CHRISTmas

If you ask anyone around, they'll tell you I'm the biggest Christmas geek. I start shopping in February and would have my house decorated all year long if my husband allowed it. 

But there's a part of me that puts Christmas into the same category as Valentine's Day. It's 100% commercialized and the true meaning has gotten lost (although I don't think there's any true meaning to Valentine's Day). 

I didn't even know what a Hatchimal was until a friend of mine started looking for one for her daughter. I quickly learned that this silly little toy was the most wanted thing on the planet. So much so, that people had bought them all up and were selling them for 4 times PLUS the amount they are truly worth. I'm sorry, but how SAD is that!? I'm all for making a buck where I can, but that is nothing short of taking advantage of desperate people trying to make their kids happy. 

I know, I'm going to be that mom that ruins the magic of Christmas and takes all the fun out of it. But our children will not believe that Santa Claus is this holly jolly man who flies around the universe in one night, delivering all their hopes and dreams on Christmas morning. 

Although there are many reasons why, there is ultimately one that sums it all up. What happens the day that our children find out the heartbreaking truth that Santa Claus isn't real? They will most likely question everything we have ever taught them. How much we love them? That Jesus loves them? I'd rather they never doubt those truths (or any other truths we teach them) if I can help it. And dare I say there will be no Elf on the Shelf or Santa Cam that tells my kids they need to behave for the month of December so that they will be rewarded on Christmas morning? No, they will learn that we behave every day of the year, because it's the right thing to do.
Yes, because "I said so". 

Along with every other "controversial issue" I've posted on, there is no judgement on those of you that wants to add the extra fun and magic this holiday season with whichever character you do. We should all know by now that not everyone agrees. But just because we don't doesn't mean we can't get along and accept each other! To each their own. But for me and my family, we will be focused on what the holiday season truly is all about and what it represents. 

And I can't wait to get that all started in just 4 short days! : )