As our dear friends Kenny & Dolly so eloquently sing:
“I believe in Santa Claus, I believe in Santa Claus. I believe there’s always hope, when all seems lost. And I believe in Santa Claus.”
I have seen a lot of debate about this issue. And I want to clearly state, this blog is NOT about debating whether Santa is real. (because he totally is…)
I know, at my house he is so real, that I still can’t sleep on Christmas Eve. I know that he’s so real that when all us adult kids go home to my Mom’s…she still makes us go to bed on time, so Santa can come.
I know that as a child, my father embodied everything that was magical about Christmas time. And one of those things was his special relationship with the jolly, fat man. Like the year that he carried a hand-written list of every Strawberry Shortcake doll manufactured at the time so that he could check them off one by one on his business trips across the western US.
It was one of those magical things that parents do in order to help Santa make Christmas Morning unforgettable for years to come.
When my 9th Christmas came.
My father had passed away.
And Christmas was different.
We didn’t have a Dad, my Mom had just given birth to a brand new baby girl 3 weeks prior.
It was a turning point.
I would soon need to make a choice about the level at which I would continue to believe in Santa….and subsequently the spirit of the magic that Christmas brings.
I understand that people feel that Santa takes away from the true reason that we celebrate. But I feel quite differently.
That year, I needed magic more than I needed air to breathe.
I needed hope.
I needed laughter and singing.
I needed a wish to come true.
I needed to believe.
And I needed my belief to cover both the Savior; who would hopefully make it so that one day I could be with my father again, and my hope that the world I was facing had magic left in it. Even though my world was gray and uncertain.
I needed to believe that we would make certain treats. And read certain stories. I needed to believe that Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special would come on. And that my Mom would use it’s one-time-only-airing to bribe us all day long. And then we’d sit on the featherbed in front of the fire, and laugh when Lucy gets kissed by a Dog.
I understand the debate. I really do. I respect the parents who’ve decided to not bring Santa into their celebrations.
But…
He saved me.
In a different way than the baby Jesus saves us.
He gave me hope that the world I was facing with out a father….could still show me all the Strawberry Shortcake dolls magically under the tree. It wasn’t a material thing. It was a belief thing. Belief that the world was still as wonderful as it had been 4 months prior.
As I grew, I NEVER looked for our presents. My Mother told us exactly where they were being kept. We stayed AWAY. REALLY away. It taught us respect for her ability to give us gifts. And self control. And the anticipation………MY GOODNESS……..the anticipation. It’s a better rush then going off the top of a roller-coaster. Delightful.
There has never been “a time” where we had “that convo”. We’ve talked about it, sure. But it’s never been “we lied” or “he’s not real”. Because we BELIEVE. Honestly, I have enough reality. And I never want to be too old, or too realistic to believe that things can be magical.
And if you want to shoot me for this analogy…don’t…but I ask you to think about it.
Isnt’ teaching your kids to believe in the Baby Jesus (whom they’ve never seen, but holds such grace and love to share with them…) eerily similar to teaching them to believe that love, giving, kindness, and magic are real? That decision making skills are invaluable? And that surprises are what makes life the MOST special?
That Santa spirit…the spirit of love and giving…..it’s the exact same spirit that I believe in for that little baby.
So at our house we choose to believe.
In all of it.
And make it the most joyous celebration of giving and thinking and loving and laughter and song that we can possibly muster.
Our family philosophy is built from a line in The Santa Clause (which is WAAAYYYY high up on the “must watch” list at our house. I mean, the comment about “Where are you gonna get your sweaters when the Circus pulls outta town, Neal?” That’s frickin’ priceless right there!)
Anyway, it’s a conversation between Judy and Scott Calvin’s son. She is trying to get him to understand why he needs to keep his new knowledge about his dad’s new “job” to himself. Can you imagine? Just show Santa to everyone!! Problem solved.
I know Santa brings different things to the neighbor kids, or to cousins. So what? We talk to our kids about how Mom and Dad have to work together with Santa. And we’re honest with them about what they can expect. (it hasn’t stopped me from expecting a brand new digital piano under the tree since 1996 though. Just sayin;)
I’m pretty much obsessed with this line. I think it applies so well to The Santa “Question” It’s not unlike the religion questions. It all takes just a little faith. Doesn’t it? My faith is still solidly intact. My kids’ are. It’s fabulous to have something happy to look for.
Click on the arrow with a line under it…in the above window. Just press it, and the image file should download right to your computer! Easy Peezy!
