So last year was the first year that we went to see Santa and nobody cried which is really exciting, and this is the first year that it feels like Leeland actually understands this whole "Santa thing." We even rehearsed before we left the house-- we were going to go see Santa and he was going to tell Santa, "I want a Lego car transporter for Christmas." Sweet! This Momma feels like she is SO on top of things this year, because the Lego car transporter is already tucked away in the closet. In his own closet by the way, but of course he has no idea. Thank the Lord that he didn't change his mind in the last month since I bought it.
He also added that he wanted to tell Santa about "the greatest present ever" which of course is JESUS, and I may have melted a little when he mentioned that. We always knew that we wanted to play Santa with our kids-- both Daniel and I grew up knowing and believing in Santa, but when so many people in Christian homes, don't do Santa, I'm not going to lie, I questioned myself a little bit and felt a little guilty at first for playing along.
I love the magic that Santa brings, and the joy that it brings to the boys, but I didn't love the condemnation I was reading all over the internet. With all of that said, I think that we have found a great balance. We keep our focus on Jesus reading Bible stories throughout advent with our Jesse tree, and we remind each other that the fun of presents at Christmas is a blessing to us and reminder that Jesus is the greatest present we could ever get. (Plus, Christmas aside, our kids get Jesus year round, every single day... just because the big man in the red suit comes in for a month in December doesn't take away from the life in Christ that we live 365.) I will add that Santa in our house is a grace filled Santa, he understands that sometimes we are naughty and sometimes we are nice, and he still freely gives grace and presents to all..... didn't necessarily set out to chase that rabbit trail, but those are my 2 cents on the whole Santa thing.
Without further ado, here is Santa himself.....
He rode in with lights and sirens as the boys literally jumped up and down filled with excitement. It was hard to get a picture actually because they were blurs. Thrilled about the fire truck, and also thrilled about Santa.
They chose to sit together with Santa which was super cute, and thankfully Santa had enough leg room for both. What do people do when they have 3 kids? Ha! Leeland told Santa that he wanted a Lego car transporter just like he had rehearsed at home all morning, and Hayden told Santa that he wanted crackers. Yup, crackers! Maybe I can return the Lego junior fire set back to the store and pick him up some Saltines? Kidding. I won't do that because I know he will be thrilled with the Legos, but it did seem a little odd. Maybe some animal crackers in his stocking will be a nice touch.
And after chatting with Santa and posing for a few photos, they each got to pick out a little toy from Santa. They both chose Hot Wheels race cars of some sort. Surprisingly Santa had some that we don't already own and they were thrilled. I mean, we probably only have a few hundred Hot Wheels.
Less than 2 weeks away from the big day friends-- I hope that you all are enjoying the excitement and the magic in the Season as well. But also remembering that Jesus is the greatest present of all!
