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Monday, December 12, 2005

Santa Claus - From Believing to Being

I can't recall exactly when I stopped beliveing in Santa Claus...I think it might have been around 4th or 5th grade. I lived in a neighborhood where there were a lot of older kids, and I think one of them told me it was really my Mom. But for a few more years I played it off, letting my Mom think I still held the magic in my heart. And in a way I did...I mean I never looked at the presents, even though I know where they were hidden. I was genuinely surprised at what I got every year. Until I was about 12 or 13, then I finally told mom I knew it was her, an had known for a couple years. She regarded me with compliments about keeping it alive for her, and asked me not to spill the beans to my llittle brother, who had development issues - and still does to this day. And I kept that promise until I moved out of my house and in with Hubby at age 20.

At my dad's house, however, it was a different story. Once I knew, I always loked for the presents. I thought he was loaded with money, and wanted to see how much he had gotten me. However I never let on, just like at my mom's, and tried to act surprised on Christmas. I managed to pull it off too. Must be that acting ability I have so much of.....around the same age my mom talked to me about Santa, so did my step-mom. And again, I agreed to keep it quiet for the sake of younger siblings. I kept that promise until I knew it was safe and my youngest brother did not believe anymore.

Well, now I am an adult. I have 2 kids. They are 4 and 2. The 2 year old, she doesn't really get Santa yet. Hell, she can barely speak more than 2 sentances coherently, and so, I don't have to worry until year I think, really about going shopping for presents with her with me.She forgets that I bought stuff as soon as it is out of her sight. Next year however it will change. My 4 year old...man, she is OBSESSED with Santa. I mean she talks day and night about him. The issues I had with her earlier in the day were solved by a nifty little website, EmailSanta.com . I filled in the blanks, and wrote to Santa bout how she has been trying but lately been pretty naughty. Santa "replied" telling her she had to be good, and he was watching her, and honestly, I think it scared her into being good for the rest of the day.

My problem now is presents. I am nearly done shopping for the girls, and pretty much only need a couple outfits for them, and stocking stuffers. My problem is hiding the gifts. The only place I have a little storage at the moment is a little closet downstairs in the main living area. Yep. a tiny 4 X 3 closet thatis already full of stuff. A closet that both girls have tried to go into several times this week. I have been using the excuse that I am afraid stuff will fall on them to keep them out. But I know that in the spring when I do a MAJOR clean-out, that closet will be safe. So I don't know where the heck I am gonna hide toys from them next year. I want to keep Santa alive for them as long as possible. They are only this age once, and the magic of this Holiday will all too soon be lost on outside influences, and maturity. I will cherish the looks on their faces when they see what Santa has brought them...and I want it to last as long as possible.

It's hard to be Santa and the Mommy.....but I hope to be able to pull it off for at least another 4 or 5 years. At least for Emily. Kaity I've got more time, but Emily will grow up sooner than I hope she will. *sigh*

1 flame(s) added to the fire:

jeopardygirl said...

Three words: Trunk Of Car