It seems like the holidays came so fast this year. Every where I turn I see Christmas lights! I think that retailers skipped over Thanksgiving decorations and went right to the Christmas displays. Technically, this will be Princess’s second Christmas. Last year she was only a few months old and didn’t really get to enjoy it. All she wanted to do was eat through the gifts. She was also sick with bronchiolitis during the holidays. So, I wasn’t thinking about going all out with decorations and pictures. I’m not a Scrooge! I was just more concerned with nursing my baby girl back to health.
Now that she’s doing much better this year (fingers crossed), I have no excuse. I came across this pic of my hubby’s first Christmas. His mom dressed him in this cute outfit for his photo with Santa.
It got me thinking of whether or not I should do the same for Princess. I was never taught to believe in Santa. In fact, my siblings and I were told there was no such thing. I was the kid who went around school saying Santa was fake. I should also mention that by the time my family and I migrated to this country, I think most kids had already realized the truth. Therefore, I probably didn’t ruined Christmas for a lot of kids. I hope.
Now that I’m a mom, I’m not quite sure what to do. I’ve always moved to the beat of my own drum. I’ve never been the kind of person to do things just because everyone else is doing them. But, I grapple with depriving my baby girl of this American tradition. Some may say I’m over thinking this, but I say I don’t want my daughter feeling left out. I also wouldn’t want her running around saying Santa is fake, and ruin Christmas for her schoolmates.
I was at the mall with some relatives over the Thanksgiving break and someone mentioned, “Why don’t you have her take a picture with Santa?” I can’t remember if I gave a response. But, I did feel that it was a waste of time. Why should I have her take a photo with this make believe person? Why should I tell my child that this white old fat guy with a beard visits all the kids who are nice, and gives them presents? I remember having a discussion with my brother and sister back in the day. We questioned the idea of this guy, and his reindeer being able to deliver gifts all over the world in one night. It just didn’t make sense! I still see some parents go all out to feed this nonsense to their little ones. These poor kids actually believe it. They wait on this long line at the mall just to take a pic with him. When they finally get old enough to understand the truth, they’re heart broken. Do I put my child through that same heartache, or do I keep it real with her? It’s bad enough that I feel like a hypocrite doing a Santa tracking forecast every year at work.
The way I see it, her daddy and I work hard to support our family. We’re responsible for all the gifts, along with all the people who love her. Why should I give this man, who doesn’t exist, all the credit?
If I have her take a pic with this guy, I feel like I’d be perpetuating this fakery. I’m kinda torn. I knew that I’d have a tough time making these kinds of decisions, when it came to the holidays. I certainly don’t mind compromising like I did for Halloween. But, I’m just not sure about this one.
My hubby and I celebrated Christmas differently as kids. He believed in Santa until he was about seven or eight. I never did. I’m leaning more toward teaching Princess about the real meaning of Christmas and how it came about. Instead of making a list, I want her to have an appreciation for all the gifts she’s given. My hubby and I have a lot to discuss. Let’s just hope we can arrive at a nice balance. I’ll let you know what we come up with.
Do (did) your kids believe in Santa? Do (did) they take pics on his lap?
Weather Anchor Mama
Yep! My daughter took photos with Santa this year and last and I LOVE them. She will believe in Santa because I did and it was SOOOO FUN. I think it’ll also be fun as a parent to surprise her like that. I don’t see it as “lying” personally although I guess technically it is, haha.
Someday she’ll know we worked hard for all the presents she has but that day doesn’t need to be now. 🙂
That’s a good point. I’ve been getting so many responses like yours. I think my hubby and I will come up with a nice compromise. Will you be sharing lil J’s Santa pics?!
What a great post… I am not against believing in Santa, but I think many of us {including me} do a poor job at remembering its true origins of celebration. I look forward to hearing what you decide!