You can then print the file anywhere you’d like. This file is sized at 16×20. It will not print optimally at a bigger size. (But you can print it at a smaller size if you’d like.)
As usual PLEASE follow the following rules for Less Cake {more frosting} printables:
- LCMF prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
- Please do not remove the watermark.
- If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
- Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.
We just hung ours up over the fireplace. A reminder that you’d best be believin’ if you want Santa to leave more than coal. 
Linked to:
Well said and as always, a gorgeous printable. Thanks so much for being so inspiring.
Thank you Lindsay. I dunno about being inspiring….but that is super kind to say.
Truly beautiful story that you share. The magic of the season is belief. Thank you!
I completely agree! It is magical to believe in things.
Thanks so much for sharing. That was a beautiful story. Also, thanks for the poster. Love it!
You bet, Tiffany!
Beautifully said and beautifully created. Thanks. Will be perfect on my wall.
Oh yay! To think of people putting it in their home….well, that makes me super happy.
First of all, what a beautiful story and a beautiful printout. I too, am a 26 year old believer who goes to bed early on Christmas night so Santa can come. And my sisters (and now my husband) still sit on the stairs while my dad goes downstairs to check if Santa came.
I can’t think of a single reason in the world why anyone would want to stop believing!!!
Oh my gosh! We totally do that. And there always has to be a little “I don’t think he came this year!” I seriously LOVE IT!
Thank you! A beautiful story. I believe int the Magic of the Season!
Me too Kathleen. Me too.
I loved your post! Beautifully written and I am also a true believer:)
Thank you Martha. I hope to always be a true believer.
Thank you for the beautiful printable. My mother always taught me Santa was the spirit of loving and giving and I’ve held that belief for many, many years. Glad to see someone else feels the same way. Merry Christmas!
Mine did as well. And I intend to teach my kids the same. Nothing wrong with loving or giving. Right?
Not a single thing!!! Aren’t we blessed?!
Lara, truly beautiful post. Although, I don’t know if I am going to be able to laugh at dead dad jokes from you and Char anymore…
You know that I am with you on the whole Santa thing and this poster may be my favorite one yet
xoxo
You better laugh. They’re hysterical. Like awesomely funny. And they make us happy. If I can’t laugh….I get miserable. Love you cute girl!
Ah Laura, you don’t know me, but I knew your Dad. That post brought some memories back. I remember him looking for all the Strawberry Shortcake dolls and was in awe that he was so involved in everything to do with Christmas, including all the things that typically the “mom” does. I also remember that your tree had dolls on it…at least I think it did. Madam Alexander dolls. Maybe he collected those for your Mom….what a beautiful post you wrote! It captures the essence of Christmas for me…we also still believe at our house! Hoping your family has a joyous Christmas!
It sure did, Beth. For quite a few years we wired those little dolly legs to that tree. It took FOREVER.
Not very many people really remember my Dad. Me included. But I love that he did that for me. And my daughter plays with all of them now. 
Happy Holidays to your family as well.
I got chills reading this! Could not agree more, thank you for sharing your story and the printable!!!
Oh, thank you Karie! Happy Holidays!
You are such a brilliant writer. I love the analogies and everything about this….sending it off to be printed right now! You are the bestest. xoxoxoxo
Yay! You are? I {heart} you Miss Mique!
I love this X 1 million.
I love YOU X 1 million. True Story.
This is beautiful, thanks for sharing and all you do. I wish you Happy Holidays
I wish the same for you. Thank you Ginger.
fantastic. simply fantastic
Thank you Alissa. So nice of you!
Wow, such a beautiful and thoughtful post. Love it!
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading it, Kathy.
Love the story and the printable. Absolutely gorgeous! I’m printing and framing today! Thank you so much! PS I’ve never seen The Santa Clause…. I’ll add it to the list this year!
You haven’t seen The Santa Clause? A greater tragedy I’ve rarely heard.
Do it now! Do it now!
LOVE this Lara! You are amazing my friend. I’m totally printing this out RIGHT now and putting it by my tree!
You are? Wow! That’s an awesome compliment, Jamielyn. Hope you have an awesome Christmas with that cute family of yours.
What a beautiful post, and gorgeous printable. Truly special memories and enjoyed reading this so so much.
Thank you Carol. That really is an awesome thing to say. I hope you’re able to use the printable. Merry Christmas.
Beautiful. The story AND the printable.
Awww…thank you Veronica. That means a ton to me. I kinda adore you!
*tears* You are the real deal!
