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The Santa Claus Debate

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The Santa Claus Debate




Santa Claus or Not

Whether to let your child believe in Santa Claus or not has been a big discussion among the Christian community for quite a while and thus started the Santa Debate.

I grew up in a Christian home, went to a Bible teaching church and a Christian high school. I ran into a lot of people that didn’t want their children believing in Santa Claus. The household I grew up in, and the household I raised my children in, were not among the Santa unbelievers.

Center of Christmas Celebration

As a Christian, I believe that the main emphasis of the Christmas season should be honoring and celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that the important lesson from the season is the lesson of giving. During this time of the year, we should be finding ways to give of ourselves, expecting nothing in return. Much like God did when He gave us His precious Son, Jesus.

Jesus was the center of our Christmas season but we also believed in Santa Claus. Children believe in a lot of things when they are young that they will eventually out grow. They believe in monsters under their beds, that they will never ever want to leave home, and little girls believe they will grow up and marry their daddies. I do not believe it is harmful to let children believe in these things when they are young, but how you handle it when they start asking questions can be the tricky part.

When the Questions Come

I appreciate the way my mother handled the questions. She wouldn’t lie to us, but rather ask us questions to find out what we believed (and probably more importantly, what we wanted to believe).

When we would go to her and ask, “Is Santa real?” She would ask us, “What do you think?” Then we would have a discussion about it. Once your child gets old enough to look you in the face and ask if you are Santa, then its time to tell the truth. Of course, if you think they are still too young to tell them the truth about Santa you can try a few questions first like, “What do you think?” If they say they don’t believe you could be Santa, they will probably give you reasons like, “You couldn’t be Santa because you don’t have a sleigh.” If they give you an answer like that, then they probably aren’t ready to give up the idea of Santa but if they say something more like, “I think you are Santa because I saw some of the same toys that Santa brought in the back of your closet.” Then the jig is up and you should tell them the truth.

When I Found Out

I was somewhere around seven or eight years old when I had to face the realization that my parents were Santa Claus. My mom thinks that I had all ready figured it out but I was enjoying the fantasy. It was my younger sister that brought the fantasy to an end. She was between three and four years old. She went to our mom, looked her in the eyes and said, “Tell me the truth! Are you and daddy Santa Claus?” Well, with a straightforward question like that mom had no choice but to tell her. Mom says that based on the reaction I had towards my little sister, I must have all ready suspected that they were acting as Santa Claus. I took my sister back to our bedroom and with tears running down my face I said, “Now you ruined it!”

My Reaction to the Truth

I may have been upset at my sister for blowing Christmas and Santa for me, but I was quite impressed and thankful for all that my parents had done for us and given us, without any recognition. For all those years, the love and gratitude for most of the presents had gone to Santa Claus. Now I was realizing that it was mom and dad that had spent all that money and had stayed up most of the night putting together toys and setting them around the Christmas tree.

Our Updated Santa Claus Visits

My parents were wonderful in the fact that even though we now knew the truth as to who Santa really was, he still came to visit as long as we wanted to “believe”. We did the same thing for our children. “Santa” wasn’t quite as extravagant in the years after the truth was revealed, but he still brought a few things and filled stockings.

Right now “Santa” only brings a few things for my husband and my stocking since the children are now grown and gone. Yes, I still believe in Santa Claus and I still enjoy being Santa Claus. I’m sure that I always will.

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The True Meaning of Christmas

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The True Meaning of Christmas





As I stated in my post, The Santa Claus Debate, although we included Santa in our Christmas celebrations, he was not the center of our Christmas holiday. Teaching our children the spiritual meaning behind the season was what we focused on. My posts for December are going to include different symbols of Christmas and their spiritual meanings. I will include crafts and books that you can use to make the learning fun.

As I was doing research for my different lessons, I found this story and thought it summed everything up very well. If you are not including Santa in your Christmas celebrations you could easily tell this story without putting Santa in it. If you need help with that, just let me know and I could edit it for you.

This story would make a great object lesson too. Find a very small table-top tree and purchase the different items that are talked about. We have stores here in Indiana where you can buy things for just $1. You could find most of the items for this story at one of those stores. The children could then help out in the telling of the story by pulling the different items out of a bag and adding them to the tree.

Have fun celebrating this very special time of year with your children as you teach them the true meaning of Christmas.

Teach the Children the True Meaning of Christmas

One December night, many years ago, I had just finished decorating for Christmas when I heard a noise at the front of the house. I turned on the porch light and opened the door. To my surprise just as I stepped outside, I saw Santa Claus climbing out of his sleigh. He placed his fingers over his lips, silencing me before I cried out.

