wait. And as we get to the front of the line we take the child up to Santa. The child walks up holding your hand and hops up onto his knee. It makes me wonder why we do this. Why do we let our children sit upon a stranger’s lap? This jolly man starts to ask your youngster if he/she has been good. The child replies “Yes,” while we nod in reply. As Santa asks the next question, that special question, the one about “What do you want for Christmas?” we tend to emphasize the importance of not to talk to stranger’s. However, we will let our precious child walk up and tell this man what he/she wants for Christmas.  We, with all ears, listen for the answer in hopes that we will be able to fulfill that wish. This alone can bring us stress, for Santa gives every good boy and girl the presents he/she desires. While they finish their visit, we hope for that sweet picture to show everyone. That particular moment captured for a lifetime to present to grandparents for Christmas. Most children are very excited to see him. They look Santa in the eyes and openly tell him everything. Sometimes even things we don’t want them to tell.  For some kids, it doesn’t seem fun.  They cry, yell, and scream at the top of their lungs. We have all witnessed that child crying, yelling, and trying to get off Santa’s knee. Our heart goes out to that poor kid. Whether they want to or not, we make them do it.  Yet, we pay to have the photo taken.  When the camera clicks, we have that image.  After all the waiting and coaxing, you know the image of that unhappy look. When we see it we sigh and walk away. Still, we find it cute anyway. Then we remind ourselves there is always next year for that smiley face.  It is somewhat of a weird custom, but we, nonetheless, do it year after year until the child is too old. We also tell our youngsters that this unknown man will bring him/her a gift in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve. Yes, he will come into your house while you are asleep and leave a gift. We have all told our kids that story. Mmmm, sleep tight little one? Wouldn’t this normally be a chilling thing to pronounce to a kid? Someone will get into our house while we are asleep. At other times, that someone would be a thief and one could say that they were breaking and entering? Don’t get me wrong, I do think it is important to let our children believe in Santa. I did it when my child was young and will do it with my grandchildren; it’s all perfectly harmless.  It is a time where make believe and excitement is joined together.  A special time of wonder for a youngster.  For me, it is the magic of Christmas.  When you witness the eyes of a child light up with the excitement from knowing Santa is coming, this brings a smile upon my face. Thinking about the magic of asking for a wish to come true reminds me of prayer. Jesus/God is an invisible image of a spiritual man who grants wishes too.  Like when an adult asks for a miracle to occur or wants their prayer to be heard. One prays to this unseen man in hopes that their prayers are answered.  Interestingly, is Santa the physical version of the concept of Jesus? What an interesting link.  Both are men who bring gifts to many. One of the figures we outgrow as we get older, and the other we tend to believe in until we die. Another connection is that each figure has been used to enforce one to behave.  Yes, you recall.  “You must be good or….”  We have all used that line at least once in our life, especially when it came to Santa.  Yes, kids, you are being watched by this man called Santa who knows if you have been naughty or nice.  We just told our kids that they are being spied on by that stranger in red.  WOW, that is frightening. But we do it and have been on the receiving end of this comment as well. Even though there are some unusual aspects of this custom, this man in red is the jolliest, friendliest, and kindest old man in the universe. Is it because he resembles a grandfather figure? Sometimes it seems this human being is revered more than Jesus is.  He brings so much delight and excitement to children around the globe. I, too, can remember the joy he brought to me as a young child.  The memory also of being worried that I was awake too late. I would listen to see if I could hear the sounds of hooves on the roof and then get worried that Santa would be here and see me still up. He wouldn’t leave me gifts under the tree because I wasn’t sleeping.  Though every year, I would wake up and tiptoe down the steps to see if Santa came.  And under the tree, I would see presents that I wanted. I would shout with glee, “Santa came!” Still, as an adult, he brings me joy just by hearing a child say “Santa!” with glee as they see his face. Every year, I am reminded of the delight this fellow brings to all ages. May his “magic” continue to be shared forever by generations that come forward, many thanks Santa! May Santa touch you with the Magic of Christmas! I hope the warmth of this season fills your spirit.  Merry Christmas and Peace to All! Views:]]>