I have a lot of angst around the Christmas season. And it’s not because of the over monetization of a religious holiday. It’s not because people buy puppies they don’t really want. It’s not because of all the children starving around the world while we in America spend umpteen dollars on plastic toys for our already spoiled children. Well, I mean, that stuff bugs me too, but my real problem is Santa.
And what to tell my children about him.
See, I was that kid. You know, the one who told you Santa wasn’t real when you were 8? The one who brought you to tears and ruined your life? That was me. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be unkind, it’s just that Mom was very deliberate in her choice NOT to teach us to believe in Santa. She was also not unkind. And didn’t mean to hurt us or you. But she felt really strongly about two things:
1. Lying.
2. Having kids who thanked Santa instead of the moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas who worked hard to earn money to buy the gifts.
Now, I know that there are wonderful things about believing in Santa, and as an adult, Mom and I have discussed the pros and cons many times. I think she feels she was a little extreme in the “not believing” side of things because we missed that chance each year to have our imaginations caught up with the ideas surrounding the Santa story. But I think, on the whole, she’s still glad we always “knew.”
And unfortunately, I’ve been torn. It wasn’t a big deal the first couple years because Jake was too young too care. But each year comes and goes by without me deciding. Do we believe? Or do we not? Instead of making up my mind, I’m ridiculously vague when questioned and often just change the subject. It’s like I can’t bring myself to say, “No, there is no Santa,” but I also can’t get the words, “Of course that’s the REAL Santa” to come out of my mouth either.
Luckily, I’ve got 11 more months to figure it out. Again.
Which is why it is so funny that for some reason, I’ve got NO PROBLEM at all with the tooth fairy.
In fact, she visited last night and traded Jake for his second baby tooth. A whole dollar.
And have I mentioned being a closet dentist-wanna-be?
As the daughter of a dentist, who worked every summer of high school in Dad’s office, I always had a little part of me that wanted to follow in his footsteps. Life led me elsewhere, but I have been tickled pink to finally pull out some teeth (other than my own). On tooth number one, Jake didn’t know what to expect, so was very willing to let me pull it out. This time, he was MUCH more nervous. In fact, it took 3 days for him to agree to let me pull out the dangling tooth. But he finally let me. YIPPEE!! Thrills for Mom!
Tooth #2 from Joelle Yamada on Vimeo.
What a trooper.
How funny, I’m the same way with the Santa debate and yet no problem with the tooth fairy. With Santa I don’t encourage the myth but I haven’t directly discredited it either, at least not with Elea. Aleksandr asked more questions early on and I asked if he wanted the real answer or the pretend answer. He chose real and I told him, but then swore him to secrecy with his classmates which he’s been really good about. And regarding teeth – when I was a kid I wouldn’t let my dentist dad touch my loose teeth, I pulled them all myself.
Miss ya!
It’s interesting, Jake doesn’t seem to care as much if Santa is “real” or not, but Quinn is VERY persistent with his questions. He is the one who was difficult this year….
Interesting! I guess I never really thought about it. I think my days are numbered with my oldest believing in Santa anyway. Way to go Jake on losing another tooth.
We do not do Santa, but do tell the kids about St. Nicholas and how culture has run with his good name. We have also made them promise not to spill the beans with friends. What to say if asked if they believe in Santa? “I believe in St. Nick.”
We don’t do the tooth fairy, but Max really wishes we did, as he would prefer the money to a special family treat of his choice. Glad you have been able to satisfy your inner dentist. I predict you will have PLENTY of opportunities over the next 5-6 years to be completely satisfied for a lifetime!
Who knew that God would let you be a dentist in your own home!
Girl, I loved me some Santa. My imagination went wild. I loved the idea of little elves building old fashioned wooden toys, Mrs. Santa baking cookies, the reindeer, the North Pole. All of it. And the movies! I found ways to keep that dream alive in my head long after I knew it couldn’t be true. (AAFES price tags on my stocking toys…You mean Santa shops at the BX too?) I don’t know what I’m going to do with Gabe and Lily when they get older because I really want them to believe in Santa but I’m a horrible liar and hate lying. I can see that I’m going to be conflicted!