It's getting into the holiday season (quite possibly my absolute least favourite time of year). Holden just turned two, so is naturally learning all about his world at an alarming pace. We go to church every Sunday, and he loves singing and playing with his friends. I'm not all together entirely confident in my faith, or fully "out there" as a Christian, but I am thinking about Christmas this year.
When I was growing up, Christmas was a huge deal, and I loved it, but I always wanted it to be about the real Christmas. Not all Santa and reindeer and presents (although I do love the idea of giving), and I am wondering how to treat Christmas this year, now that Holden will have some idea.
This week he spent a day with Grandma, and came home with a new movie, Wiggles Christmas. I wasn't too shocked about the fact that he had the movie, but I put it on for him, and decided as he was watching that this didn't need to be his idea of Christmas.
So, I decided then and there to ruin Santa for my little boy. And I told him all about the real Christmas. And I'm sure he listened to about 4 words I said, but that's besides the point. For the first time in a long time, I made a decision that will make me feel great as a person, and I hope turn my little boy into the adult I want him to be (giving and selfless and compassionate).
I decided that we will not be a household that makes Christmas about Santa. Sure, we will still go get pictures taken with the big guy in red, but he'll know Christmas for the real reasons, and not for getting presents.
