Santa Stories

We are enjoying the holiday season here at Maison Desrochers! This past weekend we had our local firehouse party. As Daddy D is a volunteer member, and actually drives one of the trucks, we get invited to attend. Last year was our first year going. It was overwhelming, tons and tons of people in one big room. But it was a great experience for the kids.

Now that they knew what to expect, it was much anticipated around our household! Sunday came and we had some very excited little boyz. Mostly because Santa stops by the firehouse during the party, driven in on the back of a fire truck. Apparently he makes visits before Christmas to the firehouses before his sleigh is ready, kind of like a test run for the big day.

We don't partake much in the Santa tradition around here. In fact, we talk about the spirit of Santa and giving to others without wanting credit or acknowledgement in return. We read stories more about the celebration of the birth of Jesus than about sleighs and chimneys. The gifts under our tree are from Mom & Dad, with the exception of one gift for all of the children. That is usually a much asked for gift and something mom and dad aren't all too excited about. So it is the "Santa present". Given from an unknown person.

This is all well and good, and Seth took it all in stride. Then came Gabriel. The stubborn second child. He refuses to believe us. We have been told that we are the ones making stuff up, and he believes in Santa. We don't push it, but we do find it amusing that our child thinks we are the ones fabricating a story amidst the giant plumes of Santa smoke everyone else is blowing. In time it will settle itself.

But in the meantime we have a son who threw an entire three pound bag of carrots off the back steps for reindeer and prepared yummy chocolate chip cookies and milk prior to bed last Christmas Eve. He wants the magic and the fun of it all.

With sparkling eyes and a one-cheeked dimple he sat at our table yesterday. He ate his lunch and would look up and say, just awhile yet? He did a craft and returned to ask again, awhile still? He sat with arms folded and chin perched atop surveying the parking lot. Smirking all the while.

He was one of the first up and out of his seat when the truck came into view. He was bouncing up and down beaming as he entered the room. He rushed and sat in the space by the tree and chair that had been set out. And he waited for his moment.

Then Santa said his name and he got to go forward, sit on his lap and get his gift. He returned to us absolutely giddy. Made even more so by the receipt of an Air Hogs radio controlled UFO flier. He waved goodbye as Santa left the room. He didn't stop waving until after Santa had climbed aboard the truck and had driven out of sight.

I can tell my child about overblown stories and exaggerated tales. I can tell him about myths and fiction. But in the end he will be who he is, a little boy who chooses to believe in the sparkle and shine of a big, happy and giving man. And we have decided to let him have his magical moments of childhood. The dimpled smile is worth it.