The Spirit Lives On

Much of the inspiration for my writing arrives well before dawn.  So as I sit at my computer, roused out of bed by thoughts on my brain worthy of sharing this Christmas Eve, all I can think of is how many kids are waking up today saying, "Santa is coming!" 

My children are now older and I thought my Santa days were over.  However, I don't really find that to be true.  I've spoken or emailed with several parents this holiday season who were concerned about their young child not believing in Santa and seeking advice on how to approach the subject with an intuitive/sensitive child.  The Santa myth has been perpetuated in our society for hundreds of years where children absorb each and every detail without question.  It sure seems like things are changing!  We know the Indigo/Crystal/Rainbow kids are here to shake things up a bit but not many parents anticipated change involving old Mr. Claus, too.  Remember, these children are seekers of truth and you may one day find that they simply indulged you in what they feel is your fantasy about Santa.

Just as my three children are unique, so are their perceptions of Santa.  My oldest son, Doug, who is every bit an Indigo, gave my husband and me quite a time about Santa.  He didn't just ask questions, he interrogated us!  Like a federal agent, Doug grilled us on specifics.  Consistency was key and we were vigilant with details.  Santa had the same routine every year and of course, the elves used wrapping paper in the North Pole that wasn't available here in the States.  Doug's logic was sound:  Santa wouldn't waste his time sitting in a mall when there were toys to be built.  That guy in the red suit couldn't be the "real deal", especially since there were no reindeer on J.C. Penney's roof (yes, he checked)!  I was ready to wave the white flag on several occasions when I could no longer stand the pressure -  three year olds can be brutal - but as young parents, we persevered.

My middle son, Brad, seemed to enjoy the Santa story but when we eventually told him who Santa truly was, he became angry.  He felt betrayed and wanted to know what else we had lied to him about.  Needless to say, I was not expecting his reaction.  With my heart breaking, I could only apologize for the deception never intended to cause harm.  I explained the story was a tradition, much like a nursery rhyme, purely for a child's enjoyment.  Brad thought the concept absurd.  This is when I learned that with a psychic child, there are no surprises at Christmastime, especially under the tree.  I learned he used to tell his big brother, in advance, each gift he would receive and from whom.  And Brad was never wrong.

Having learned more about the New Age child, my husband and I were understandably cautious when it came to my daughter, Morgan.  Although skeptical like her oldest brother, she played along to increase her odds because, as the story goes, those who don't believe, don't receive.  I was naturally concerned as to whether the Santa myth would blur the line between fantasy and reality because this was a child who regularly spoke of angels, fairies and mermaids!  I know now Morgan indulged us because the Santa story is delightful.  Really, who doesn't enjoy the idea of being rewarded with gifts from a stranger simply for being a nice person?

This Christmas, our children are 17, 14 and 11.  Instead of the big guy dropping in through the chimney, we now have "secret Santa" gifts for one another.  We continue the tradition begun when my husband was a child of reading Clement Moore's poem on Christmas Eve just before bed.  My family keeps Santa alive however with a twist on the original story.  Morgan sums it up best by describing Santa as "the spirit of Christmas".

No matter what religious beliefs you have or how you celebrate the holiday season, this time of year is perfect for reflection.  The calendar year is coming to a close making it easy to review what was and plan for what is to come.  I am grateful for what my children have taught me through the years with their perceptions of the Santa story.  With Doug's insistence on details, we have created numerous family traditions.  Brad's insight steered us away from materialism and towards creating memories.  Morgan showed us the spirit of the season is our creation.

I wish for each of you a most magical day today with more joy, more peace and more love in 2009.
© Copyright 2008 Marsha Calder