Even Santa focuses on Christ

I can not lie, this year will go down in history as one of, if not, the worst years of my life.  We've had more than our fair share to deal with.  I'm not complaining in any way, shape or form.  I'm simply stating this because it has totally shifted my priorities, especially about Christmas.

I was blown away and disgusted with the retail shops opening their doors on Thanksgiving so greedy humans could score a great deal on needless crap.  Blunt?  Yep, sorry about that.  But what have we become as a society?  It was the straw that broke this Mama's back.

This is going to be the most magical Christmas we've had.  I just know it!  I totally had my priorities out of whack.  So I decided to take Santa almost out of the picture.  I still LOVE the magic of young hearts believing in something so wonderful.  Santa is wonderful.  But the Savior is more wonderful.  And we had forgotten that as a family.  For us it became more about the presents and the material things that Christmas brings.

Santa wrote a letter to my kids explaining that he would still stop by our house but he wouldn't be bringing any big presents with him.  He'd still fill up the stockings though.  He told the kids that the greatest gift had already been given to us.  And he's right.

Here's Santa's letter...

Ho, Ho, Ho from the North Pole!  Your mom tells me you've been pretty good so far this year.  But she also tells me that sometimes there’s too much fighting!  You don’t want to end up on the naughty list do you?

I am writing to tell you that I think this is going to be the most magical Christmas you’ve ever had.  Your family has been through a lot this year and I can’t wait to send my Christmas cheer to your home. 

I won’t be bringing you any big presents this year.  But never fear!  I will be filling up those stockings with lots of goodies.  So leave them out where I can see them.  Oh and leave me lots of cookies and milk.  I’ll be pretty hungry.

Why am I not bringing you any big presents?  I want you to know that you’ve already received the most magical present of all, the Savior.  And I want you to focus on Him this year.  His birth is what you should be celebrating.  It’s what we focus on clear up here in the North Pole.

Did you know that more and more families are requesting that I not bring the good boys and girls big toys this year?  They are realizing that the true meaning of Christmas doesn’t lie in presents.  True memories are made with traditions, family, singing and worship.  I even heard that your Mom has learned to play some Christmas songs on her Ukulele.  Oh, how fun!     

Your Mom and Dad have lots of fun things planned this month.  And because they love you very much they want to give you the things you’ve asked for. 

Santa loves you and the Savior very, very much.  Please keep up the good work.  My elves are very busy preparing for your stockings!  I can’t wait to come visit you this year.

Much love,

Santa

Yes, Santa, I think this will be the most magical Christmas ever.  And I can't wait to see my kids' faces as they awake on Christmas morning!