Why Not Both?

Why do you have to choose sides? Why can't you celebrate the birth of Christ and also believe in Santa? I was raised knowing the main idea of Christmas is Jesus' birth...not Santa, he was a bonus. I was talking to someone last night who doesn't have Santa visit their house, her five year old daughter does not believe. It broke my heart, I believe the magic of Christmas is believing in Santa along with the miraculous birth. I know when I found out the truth, Christmas was not the same, the magic had somehow lessened. There is the debate; if you never had it, how would you know what you're missing. There just seems to be something in the air at this time of year, Santa's are everywhere, why not let them believe. Is she going to be one of those kids that spills the beans to her friends at school, therefore, putting doubt in their heads? I hope they will explain the importance of keeping the information to herself. My kids last year questioned whether he was real or not, Santa, not Jesus, because of kids in their classes knowing the truth. Maybe it helps that they go to a Catholic school and everywhere you look you see the celebration of Jesus' birth. Advent wreaths and mangers in every room, along with a Christmas tree(with nun ornaments!) in the lobby and Santa's too. They are getting both events at their school, so if that's happening there, is it really so bad? I know one day they will loose some of the magic, like most of us have, I will not be the one to help it along. So if you ever come to my house, you will be greeted by our gigantic Santa in the yard. Once inside you will see the manger under our tree, along with the advent wreath, made in art class, hanging in the computer room above our mini manger. In my opinion, we have the best of both worlds!

This next week is going to be very busy around here, if I don't get a chance to write, everyone, please have a very Merry Christmas!! For those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, sorry to have wasted your time with this blog. I hope you have been having a wonderful Hanukkah season.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue

Nasty-Gram

No, I didn't get buried in all the snow, in fact, the only thing we got was a rain/snow mix! I know I have said how busy things have gotten around here, so I know you all understand when I miss a week. It has been hard for me to come to the computer and write this blog. My husband used to tease me about having such thin skin, meaning...I'm too sensitive. Just about every week I sit down in front of my computer and pour my heart out to all of you. Some people are surprised at how open I am with you. I have to be in order for you to understand what it's like being a single parent of six kids all under the age of 12, and one of them having Down Syndrome. I know I'm not perfect, and I'm sure there are things I have done that many of you disagree with, but to send mean comments, is that really fair? If you're going to send a nasty-gram, at least have the courage to sign your name. I am deeply hurt when something like this happens, and it makes it difficult for me to share my experiences with you. I wish I had the thick skin my husband had, there are traits of his that wore off on me, that wasn't one of them. I ask that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. I will be back next week, hopefully I can put this behind me and share once again.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue