Yes Children, There Is A Santa Claus

It's the first day of December. Is there a more wonderful time of year than the last month? Sure, summer has its merits but the sentiment and positive energy of December can soften the heart of the most hardened person. There is so much magic to behold, so much goodness and graciousness. For one month every year the world finds the ability to see the best in their neighbours and to release judgement and resentment. Yes, the world is a better place in December.

December is my favourite daycare month. I am not a religious person but like 90 per cent of North Americans our family also partakes in Christmas. And, Christmas is about children. It is about their fascination, their wonder and their excitement. What better business to be in for such a joyous month? For children Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

The spirit of Christmas is so evident in children. The notion of Santa Clause and their belief in such a figure is awe inspiring. Children are trusting and have complete faith in the existence of that jolly old man. They question nothing and assume the world to be without malice or falsehood. They believe because they are more in tune with the Universe and have not yet had the misfortune to find cynicism and objection infiltrating their thinking and souls. They are pure and unadulterated. How simple and truly fortunate they are.

As adults I think a great deal can be learned from children at this time of year. So often we attempt to decipher and rationalize all the input from our environment instead of enjoying it. We assume there is always a catch and rarely believe that which is too good to be true. How would Christmas be different if each child stood back and wondered what was the "catch". Why would a man like Santa, give out gifts to children. What is in it for him? These are the common thoughts of adults and those who have been hardened by the offenses and crudeness of mankind.

I love to read stories of Christmas at circle time and watch the excitement and anticipation grow. I watch with wonder as a child completes their ornament crafts with precision as to get it "just right" to present as a gift to mommy or daddy. To them it is all in the giving. They do their best work not for the merit but for the feeling they will get when giving. There are lessons to be learned while watching those children at circle time and sitting around the craft table, glue on their hands and sparkles in their hair. The lesson is that perhaps we too could have a bit more faith. Perhaps as adults we could step back from our cynicism and falsely held notions and live in faith for a few moments. We might be surprised how freeing it is.

Is there anything more inspiring than a child who believes without fear or question? We can all learn a lot from kids. I want all children to have a time in their life to experience pure faith and wonder. And then, one day when they no longer believe and ask me why I told them Santa existed I will tell them the truth - he DOES exist. He might not exist in worldly matter with a red suit and black boots but the spirit he represents is present in the soul and giving hearts that seem to produce themselves this time of year. For one month each and every year the world can become just a little kinder and less judgemental. Seems to me a little white lie to personify such a sentiment is worthwhile.

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca