Well, it's already begun! As I type, Santa is delivering presents to all the good boys and girls of the Solomon Islands. (This information is being brought to you courtesy of Norad Santa; the only way to fly with the man of belly like a bowl full of jelly!). In less than twelve hours he will be doing the same across the UK before wending his way over to America (whomever it is who keeps checking in to the blog from the U.S. don't forget to leave out your milk and cookies!!).
Do you remember the simpler time of life when we believed in Father Christmas? We never questioned the illogic of one man living in the north pole delivering presents to every child on the planet, we just believed. Then, over time - and hopefully not too early - reality sets in, and we realise the impossibility of the existence of the man. Those of us who have children relive the excitement from another perspective, seeing it from the outside; however said excitement is surely infectious. Although we say 'Christmas is for the kids'; we get a kick out of youngsters living in the world where the impossible becomes possible.
I remember when the penny finally dropped for me. If I was honest with myself I suspected for some time, but when the official truth came out it was a bit upsetting. Then my brother talked to me, and although I don't remember precisely what he said; I remember the gist of it, and as a result I am proud to say in total honesty, that I still believe in Santa Claus.
Is Father Christmas a corporeal being, flesh and bone, racing round the globe and delivering presents at 25 times the speed of light? I seriously doubt it. Saint Nicholas was indeed a real saint, noted for his kindness, generosity and good deeds - particularly to children - and it seems the legend took off from there. I would seriously doubt that the original little Saint Nick has even seen a reindeer, much less a flying one!
Santa may not by 'real', but he exists. What he represents is an idea, a feeling; he is the true spirit of Christmas. At times during Christmas we are Santa, at others we receive gifts from him, at all times we feel him. When a house is filled with laughter, Santa laughs; when a house is filled with love, Santa loves; when a house is filled with joy, Santa smiles. Oh yes my friends; he is real, he is very much alive, and I will always believe in him.
I have never had 'the talk' with a child when they first realise the awful truth, but it is precisely this - an honest and truthful answer - which I would say to them. Rather than being an end to a dream, it is just a slight change to it; a change that hopefully will last a lifetime.
I truly wish that Santa lives happily in your homes, and that he brings you all that you could possibly wish for.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
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