In my first year of blogging, I wrote that I still believe in Santa Claus. I do.
Not believing that a guy in a red suit comes down the chimney and delivers gifts. Rather, a magical, wondrous belief in kindness and generosity that people display around the holidays.
Like the story of anonymous people paying off Kmart layaway accounts on behalf of others? That’s Santa Claus to me.
Or how one woman decided to give away the gently used toys her boys didn’t play with anymore? That idea snowballed and became Play It Forward Pittsburgh. She ended up blessing 383 families, 1436 children, by ultimately giving away over 5000 toys to those who might otherwise not have Christmas presents. That’s Santa Claus to me.
With my children, I am still perpetuating the myth of the man in the red suit bringing presents. As much as I love playing Santa and making things amazing for them, I’m already looking forward to sharing the adult version of Santa Claus with them some day. Of looking for and seeing goodness in the world. Of doing random acts of kindness for others. Of helping people who need an extra hand.
I hope my children will have eyes to see that kind of Santa Claus as they mature.
No matter what holiday you celebrate, I wish you warmth and happiness, and hopes for a peaceful time together with your family.
I believe in Santa too. There is also some Grinch in me though. For example, I can’t help but wonder how many new layaway accounts were created, by those that don’t necessarily need it, with the hope that some stranger would pay for it. Go away Grinch! I actually have a friend that payed off some Kmart layaway accounts. She feels awesome.
I talk with my family every year about adopting a family for Christmas. Someday, we will. For now, we participate in all of the toy drives our organizations are coordinating (church, Cub Scouts and karate), and pick an organization to donate money to. This year was the Church Camp Aaron went to last summer.