Friday, June 29, 2007
Saint Nick
Max and I attended the Swim Team Banquet last night. It was the first time he'd worn a coat and tie. He was so proud of his grown-up attire that he actually wanted to wear it to summer camp today.
While Max and I were celebrating our mutual perseverance this month, Boo was home with Grandma Nancy. Tonight I learned more about their evening together.
From the warning track in left field, Boo threw in this zinger: "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
Hmmmm....
Nancy was in a pickle. What do Lee and I convey to our kids about Santa Claus? With one seemingly innocuous response, might she unwittingly betray our beliefs, our values, our wishes?
"I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus."
Bravo.
I read an article once about how parents could approach the subject of Santa Claus in a way that might leave their children feeling less deceived as they grew older. The author suggested that parents speak in terms of the Story of Santa Claus. To younger children, the story would be more literal. But gradually, as kids matured, the tale would become just that...a tale, with characters and a plot and a message.
That approach makes sense to me. I saved the article.
"What about you, Boo? Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
"Sometimes."
Interesting. What a human dilemma. I believe. Or maybe I just want to believe. And if I have doubts--any doubt at all--then do I really believe?
Wasn't it Paul who once said, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."
While Max and I were celebrating our mutual perseverance this month, Boo was home with Grandma Nancy. Tonight I learned more about their evening together.
From the warning track in left field, Boo threw in this zinger: "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
Hmmmm....
Nancy was in a pickle. What do Lee and I convey to our kids about Santa Claus? With one seemingly innocuous response, might she unwittingly betray our beliefs, our values, our wishes?
"I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus."
Bravo.
I read an article once about how parents could approach the subject of Santa Claus in a way that might leave their children feeling less deceived as they grew older. The author suggested that parents speak in terms of the Story of Santa Claus. To younger children, the story would be more literal. But gradually, as kids matured, the tale would become just that...a tale, with characters and a plot and a message.
That approach makes sense to me. I saved the article.
"What about you, Boo? Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
"Sometimes."
Interesting. What a human dilemma. I believe. Or maybe I just want to believe. And if I have doubts--any doubt at all--then do I really believe?
Wasn't it Paul who once said, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."
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