I still believe..

Because most of the company that I keep range from five to ten years old, I often get asked if I believe in Santa Claus. My answer is always and without a doubt, YES! The kids closer to 10 doubt my sincerity with their eyes and facial expressions, but what they don't know is that I am telling the truth.

My parents have never admitted to me that Santa is not real. For 29 years, I have always received gifts that say, "from: Santa." I believed in Santa so much and for so long, I don't think I will ever not believe. It is just seems unthinkable to me.

Now, you may be saying...well, Mrs. Morehead, you may be a little on the crazy side. I assure you; I am not. I know that a jolly man dressed in red doesn't slide down my chimney, eat cookies, and leave gifts. This would probably freak me out a little. I do believe in the spirit of giving. Every gift I receive lights a spark in my heart and that spark puts a smile on my face; especially, when I get a gift I didn't expect. It lets me know someone was thinking of me. Someone thought I was worthy. Someone wanted to share with me. These people are my Santa Claus. These acts of kindness keep me believing.

God gave us all the greatest gift. The gift of his son, Jesus. For me believing in Santa Claus, is really believing in something great, something bigger than me, something that is full of joy!

Do you believe?

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO

How do you celebrate?

This past week at school, we talked about Christmas in Mexico. Before each lesson, I asked the kids to share some of the ways that they celebrate Christmas every year. It was such a joy to hear the excitement in their voices as they described putting up lights, decorating trees, baking cookies for Santa, singing, and visiting with their families.

My sisters and I were lucky enough to have some great Christmas traditions of our own growing up. We always opened presents from one another and our parents on Christmas Eve, and then struggled to fall asleep as we anxiously awaited Santa. Literally, visions of sugar plums danced in our heads. We would leave flashlights and socks by our beds so that when (not if) we got up at 3am, our parents wouldn't hear us sneaking into the living room to see what Santa had left. It was such a fun time. It is those memories that still make me feel uncontrollable excitement at Christmas time.

I know this Christmas there will be many children wondering where Santa is this year, and the magic that is in their hearts will fade a little. It is my Christmas pray that these boys and girls will not give up on the magic. That they will find joy in the lights of a Christmas tree in someones window, a song they hear on the radio, in the belief that Jesus is alive in their hearts.

Support programs like Toys for Tots and The Angel Tree. Give a little magic to a child this year.

Share a comment below on your favorite Christmas memories.

Until next time...

XOXOXOXO