It was a rainy tuesday today. That meant looking for fun indoor activities for Nori and I. There is a small local bookstore that supposedly has a fun kids section. The problem with small and local is that we were the only customers and had the full attention of the sales clerk. When she asked how she could help us, I quickly said that I was looking for toddler Christmas books. Thinking this would buy Nori some good playing time with the cool wooden kitchen they had there. She proceeded to spend 20 minutes pulling all of their toddler Christmas books. As I started to look at them, I realized two things, one: I was going to have to buy something and two: what the heck are we going to teach Nori about Christmas? Santa or Jesus? Or both?
A few years ago, I privately decided to give up trying to make Christmas about Jesus. Not that I don't value my faith, it just seemed that in the midst of the Santa culture, ie Christmas traditions that I enjoy- there wasn't space for truly sacred time. To paste Him on as a side note didn't seem authentic, and maybe even damaging to Christianity. So why not just let it be the tradition that it is: food, gifts, sparkles and festivities. Although it was originally a Christian holiday, let's face it- it isn't anymore and that's okay. Yes, in some way we can say it is all "for Him." But come on- really? To shop, to overeat, to decorate and then say merrily "Jesus is the reason for the season?!" Or to justify all these gluttony by saying it is God's birthday?
I love Christmas traditions, ie the Santa version. I love making crafts, cookies, cutting down a tree. I love the music and the rich food, not to mention egg nog. Before Nori, I wasn't about to give up these festivities, and even more so now. We don't want her to be "that kid" who insists on the playground that Santa isn't real. We don't want here to be the puritan that isn't allowed to participate in this childhood magic.
But seeing things from her perspective, as I do now a days, how is the Santa story any less true than the Jesus story?
What happens when she founds out Santa isn't real? Then, will she trust that Jesus is real? So, what book do I buy her?
The Nativity Story? The Polar Express? The Night Before Christmas? The Twelve Days??!
I have some hope that we read them all. In a schizophrenic blend of Santa and Jesus she will some how be a happy American kid falling asleep Christmas eve with visions of sugar plums (after coming home from church) and that she will awake to gifts that make her squeal and later that day be thankful be part of a community that includes those less fortunate that Jesus would have spent time with.
So,I chose the book with the most beautiful illustrations, the one that made me want to be a a child again- "The Night Before Christmas."
As I was checking out, I asked about their return policy. She asked if I wanted a gift receipt? No, I said sheepishly. I am just not sure if I want my daughter to read it. I have to talk to my husband first.
This is our life now- when "The Night Before Christmas" becomes a whole out philosophical crisis.
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