Dec 6, 2008

Santa Claus

If you missed this week's kidz story, you're going to want to click HERE. Mialee is a sweetheart.


I'm curious. What are everyone's thoughts on Santa? Do you think he adds to the season or commercializes and takes away from the true meaning?

I know you're all sitting on the edges of your seats waiting to hear my opinion on the subject. Oh, alright, I'll tell ya.....


This book by Diane G. Adamson is my favorite book about Santa Claus. It is simple yet profound. It appeals to children and adults alike. The words and the art are lovely. It does a magnificent job of bridging the gap between Santa and Christ, allowing Santa to be part of the true spirit of Christmas. I think it is fabulous. This will be my daughter's 2nd Christmas and I plan to read it to her on Christmas Eve, just like I did last year. I guess we're starting a tradition - and you know how I love traditions! If I could, I would personally send a copy of it to each of you so you could join in on the tradition with us!

Yes, I believe in Santa Claus. I believe he is a whimsical and wonderful symbol of Christmas. He teaches us to be good. He is charitable. He asks for nothing in return (although he's not opposed to an occasional cookie). I think he teaches many wonderful things which are reminiscent of the savior whose birth and life we celebrate during the season.

When I was a child, my dad always led the family in song on Christmas Eve. One of our favorites was 'Let There Be a Santa Claus.' Which brings us to.....



Don't worry, I'm not actually going to sing to you. But I will share a picture of myself singing when I was a little girl. Just because I think it's so dang funny and it also pays tribute to my fab dad, who wrote the music for these wonderful lyrics.

Things I love about this photo: the look of utter adoration on my dad's face, my dad's blue sweater vest, the starry-eyed look on my face, the way I'm holding on my dad's leg for support, my Mickey & Minnie sweatshirt, my Grandma (who I miss so much at Christmastime), and the wood paneling.

I wish, I wish, I wish there were a recording of dear old Dad singing this somewhere and I'd find a way to put it on here, but there's not. The lyrics, are the heart, though, and here they are....

Let There Be a Santa Claus
by Kaye Volk

In the snow she walked the other day, her coat two sizes small
Her shoes were boys and much too big, and socks weren't there at all
Store windows dressed in red and green, she a tired little thing
Looked through the glass at the many gifts Santa would never bring

Let there be a Santa Claus somewhere inside of you
So you can fill another's need, there's plenty you can do
Look beyond your well-lit fires, kindle deep a sweet desire
Let there be a Santa Claus somewhere inside of you

A
little boy tugged at my sleeve. "Sir, how about a shine?"
I watched him kneel on winter streets, like he'd done so many times
He tried to talk and smile a bit, yet cold and hunger won
I watched him as he walked away, God's own little one

Won't you learn the meaning of Christmastime this year
To ease another's burden, and wipe away a tear.....

Let there be a Santa Claus somewhere inside of you
So you can fill another's need, there's plenty you can do
Look beyond your well-lit fires, kindle deep a sweet desire
Let there be a Santa Claus somewhere inside of you


The message of this song was engrained into my mind and heart as a little girl. Oh, I believe in Santa. But I also believe in trying to be like him. I want to advocate his cause - to do good, to help others when they're in need. If we could all take a little bit of Santa's burden, and give to others this season, we would be giving the truest gift of all....


And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
--Matthew 25:40



Messiah, by Jared Barnes

Christmas blessings to all of you,

12 comments:

Randall @ Happy For This Moment said...

Thanks for stopping by my site!

I think the spirit of Santa is a wonderful tradition. Each year, as I grew older and out of believing in Santa, my mother read me "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" If you haven't read it, be sure to!

Sandy said...

I believe....

Tabitha Blue said...

Sounds like a great book... and I believe much the same way. I think Santa is a fun and whimsical character, but our focus shouldn't be on him... :)

Messy Jess said...

Oh what a wonderful song! I wish I could hear it in music! I was crying before I even finished it.

I've always thought that about Santa - I started my own santa clausing when I was young. I'd fill a bag with candy canes and tromp through the snow, door to door and just say ho ho ho merry christmas. I've really missed doing that.

Where can I copy that picture of the Messiah by Jared Barnes. That is so realistic and beautiful.

I put your blog button way up front because when I visited your blog I was very impressed, felt at home and awe inspired by your stories and the moms and children out there that face the same trials as I do.

I'm all for that kind of stuff.

And.... I love the very first song on your Christmas list. I've never heard that one.

I'm so glad you found me.

Alissa Nicolau said...

Hello Miss Tara,

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment! I was curious and popped on over to your place. Wow! You have a lot of great into here. I'll be back to check it all out!

Merry Christmas,
Alissa

Nanny Goats In Panties said...

Santa totally adds to Christmas. It's what certain people do with him that can make it commercial.

br8eyes said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I have read the last few days' posts of your blog and am touched. Your way with words and your thoughts are so clear. There are times when I wish my mind and words could be so clear. You are a blessing to your family and this world. Thank you for writing. As you read, I have 2 special needs children. My youngest has Prune Belly Syndrome which is medically needy and my middle child has a high functioning autism. I know God let me borrow my children for a reason. He, in His almighty wisdom, knew that I would love them, care for them, teach them His way and be their best advocate. My children are my life, but they belong to Him and I am grateful that He has allowed me to enjoy them. I pray that He allow me to enjoy them for many more years to come...
Yeah for Santa!
God Bless!

Grand Pooba said...

I love Santa! I think he does add to Christmas and brings the message of GIVING!

What a great song! I wish you could put it to music so we know what the melody is like.

Merry Christmas!

Nana said...

What a good message. Find the music to that song.

krissy said...

I am really loving your blog!

momma said...

(found you on bpotw) such a wonderful song and post! we had a difficult time trying to balance Christ and santa. and we have come to a decision that we are happy with and that includes both - in an honest way.

Jenners said...

Visiting from BPOTW...

Nice thoughts. I've struggled with how to bridge the gap between Santa and the "true meaning of Christmas" with my 4 year old and this was great to help me out. Thanks!

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