Christmas Magic… by JoAnn

I once heard a wise adult say that Christmas is for children. That always stuck with me. It makes a lot of sense. Children’s innocence allows them to believe in all the “magic” we adults like to bestow upon them during the Christmas holiday. The most well-known magic is the story of Santa Claus. For as long as a child believes in Santa, they can enjoy a holiday season full of wonderment and surprises. So much to look forward to. So much fun to be had. But what happens when the story of Santa becomes just that, a story or a fantasy with no real truth to back it up?

Learning the truth about Santa Claus can be challenging for many kids. Knowing all the magic has just been a fantasy, made up by adults and used by adults for the sheer enjoyment of watching their kids believe. Isn’t that what it does? Does watching the children believe in magic give enjoyment to the grownups?

I don’t remember how old I was when I realized the truth about Santa. I remember having a glimmer of hope that there was truth to the story long after I was a teenager. I had my children in my early 20s, and I continued the tradition of telling them about Santa Claus and inviting him into our home every Christmas. I remember telling my children that Santa was a real man who lived many years ago and is now an angel in Heaven. As an angel, he continues to bring happiness to children. That story worked for a very long time. I think it was successful because I actually believed it myself.

But there did come a day when my children no longer believed in Santa. They no longer made a list of what they wanted for Christmas. A list filled with toys and treasures that only Santa could bring. They now made their requests for money, yes, cash. Any amount would do, so they could shop for what they wanted on their own terms and time. Or requests were made for expensive items such as designer clothes, cell phones, or video games. Christmas was never the same again after toys were no longer requested from Santa. The children were just young adults now, with no more wonderment in their hearts for the “magic” only children could know.

It makes me very sad to see my granddaughters now old enough to request cash or something they need for their new adult lives. I’m thankful and feel very blessed that my two grown granddaughters never ask anything of me for Christmas. They are indeed happy with anything I give them. They love me just as much and show their love to me, even if I give them nothing. That is the best present I could receive as a grandmother! Two absolutely wonderful young women as my granddaughters!

But there is still a glimmer of hope for this grandma and this holiday season. My grandson. He is eight and still enjoys all the magic that is Christmas to a child! He loves to decorate with his family, loves making a list for Santa Claus, and eagerly awaits that magical night when gifts are left for him under the tree. We are all reminded each year now of what past Christmases used to hold, and with fond memories, we rejoice with the last child left in the immediate family. I think we all plan to hang on as long as we can to this last little one, who still believes in Santa and all the magic of Christmas.

Of course, we have all been taught the real reason for the season: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His birthday is the true reason for the season. That will never change. Where did this story of Santa ever begin? I have no clue. But it has undoubtedly given our children some good times while growing up. As long as they know that Jesus is the main reason for the season, it’s okay to let them believe in Santa Claus for just a little while. I, for one, would never want to give up the beautiful memories that I have of my daughter’s Christmases.

Wherever you are this holiday season, I hope you can catch at least a glimpse of the magic you once knew at Christmas time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!