“What are you doing…” I started to ask…but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner, the eager, boisterous soul we all know, was gone. He composed himself by clearing his throat, then answered me in a whisper. “Help teach the children.”

I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the sleigh. As I stood there bewildered, Santa stated again but more firmly, “Teach the children. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. The meaning that has long been forgotten.”

I invited him in to warm by the fire as I tried to tell him that I wasn’t sure if I knew what he meant… when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.

“Teach the children that the star is the heavenly sign of promise,” he said. “God sent a Savior to the world and the star was the sign of that promise being fulfilled. The countless shining stars in the heavens, one star for each person on earth, represents the hope of all mankind.”

Santa gently laid the star on the fireplace mantle and brought from the bag a bright red Christmas tree ornament.

“Teach the children that red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood that was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have God’s gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid — the richest color of all, and it is a symbol of the greatest gift from God.”

“Teach the children,” he said as he pulled a small Christmas tree from the bottom of the toy bag. He placed it near the fireplace and gently hung the red decoration on it.

“The deep green branches of this tree is a perfect background for this ornament. This is the second color of Christmas,” he continued. “The pure green color of this evergreen tree remains this color all year round. This represents the everlasting plan for mankind. Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The needles on the tree point heavenward — symbols of man’s prayers as they go toward heaven. Trees have been man’s best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him.”

Again, he pulled something from his bag; I heard a soft tinkling sound of a bell.

“Teach the children,” he said, “that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for every person too, that they might find their way back — it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.”

As the soft sound of the bell faded, Santa lit a candle and placed it on the mantel. The soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shadowy shapes slowly danced and wove pictures upon the walls.

“Teach the children,” whispered Santa, “that at one time candles were placed on Christmas trees. They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man’s appreciation for the star of Bethlehem of long ago. Now, strings of colored lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ’s birth.”

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and placed a gift under the tree.

He pointed to the bow and said, “A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as all of us should be tied together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift, a gift of love.”

Santa reached for a candy cane, and held it out towards me.

“Teach the children that the cane represents The Shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. The spiral design is a symbol that we are, our brother’s keepers.”

Santa looked about the room, then again at the tree. His love and great feeling of satisfaction shone from his eyes. He could not help but sense the wonderment and admiration that I felt for him in my heart.

One last time, he reached into his bag and brought forth a large beautiful wreath. As he placed it on the door he spoke gently with love, “Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed. The wreath, the circle of love, plays a double role. It is made of many things and has many colors. It reminds us of God’s unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas. Please teach the children.” (Author Unknown)

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Unusual Advent Reading for Children

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What is Advent?

Some churches celebrate a season of Advent leading up to Christmas. They are celebrating the coming of Jesus, God’s Son. The simple definition of advent is “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” We focus on Jesus coming to earth as a baby and celebrate it at Christmas.

Did you realize that the whole Bible, every story, was pointing to the Advent (coming/birth) of Jesus? I am a grandmother and I have read and studied the Bible since I was 9 years old but I am just now learning that. I knew those Old Testament stories were showing God’s power and leading but I had no idea that, even then, they were pointing to Jesus. 

The Jesus Storybook Bible

Since the Christmas season is here, and celebrating Jesus’ birth should be the center of the activities, I’ve created a Christmas Bible Reading plan using “The Jesus Storybook Bible”.

It’s simple enough, start with the first story and read one each day. I’m including the title and a short summary of each story. This Advent reading is a bit unusual because it doesn’t simply cover the birth of Jesus. It starts at the Creation and goes through several Old Testament Bible stories all the way to the birth of Jesus. Experience how each story points to the Advent of Jesus. 

This December, take time each day to remember that at Christmastime we are celebrating God’s most precious gift, Jesus, His only Son.

December 1 – “The Story and the Song” pg 12

 The introduction of the story of Jesus; the young Hero, the brave Prince. Most of all, it’s the story of God’s love. His love is shown in the greatest Christmas present ever; the birth of Jesus. 

December 2 – “The Beginning: a Perfect Home” pg 18

God created everything. He loved His children (all people) more than anything He made. “Whatever happened, Whatever it cost Him, He would ALWAYS love them.”

December 3 – “The Terrible Lie” pg 28

 Adam and Eve break the rule and break God’s heart. God still loves them – “with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.” He would show that love by sending the Rescuer, Jesus. 

December 4 – “A New Beginning” pg 38

The flood was going to wash away all the hate and sadness, and make the world clean again. The coming of Jesus made it possible for us to be clean.

December 5 – “A Giant Staircase to Heaven” pg 48

Although the people were trying to get to Heaven by themselves, God knew they couldn’t do it. “Heaven would have to come down to them.” And it came in the form of a baby.