Pshhhhhhh…….takes one to know one.
lovely post!!
I {heart} the print too…it’s just perfect!
Thank you so much Staci.
I don’t usually comment but I just loved the way you put into words the exact way I feel about Christmas. Thank you!
How nice of you to take the time Cindy. That really makes me feel great.
That. Was. Perfection.
Thank you Emily.
I’ve actually been sitting here trying to think of an adequate response to this post. And, I can’t. I’ve been privy to some pretty spectacular works of Lara for a bunch of years, but this, my friend, is the granddaddy of them all. Maybe even the Barbra of them all.
Ahhh……hello Missy. I doubt it’s Babs worthy. But you know. I am starting to come to grips with never being up to THAT standard.
Thanks for commenting. That kinda made my day!
Beautifully written. You had a very special Dad! Thank you for the printable too!
He was kinda great. Thanks.
Hey its Bridget from bridgeywidgye.blogspot.com and I just met you today at the cookie exchange! I love the layout of your blog. I also love all your cute printables. How do you make them? is it just off photoshop? you are so cute and even cuter in person! so glad to have met you!
So fun to meet you today! And thanks so much!
That was as sweet read. I don’t have similar sentiments–feel like I’m lying to my children, but a nice perspective. I wish I could see it this way;) I loved Strawberry Shortcake as a young one, too. Glad its come back for my daughter.
We still love Strawberry Shortcake at our house!
This post was just what I needed today. It has been a pretty trying year for our family and reading your words brought me some peace today. Thank you!
What a sweet thing to say. I hope that the new year brings you brand new reasons to be happy and joyful.
Well said. Poetic even. Quoteworthy. I absolutely enjoyed it!
First of all, love the printable! It absolutely needs to go up in my house.
Second of all, I love the thoughts you shared. You put it so beautifully, and I agree with everything you said 100% Coincidentally, I just posted today about my own “issues” with Santa and whether or not I could get over the feeling that I was lying to my kids when I said he was real. If you’d like to read it, please feel free to stop on by!
http://twiddlerhouse.blogspot.com/2011/12/truth-about-santa.html
Thanks so much for sharing your personal story about your father, and your belief in Santa. This is the year that I have reaffirmed to myself that I truly DO believe!!
That was a lovely post Jen. VERY well written and thought provoking. A great read! Yay for deciding to believe, Mom!
This post is totally making me all teary.. So beautifully written. Thank You
Wow! What fantastic post. It really touched me. Thank you so much for sharing this story and beautiful printable!
Love this! I needed a little reminder of the magic, because Santa is tired and not really feeling the magic. Thank you!
You are truly amazing!! I wish I could write like you do all the time. I think you have TOTALLY made me a believer again!! I’m at that awkward stage where the three older know the truth and the little one is too little to even understand Santa {he’s one.} I’ve struggled trying to figure out how to keep the magic alive for everyone and this post TOTALLY hit the spot. Thank you, thank you!!
kisses
heather
I know. That’s gotta be hard. We had a big age gap in our family growing up. But us older kids were always on board. And we were expected to be. I was never even allowed to help with Christmas-ee things at night. Even if I stayed there as a married woman…I STILL wouldn’t be allowed. That’s how serious she is about it. And I kinda love it!
Such an amazing and eloquent writing regarding your Beliefs! Our family has never had any difficulty reconciling the story of Jesus’ birth and believing in Santa Claus. Our belief as Roman Catholics is that Santa embodies the teachings of Christ. After all the first Santa was Saint Nicholas. Santa reminds us of unselfish giving, giving joyfully and expecting nothing in return, believing in what can not be seen or completely understood and this is the essence of faith. If you teach your Christian beliefs to your children around the magic of Christmas and the beauty of the legend of Santa Claus, Christmas will be even more magical and meaning for your children! Santa Claus brings gifts to children just as the wisemen brought gifts to the Baby Jesus and no gift was too small or unimportant. I’m so sorry you lost your father so young but I’m so glad that someone found the strength to carry on that magic for you, so that you could grow stronger in your faith that there is good in the world and God wants us to be happy and joyful, especially his children.
Thank you for that sentiment Mary Beth. I LOVE the unity that Christmas brings to all the believers. Whether they believe in Christ, or just people believing that there is goodness in this world. Good people should unite in making the planet a fabulous place to be. Regardless of specific religions.
I love this time of year!
