Schuring Schoop: Santa is a holiday, Jesus is Christmas

And as for me and our house, in the month of December, we keep in mind two things:

Santa is a holiday.

Jesus is Christmas.

There is a difference.

I’ve never been a big fan of the Santa tale.

~ Santa’s coming down the chimney to bring gifts for all the good little children ~

It is still hurtful to me to remember the day I found out.

My parents had been lying straight to my face for years.

How could I believe them about anything now?

Upon finding out the truth, I questioned the existence of more important figures, like God.

Friends I know have shared with me the joy they felt when they were grown up enough to know the secret.

However, we can't escape Santa in this culture, so I know it is here to stay.

I understand those that fight to carry the 'magic' on as long as possible in their lives and for their children.

They say it’s cruel not to let children revel in the magic of Santa.

But let us not allow Santa to overshadow Jesus during this month either!

We try to have the latter, the other 364 days of the year.

So it’s important that we not edge Jesus out of such a big holiday.

Ways to keep Jesus in mind during Santa Season.

Say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays

Choose decorations of nativity, stars and angels.

Instead of dashing to gifts on 12/25, wake up and have a family breakfast and read the story of Jesus’ birth from the scriptures first.

Find Joy in giving to the needy

Have Santa write your children a letter about his special relationship with Jesus

Make Jesus real to children

You can avoid lying about Santa, but allowing your child to create the magic in their own heads. I have friends who have carefully mastered their words so they never have to 'lie'.

Remind them that Santa Claus is sometimes called St. Nicholas, after a man by that name who lived hundreds of years ago.

This man loved children and often gave them gifts.

"The evolution from a pagan holiday transformed into a Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Christ in a season that is not really his birthday, is magic in itself.

The pagan worship of the sun, deeply rooted in Roman culture, was replaced by one of the greatest festivals among Christians.

Christmas has come down to us as a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing—a day of good cheer and goodwill to men.

Although it has an earthly relation and significance, it is divine in content.

The ancient Christian celebration has lived continuously through the years.

So with that I can celebrate this season for Jesus and a little Santa too!

I love festive music.

I love seeing decorations that OTHERS have put up!

I love the pretty lights.

And for the record, I will continue to encourage Alyssa to pose with Santa, well because, it just looks fun and I know Christmas is supposed to be FUN too!

1998 - Santa was at the hospital when she was born