Last night we had “the talk” with this precious kid. He’s been asking if Santa is real and insisting that we are Santa, all the while his brother is still completely engaged in the magical story.
We decided it was time to tell him about Santa.
We read articles and letters. We compared them to his personality, his intelligence and his tender heart. Then we decided to combine a couple and add in a little bit of our own love.
We decided last night was the night.
After Oakley was fast asleep, we went into Noah’s room and told him we needed to talk. Which, of course, instantly made everything a little awkward. He started giggling and thought we were going to tell him what he was getting for Christmas.
We sort of did.
Here’s the essence of what we shared: (again, this is not original, it’s mostly other’s words put together)
You sure have grown an awful lot this year. Not only are you taller, but we can see that your heart has grown so much too. You’ve become more empathetic and caring.
● Like the way you are patient with Oakley.
● Like when you asked GG how she was doing the other day.
● Like when you hugged on Oakley after he lost football games to try to cheer him up
● Like when you check on Mama the next morning after an event to see if I’m doing okay
● Like when you ask us OUR highs and lows
● Like when you ask Dad how his day was at work
● Like when you ask us to pray for kids in your class – and for Jay Fay
“You probably have noticed that most of the Santas you see are people dressed up like him. You asked a really good question this year. “Are mom and dad really Santa?” Some of your friends have even told you that there is no Santa. A lot of children think that, because they aren’t ready to BE a Santa yet, but YOU ARE.
We think your heart has grown so much that you are ready to become a Santa Claus.
Do you remember the story of the humble, thoughtful and generous St. Nicholas who secretly delivered presents to those in need? That is the truest story about Santa. He’s not the man in the red suit at the mall. There isn’t one, single Santa. We are the ones who fill your stocking, and buy your gifts. But this can’t make us Santa. Santa is all the people who believe in the magic and love and spirit of giving to others. The spirit of Santa teaches children to believe in something they can’t see or touch and that will be so valuable throughout your life.
Do you think you’re ready to become a Santa?
It’s a really special part of growing up. If you think you’re ready, we will tell you how.
From now on, at Christmas, you get to choose someone you know–a neighbor or a friend, usually. Your mission is to secretly, find out something that the person needs, and then provide it, wrap it, deliver it–and never reveal where it came from. Being a Santa isn’t about getting credit. It’s unselfish giving. We want to help you become a Santa yourself.
P.S. Don’t forget: “SANTA” MUST REMAIN A SECRET OR HE WOULDN’T BE A “GOOD” SANTA.
While we talked, Noah’s eyes lit up. They sparkled with emotion. He laughed and laughed, saying, “I knew it!, I knew you were Santa!” We laughed, hugged and answered lots of questions. One of those questions was about our little scout Elf on The Shelf, Cole.
It seems, until that moment, Cole had still been a bit of a mystery.
So we let Noah hop out of bed and run downstairs to get to “touch” Cole for the very first time. He hooted and hollered. Then he quickly got to work setting up a wild Elf & Nutcracker party for Oaks to awake to this morning. He was filled with so much joy and wonder.
There is no doubt that Santa lives on in his big heart.
He’s already decided who he wants to be Santa for this year. Our hope is that, as the days and years pass, that desire to pay attention to the needs of others and humbly give will grow without measure. Because that’s what Santa is really all about.
Who will you be Santa to this year?
Who is it in your life who most needs to know that someone is paying attention? Who needs to know that someone cares? If you haven’t already, make the choice right now to let Santa live on through you, to someone in need this Christmas.
If no one instantly comes to mind, please consider being Santa for the families, just like ours in so many ways, who are fleeing for their lives from Aleppo. You can show them you are paying attention with your heart at preemptivelove.org/aleppo. #LoveAnyway
to more love (& Santas),
Crystal
P.S. Here are the two original notes we used by Valerie Williams & this one ~ author unknown.
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