On being Santa Claus

Since it is Christmas, Ruth and I have been talking about Santa Claus and what we were going to do with our own kids when we have them. So this is what we decided..

When we have our own kids we are going to do the traditional "Tell Santa what you want for Christmas." We'll do the pictures on his lap and milk and cookies on Christmas Eve and the whole works while they are young enough to believe. Once they get older, and start having their doubts and queries about the authenticity of Santa Claus, we are going to sit them down and tell about the historical St. Nicholas and his generosity. Then we are going to tell about the Real Santa Claus, because the truth is that Ruth and I still believe in Santa Claus. In the words of Casey Moll, "Of course I believe in Santa Claus, because sometimes I am Santa."

Santa Claus is real every Christmas when someone gives a gift without recognition or reward. Giving in the name of Santa is giving selflessly.

These are the virtues that we want to teach our children. That it is truly better to give than to receive. In this way, even they can be Santa Claus. They can and should learn to give anonymously.

Not only can children learn these virtues, but we as adults can reminisce in the gifts we give in the name of "Santa."