Originally, I wrote this blog post 5 years ago. Our daughter is now 11 and well aware of who Santa really is. This year I’ve decided to share it again because magic is important – now more than ever.
I love Christmas, it’s one of the most magical times of the year – especially when you can look at it through the eyes of a child. Our little Miss is 6 and she’s one smart cookie. I remember taking her in to Brisbane City last Christmas for the lighting of the tree and I was struck by the notion that that might be the last year of Santa. I’m so happy we have another year of magic. Rocks on the roof, carrots on the lawn, Daddy (erm…Santa!) running up and down the street with jingle bells. Every child deserves a little magic and every adult needs to see that magic in a child’s eyes.
What happens when that magic bubble is burst though?
Here’s how we’ll be tackling the conversation when we’re asked if we are actually Santa:
Dear W,
You asked a really good question, “Are Mum and Dad really Santa?”. We know that you want to know the answer, and we had to give it careful thought to know just what to say.
The answer is no. We are not Santa. There is no one, single Santa.
We are the people who fill your stocking and choose and wrap the presents under the tree – just as our parents did for us, their parents did for them, and you will do for your kids someday.
This could never make any of us Santa though. Santa is lots and lots of people who keep the spirit of Christmas alive. He lives in our hearts – not at the North Pole. Santa is the magic and love and spirit of giving to others. What he does is teach children to believe in something they can’t see or touch.
Throughout your life you will need this capacity to believe in yourself. You’ll need to be able to believe in things you can’t measure or hold in your hands. Magic will always be a part of your life.
Now you know the secret of how he gets down all of those chimneys on Christmas Eve: he has help from all of the people whose hearts he has filled with joy.
With full hearts, people like Mummy and Daddy take our turns helping Santa do a job that would otherwise be impossible. So no, we are not Santa. Santa is love and magic and hope and happiness. We are on his team, and now you are too.
We love you and always will.
Love, Mum & Dad
How are you going to deal with that question when it comes? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments.
Hi there! I'm Amanda Waschevski
I AM A HEADSHOT AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN IPSWICH, QLD. I help people be themselves in front a camera.