December 6 – “Son of Laughter” pg 56

Abraham and Sarah named their baby, Isaac, because he brought them laughter and made their dreams come true. God was going to send another baby that would make the whole world’s dreams come true.

December 7 – “The Present” pg 62

The story of Abraham and Isaac may seem cruel but look deeper. God was showing that a sacrifice would have to be made to make the world right again. God didn’t want Isaac to die. God provided a ram to take Isaac’s place. God provided The Lamb (Jesus) to take our place.

December 8 –“The Girl No One Wanted” pg 70

You don’t have to be beautiful for God to love you, but you ARE beautiful because God loves you. When God looked at Leah, He saw a princess. Through her family He would send The Prince of Peace (Jesus).

December 9 –“The Forgiving Prince” pg 76

“Joseph would leave his home and his father. His brothers would hate him and want him dead. He would be sold for pieces of silver. He would be punished even though he had done nothing wrong.” Can you think of someone else, from the Bible, that was treated this way? (hint: We celebrate His birthday at Christmas.)

December 10 – “God to the Rescue” pg 84

God sent many warnings to Pharaoh but he wouldn’t listen. God sent one last horrible warning but the Israelites were protected by the blood of the lamb. You and I can be protected by the blood of THE LAMB if only we will accept it. 

December 11 – “God Makes a Way”pg 92

God knows how to make a path when there seems to be no way. One time the path was made through a deep sea another time the path was made through a baby. (Baby Jesus)

December 12 – “Ten Ways to be Perfect” pg 100

No matter how much we try, we can’t be perfect. We can’t keep all the rules, all the time. Only Jesus can be perfect and stand in our place.

December 13 – “The Warrior Leader” pg 108

The battle was won without a fight. Jesus would later win the battler over sin without a fight either. 

December 14 – “The Teeny, Weenie…True King” pg 116

David may not have been the biggest or the strongest, but he was full of love and compassion. Jesus came as a tiny baby full of love and compassion.

December 15 – “The Young Hero and the Horrible Giant”   pg 122

David defeats the giant but David admits it wasn’t him or his strength, God was the one to win the battle. Later God would send another young Hero to win the greatest battle the world ever knew. 

December 16 – “The Good Shepherd”   pg 130

David was a good shepherd but nothing like the one whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas. The Good Shepherd (Jesus) would lead all God’s lambs (us) back where we belong – close to God’s heart.

December 17 – “A Little Servant Girl and the Proud General”pg 136

Naaman had sick skin but even worse, he had a sick, proud heart. God allowed Elisha to heal Naaman’s skin and God healed his heart. Years later, Jesus would come to heal the terrible sickness in our hearts.

December 18 – “Operation – No More Tears”   pg 144

God sent the world a message through Isaiah. God told everyone that He was going to send Someone to rescue them but He wouldn’t be what they were expecting. God sent a King; but not one that had riches and lived in a palace, but one that was born in a stable among farm animals. 

December 19 – “Daniel and the Scary Sleepover”   pg 152

Daniel obeyed God, no matter what it might cost him, and God rescued him. “God would send another brave Hero, like Daniel, who would love God and do what God said – whatever it cost Him, even if it meant He would die.”  (quote from The Jesus Storybook Bible)

December 20 – “God’s Messenger”   pg 160

At first, Jonah tried to run away and hide from God (which you can’t do). Jonah spent three days in a dark, disgusting place (the belly of a large fish). After that he went to Nineveh and shared God’s message. “Many years later God was going to send another Messenger, like Jonah, He would spend three days in utter darkness. But this Messenger would be God’s own Son.” (quote from The Jesus Storybook Bible)

December 21 – “Get Ready”   pg 170

“It had taken centuries for God’s people to be ready, but now the time had almost come for the best part of God’ plan.” God, Himself, was coming.  “The true party was about to begin.” (quotes from The Jesus Storybook Bible)

December 22 – “He’s Here!”   pg 176

The Maker of the universe could have arrived in great glory and splendor but that’s not how it happened. He came as a small, seemingly, insignificant baby. Not born in a palace but in a barn. “Mary and Joseph named Him Jesus, ‘Emmanuel’ – which means, ‘God has come to live with us’, because, of course, He had!”

December 23 – “The Light of the World”   pg 184

God wanted everyone to know about the birth of His Son. He put an especially large, bright star in the sky. He sent angels to make the announcement to the shepherds. Baby Jesus would be like that bright star. Jesus would chase away darkness, helping people to see Him. 

