Believe

Hannah has been asking questions this holiday season such as "Is Magic real?", "Is Santa Real?" For now she seems content with my asking the question back, "What do you think Hannah?" And for the present time, that works.

I think deep-down she knows the reality of it but I think it's like the idea my friend shared with me: 

When kids ask if Santa is real, they are asking for permission to Believe. It is a fun magical time of year and they just want to partake in that fun.  Don't we all!

So, I've been thinking about it all because I believe the Spirit of Christmas - of goodness, of joy, of love, and kindness all reside in the character of Santa. Which is exactly why I love this quote by President Faust.

President James E. Faust Believes:

"No one can measure the effect of an unselfish act of kindness. By small, simple things great things do indeed come to pass. Of course, gifts given and gifts received make Christmas special. For many children Christmas Eve is a very long night as they look forward with eager anticipation to the gifts Santa brings, which is why children love Santa Claus. Let me share what someone once said about Santa Claus: First of all, he's a joyous individual. People are attracted to joyous individuals as filings are attracted to a magnet. Next, Santa Claus is interested in making others happy. He increases the happy moments in the life of everyone he meets. He loves his work; he gets fun out of his job. He is childlike, simple, humble, sincere, and forgiving. Finally, he is a giver. His philosophy is to give himself away in service. He is a friend to everyone. He smiles. Perhaps you and I could attain greater happiness if we emulated Santa Claus a little more, for his way is the way of the Infant Jesus." {“The Man Who Would Be Santa” given at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in 1998.}

I think there needs to be a balance between focusing on the magic of Santa and teaching about the miracle of Christ and His life. Obviously we wouldn't want the magic and fun to overwhelm the real spiritual reason for Christmas.

I do hope that my kids will sense the specialness of this holiday until they are old enough to grasp the importance of the celebration.... of Christ .... of Hope ... of real eternal Joy in the Atonement.

Anyhoo... these are my babbling thoughts and perhaps they are amiss.  Any thoughts on Believing and Santa?

This I do know:

that this sign in American Fork by Kohls & Target has a great message.

(though I do have to declare that I'm not advocating writing on street signs).