Would he prefer to hire elves who are skilled only in woodworking versus computer programming? Would he prefer simpler toys that engage the imagination and spark creativity to so many electronics? Does his head spin when he inventories the ever-growing number of gadgets and batteries piling up at the North Pole?
Just thinking about everything Santa needs to keep straight makes my head spin. At least he’s contracted with others to help in gift delivery. I never thought one team of reindeer could possibly handle the job. Santa can’t do everything. There’s a lot of pressure to get gifts delivered on time. (Thank you, postal workers, and others.)
Despite all of the changes through the decades, Santa remains as popular as ever, so it seems to me. Parents still plop crying babies on Santa’s lap for photos. Kids approach the Jolly Old Guy with a mix of trepidation and hope. In the end, Santa still holds a sense of wonder that remains timeless through the generations. And therein lies the magic of Santa. Do you believe?
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Merry Christmas, Audrey. ❤
Thank you, Penny. And a joyful Christmas to you also, from MN to Texas.
I absolutely do believe in the magic of Santa! yes, children do still believe and parents still worry about when to tell them the backstory, but it is usually apparent when it’s time. Santa holds a special place in our hearts, no matter how old we are, for the joy he brings. one reason why it’s a challenge for kids to give up, when they also realize the joy Santa brings to their parents.
p.s. I love that first photo of Santa sitting in the vintage vehicle.
I figured as an educator, you could offer an insightful perspective.
Hope you are improving in your covid symptoms so u can enjoy your family soon. prayers for your time together and your health. Merry Christmas. Kathy and Ted
Thank you, Kathy, for all your wishes. I am doing well and will write a health update later. A blessed Christmas to you and Ted also!
Yes of course I believe in the magic of Christmas and Santa. Something we all desperately need this holiday season. I hope you are feeling better to enjoy your planned family gatherings.
Merry Christmas wishing you peace in the New Year with many joyful adventures ahead in 2025.
Thank you, Sue. I’m doing much better and will try to post an update later. I fully agree. We need the magic of Santa!
I love the magic and belief 🙂 I do too wonder if Santa has gone electric and the reindeer power is now under the hood – ha! Sure he has his sleigh and herd of reindeer too. The batteries you need at times is mind boggling let alone figuring out how to get something to work and the many steps to get there – just give it to a youngster and they will have it figured out faster! The Energizer Bunny has stepped in to help Santa too. There is just something about magic, belief, memories, traditions, kindness, blessings, making new memories, etc. this time of year as well as throughout the year too. HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!
Renee, I love the positivity you always infuse into your comments. Have a joyful Christmas!