Christmas gifts

My 3 oldest children know about Santa. They are almost 9, 7, and 5. When my oldest lost his first tooth, he asked me if there really was a tooth fairy. I could not, in good conscience, stand there and lie to him. I want him to know the importance of being honest more than I want him to believe in fairytale creatures. So, I told him that I am the tooth fairy. He then quickly put two and two together and asked if there was a Santa either. He was clearly disappointed to learn that I am also Santa. We ended up having a good discussion about the truth, about Jesus and that He really is real, and in the end it was a good thing. I told him not to tell anyone else though, because it is fun to believe in Santa for a while.

When my second child lost her first tooth, she also asked. I don't really know what prompted them to ask, but we also had a conversation about it. I told her not to tell anyone else, but that her older brother knew as well.

Well, when my third turned 5, she came to me and asked if Santa was real. It took me off guard especially because she won't loose her first tooth for quite a while. I think that her older siblings may have mentioned it to her. I again told her the truth. She actually seemed excited to be old enough to be let in on the big "secret". Her younger brother is 3. I hope he gets a few more years to even learn who Santa is before he finds out. I don't approve of lying, but playing like there is a Santa is fine.

So, we continue to play "Santa". It is fun. It is also so nice to not have to lie to my children as well. I found out when I was probably 8 or 9. That feels like ages ago.

My 7 year old asked recently if the Christmas presents we get from "Santa" are free. Boy, wouldn't that be nice. I told her no, that daddy and I pay for them, so we have to choose only what we really want because we can't have it all. She has expressed that she wishes Christmas was free. So do I!

The best part about it is that the real reason we Celebrate Christmas actually IS free. Jesus Christ did come to this earth. He lived a perfect life. Not only so that we would have a perfect example to follow, but also so that he would be able to be the mediator with the Father to pay the price for our sins. He lived and died and took his life up again so that we could also do the same and live with Him forever. The only price He asks is that we follow Him - we keep His commandments, and repent when we make a mistake.

I am so grateful for the greatest gifts our Father in Heaven has given us - our lives, our bodies, our homes, but mostly our Savior, and the gift of eternal life if we but follow Him all our days.

~M