Santa

I used to be a Santa hater. I wasn't sure how I was going to explain Christmas to my kids because I knew they would be exposed to him, but I didn't want it to come from me. I also didn't want them to be the only kids in their class at school professing the truth about Santa Claus to their poor, believing classmates. I wanted to preserve the true meaning of Christmas in our home, but of course that didn't mean no presents. Things like this stress me out because I want to sort out the answer before it ever comes up, but this time I learned to just relax a bit. Because it really did resolve itself. The first time Camilla asked me about Santa (she heard him mentioned in a song on the radio, and probably in other places as well), I found myself telling her all about him. And I was excited. And now she is excited, too. Our little introvert didn't even have much trouble sitting on Santa's lap at the ward Christmas party. She didn't say a word to him, but she was thrilled with the candy cane he gave her and she points him out wherever we see him. 

Even though Millie is excited for Santa, she knows about Baby Jesus, too. 

Me: Millie, who was born on Christmas?

Camilla: Baby Jesus.

M: And where was he born?
C: In the barn.

M: And did people bring him presents?

C: Yes they did!

M: What did they bring him?

C: A teddy bear, a binky, and a Nonie (her word for blankie).

I think those are better gifts than gold, frankincense and myrrh for a new baby.