{The Truth About Santa}

The children were nestled all snug in their beds. The stockings were hung and the prayers had been said. Notions of getting some sleep myself, but visions of filling the stockings clouded my way. If there was even the slightest chance that one of them was awake, the waiting game was what I played.

For the past 11 years, the children have held onto the magic of Santa Claus. We have helped to keep the magic alive but we knew the time would come. We knew the question was lurking. I knew in my heart that this year things would change.

Just this past week, my not so little girl asked me if we could talk. Kalyssa and Trav were fast asleep and the house was very quiet. I truly treasure the moments when Bryanna finds me just so we can “talk”. I knew immediately by the sound of her voice that this conversation was going to be a little different.

The first thing she said to me was:

“Mommy, I have something to ask you and I would really like you to be honest with me. I know that you don’t lie but I just really want you to be honest with me. 

Is Santa really real?”

For a split second, I could feel my eyes start to burn. More and more these days I find myself picking up little layers that are being shed by my little girl as she continues to grow. Ironically enough, I knew that Bry and I would be having this conversation so I prepared myself as best as I could. A while ago I came across this beautifully written letter (The Truth About Santa). I had tears in my eyes when I read it. The letter touched my heart so much that I decided to save it (thank you pinterest). I made a few changes, printed it out, put it in an envelope, and kept it close by.    

Before I could say anything, she grabbed my hand and said:

“I wrote you something. 

Read it first and tell me what you think.”

This was what I read:

Dear Mommy & Daddy,

Thank you for keeping Santa alive for so many years. I had fun but I know the truth. He isn’t real. We read an article at school and Santa isn't really real but (it didn’t say that he isn’t) he is only a Christmas joy. He is something that doesn’t bring toys but happiness. 

Thank you! Love, Bryanna

At that point, the tears kinda flowed all on their own.

I pulled out the envelope that had Bryanna’s name written on it and handed it to her. As a mom I guess you just know when things are going to happen. She read the letter (while I composed myself) and after, we had a really great conversation about how Santa is love, magic, hope, and happiness and how that all ties into the magic of Christmas.

I will share that she is very excited to be joining Santa’s team. She already has lots and lots of ideas floating around her brain as to how she can help next year. She wants to make sure that Kalyssa and Travin have as many years of magic as she did.