December 24 – “The King of All Kings”   pg 192

The King God had promised David, all those years before, had arrived. “But this Child was a new kind of King. Though He was the Prince of Heaven, He had become poor.  Though He was the Mighty God, He had become a helpless baby. This King hadn’t come to be the boss. He had come to be a servant.”

December 25 – “Merry Christmas!”  

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men.”  Luke 2:14

Your Favorite Childhood Book

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Share your favorite childhood book.

Calling All Adults

Join us in celebrating the magic of your cherished childhood by sharing with us your favorite childhood book. Let’s compile a list of timeless tales to inspire the next generation this Christmas. 

Together, we can kindle the spirit of reading and create unforgettable memories. Share your book, share the joy!

I would like to compile this list and send it out to you by the end of November or very first of December so you have time to pick the books you want to share with the children in your life.

Time for Action

Please click below. Once you have entered your email, the questionnaire will be sent to you. Just two questions: 1) Your favorite childhood book. 2) The approximate age that would enjoy it.

If you have multiple adults in the house you can fill out the form multiple times.

Share your favorite childhood book!

My Favorite Books

I will start us off by sharing two of my favorite childhood books.

My very favorite is titled, “Never Tease a Weasel” by Jean Conder Soule (affiliate link)

I love this book because it rhymes and is quite funny. Not only should you “never tease a weasel, not even once or twice”, but you should “never give a pig a wig”. There are several other things you should never do to animals. It is really cute and a lot of fun.

My other favorite is “Eighteen Cousins” by Carol Hogan. (affiliate link)

It also is a rhyming book. If you are just getting to know me, rhyming books are my favorite! The little boy goes to the farm to visit family and while he is there he has 18 cousins that follow him everywhere. The book is out of print but you can find copies on Amazon.

Thank You

Thank you for helping out. I look forward to hearing about your favorite childhood book.

God Bless,

Mama Carmody

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Honoring Veterans on Veteran’s Day

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Honoring Veterans with a Free Printable

Honoring Our Family’s Veterans, on Veteran’s Day, for both current and past service.

Veteran’s Day is celebrated each year on November the 11th. It is a day to take time to thank and honor the men and women that have served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Many veterans have fought in wars, to protect us, here in the United States and people in other countries. They have fought to give and protect our rights to free speech, to worship God freely and many other rights. 

Even if a member of the military hasn’t fought in a war, they are prepared and ready. It takes a lot of hard work to be a soldier. Veteran’s Day is a day to say thank you to those that have served in the past or are currently serving. 

You may have someone in your very own family that is serving or has served in the military. Take time today to talk with them. Learn a little about the time they served and most of all, don’t forget to say, “Thank you!”

Activity

Here is a short questionnaire to use when talking with a veteran. It will help your child learn a little about the sacrifices made by our service men and women. (Click on the image below to get the free downloadable activity.)

Get your free Veteran's Day Questionnaire
Click on the image to get your free Veteran’s Day downloadable activity.

Story Time

(affiliate links included)

Let’s Celebrate: Veteran’s Day by Barbara deRubertis

Reading Level: Ages 8 to 10 yrs old This book is great for a little older child. It still has plenty of pictures but there is so much information. I particularly love the fact that it names and explains the responsibilities of each of the branches of the U.S. Military. It also explains the military’s role during peace and war. 

Veteran’s Day (American Holidays) by Connor Dayton

Reading Level: Ages 2 to 7 yrs old A great book for preschoolers and early readers to learn about Veteran’s Day. There are plenty of photographs of veterans and people celebrating Veteran’s Day. I will be using this book in my preschool class. 

Veterans Day (Bullfrog Books: Holidays) by Rebecca Pettiford

Reading Level: Ages 2 to 7 yrs old This is a beautifully simple book for the young child. The illustrations are actual photographs. It explains, very well, who veterans are and what the holiday is about. I will be adding this book to my preschool collection. 

Veterans Day (Celebrating Holidays) by Rachel Grack

Reading Level: Ages 5 to 9 yrs old This little picture book holds a lot of information. If your young child is wanting more information about Veteran’s Day, this is a great book. It uses real photos and the illustrations. I highly recommend this book to gather more interesting information.

Veterans Day (Celebrations in My World) by Robert Walker

Reading Level: Ages 8 to 12 yrs old This is a more in depth book for a little older child. It still has plenty of pictures for the young advanced reader that wants information but still likes to look at the pictures. The pictures are actual photographs. This is a great book for a little older of a child to gather information or possibly write a book report about Veteran’s Day. 

Veterans Day (National Holidays) by Meredith Dash

Reading Level: Ages 5 to 9 yrs old Another great picture book with lots of information about Veterans Day. The use of actual photos will help your child more fully comprehend what Veteran’s Day is about. 

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