Jumped Right On The Wagon

and it wasn't nearly as painful as I had imagined.

I have mentioned a few times in the last few weeks that I just don't get into the whole "SANTA" thing. It isn't that I am against him, or that I worry about lying to Sugar, or even that I think it is silly. It is simply that I haven't really given him a second thought.

I have few few memories that surround the idea of Santa as a child. I hardly remember believing in him, and I certainly don't remember finding out he wasn't real. There is just no vivid memory of him at all. My parents played the whole Santa gig, but I don't recall them going over the top or anything. It was simple. Santa came, he brought presents, THE END.

As a parent, I have done little to nothing to encourage my daughters belief in the big guy. I haven't even discussed the whole, "naughty or nice" thing. I am not sure I'll ever play that card, but that doesn't mean I think those that do are wrong. Sugar has seen a few movies this year, and we have been reading a few books, so she has a vague idea of this man in the red suit, but honestly, I haven't even told her how it all works. She thinks Christmas is NOW. All the decorations are Christmas. If we drive by a house that is fully lit up, she calls out, "Look Mom, it's Christmas!"

Somehow I feel like I am just fumbling my way through the holiday trying to create magic, but mostly trying not to ruin it. I know I am not the only one. I have seen a few blog post of parents confused about this crazy holiday season, and what to teach their children. It can be so complicated. I don't want this doubt and indecision to ruin the magic that surrounds this time of year. I so much want Sugar to find the wonder of the season. I want her eyes to light up, and her heart to warm as she is surrounded by all that is Christmas.

This is Sugar Bear's third Christmas and she had yet to meet Mr. Claus. To be honest, it just didn't feel like a priority. It never really occurred to me to even try. Sugar has always been a little apprehensive towards strangers, and especially men. I figured it would never work, and since I could really care less, I just didn't try. Last week, hubby asked me why I had never taken dear Sugar to see Santa. After explaining it all to him, he just said, "Well that is a shame. I was scared of Santa as well, but it sure is some vivid memories for me. I can't imagine growing up without sitting on Santa's lap!" Well.....wow....that sort of struck a nerve. Was I depriving Miss Sugar based on my lackadaisical feelings for Santa? Bad Mama!

So....today, we took little Sugar to see Santa for the very first time. When we were standing in the short line (thank you lord), I was explaining how she would go up and sit on his lap, and tell him what she wanted for Christmas, she clung to my leg and hissed, "But I am SHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I replied with, "Yes, I know you are shy, but Mama will go with you, then I will step back so we can get a fun picture of you and Santa, then mama will come get you. It will be fine, I'm sure! Plus there might be a treat involved!" Like any good nearly three year old she perked up at the mention of "treat!"

Her turn came quickly, and I walked her right up. She stuck her nervous fingers in her mouth as she always does when unsure. She wouldn't talk to Mr. Claus, but didn't cry. That was a relief. I stepped back, and the photographer snapped 2 serious shots, until I said, "say cheese Sugar!" and she joyously obliged and we got this.......



Not bad...not bad at all. And like I said, it was relatively painless. So far she has proudly announced that she sat on Santa's lap to both Grandma and Auntie. The only real change I see in her, is that she is insisting that Christmas is tomorrow. I think seeing Santa has her in the Christmas spirit for sure. Oh and I am sure the candy cane treat might have something to do with it.

This year, I am just trying to not mess up. I am saying very little, and just going with the flow, but I vow that I will be more prepared next year. I will know what Christmas traditions I want to start, and how I want them to play out. I will know WHY I am doing those things, and will feel confident in my efforts to bring Christmas joy to our home.