I **love** this!! I’ve literally been searching ALL over the internet for a Christmas printable for my 8×10 frame. I’ve found several I like, but nothing quite seemed right. I think this one is stunning! The gray and red are spectacular. The phrasing isn’t quite me, so I used yours for inspiration to make my own. Thank you so much! I’ve been inspired!
Lovely post. Thank you for sharing this story. Blessed Christmas to you and yours!
I had tears in my eyes while I was reading this. But the good kind. The warm, fuzzy, christmas kind of tears. I completely agree with you. Growing up, my mom followed the same philosophy and passed it onto me. It was great to see you yesterday.
Happy Holidays!
-Meg
Yay you!
I have been to your Mom’s home at Christmas time… and I love the magic! Your family is amazing and I think about them more than they will ever know
I hold your Mom in such high regard, I do not know many ladies as special as her. For your Dad to have “snagged” her, truely means he is an Amazing man! I read your blog everyday and I love it! I did cry reading this, because it was tender and heartfelt. Laura, you are a Doll! Continue to follow in your Mothers footsteps it’s the perfect path 
Beautiful printable! Thank you for sharing. My oldest (10) says he knows who Santa is but promises not to tell his brother and sister. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love the spirit of giving it brings.
Hello, just found you through a link from Kristyn at Lil Luna. Thanks so much for sharing your amazing talents. I love this printable. What a beautiful story, thanks for sharing. I hope you & your loved ones have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas. Hugs, Andi from hotpinkpansy.com
Thanks for the lovely story. I shared a quote and photo on fb
Best. Post. EVER! You expressed my sentiments exactly. And it’s nice to know that I’m not alone. Thanks for this little Christmas hug, I needed it today
Love the printable. It’s so pretty. Reminds me of the movie Polar Express (my fav!) Thank you!
Wow! I’ve come over from Pinterest and I am tearing up now!! That was such a heart warming story and such a wonderful way to live life, you are an inspiration to me
I loved this, pinned this, and featured it on my blog today
http://crafting-cousins.blogspot.com/2011/12/fab-5-friday-winner.html
Thanks for sharing your story.
And thank you for the fabulous printable.
thank you so very much–this is totally cute!
Wonderful post! and yes, at 39 years old, I still believe. I believe in the magic and everything that Christmas embodies…baby Jesus, Santa, and yes…even flying reindeer…once you stop believing, you grow old and I just am not ready for that.
Thank you for such a wonderful post and a gorgous printable.
Love your blog! And thanks for sharing your story. BTW, one of my girls is named Elizabeth and we call her Ellie!
Thanks for this post. I have been internally struggling with this issue a lot this year and I appreciate your perspective. It really made me feel better about the whole thing and it filled me with the excitement and the magic of Christmas!
This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Miss Ellie! My five year old is starting to get curious about “the real Santa”. It has made me think, “Why do I do this tradition?” I realized it was more than just tradition, but your post put how I felt into a beautiful message. I love the beautiful printable too. Thank you for sharing.
I love your post. I live in Norway and have a slight different set of tradition, but I DO believe in Chrismas and Santa Claus. Why wouldn’t I? He comes evere christmas eve after dinner, asking everybody if we have been nice. then he hands out a few gifts (everyone gets, so he basically think everybody is nice…) Before he comes, the kids and I allways fills a bowl of porridge that we puts outside by the dolls house. He allways eats it before he takes off to the next house. So he shows himself, he eats real food, and the neighbours see him too, so of course he is real…
Hugs from Norway
Oh what a beautifully written post! I am so fortunate that my parents raised us that Jesus was the reason for the season but also that Santa had a special and fun place as well. I now am trying to help my children grow up with a sense of fun, love and wonder that is supported by the unshakable bedrock of our faith. Happy New Year!
I saw this print on Pinterest, and immediately knew it was perfect for what I wanted! Then I hopped over here and read your post, and it is one of the most beautiful sentiments that I have ever read. Thank you for sharing that bit of your heart with us.
Best Wishes,
Jenn
I’m using my printed copy to create a personal Christmas card for the gift basket I am presenting to my doctors’s office and his personnel that helped bring me back from the depths of depression. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me Laurie. Really. It is just so amazingly rewarding to know that my work helps others. It makes me KNOW that I should keep going!
thank you for sharing – this is gorgeous
I just LOVE this! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful printable and beautiful story. It reminds me of what my husband told our youngest when he began truly questioning the existence of Santa. That Santa is REAL! He represents the goodness and magic of the season. Santa needs help from moms and dads, but that spirit is something that can only come from within. Thank you for sharing your talents and your story. The printable is going up on my living room wall.