December 2022 monthly theme — Tears and Joy

Santa, How Will You Ever Find Me Deep In the Woods?

I sat on the edge of my sleeping cot. I could hear snow plopping onto the canvas roof of our tent. Worry lines etched between my brows, I wrung sweaty hands with anxiety. We didn’t live in a house. We didn’t have a chimney. We didn’t have a Christmas tree with sparkly lights. Hell, we didn’t even have electricity.

I wracked my six year old brain. How could I get a message to him? To let him know we no longer lived with grandpa. I shivered. “Daddy,” I whined, “I’m cold. Please put more wood in the stove!”

He thrust his covers aside and groaned. Then padded to the woodstove and put a couple of logs on the embers. He blew on the ashes until flames woke up.

“It’ll be warmer soon, pumpkin,” he said, “Why are you up so early? You don’t have school today.”

“Daddy, how will Santa find us?” A tear rolled down my cheek.

“Is that what you’re worried about?” He sat beside me, wrapping strong arms across my shoulders. “I’ve taken care of that. I mailed a letter with directions. Santa’s reindeer are pretty smart. They’ll lead him here.”

I felt better and lay down. He pulled the blankets up to my chin and kissed me.

Christmas morning arrived on a bright, sunshiny day. Ice crystals covered the top layer of snow. Every tree shimmered with ice-covered branches. It was a crystal wonderland.

I tiptoed out of bed. My cozy bathrobe snugged around me. Fuzzy slippers warmed my feet. Mom and dad sat at the table, drinking hot coffee. Kerosene lanterns already lit. I thrust the blanket covering the breezeway aside.

Eyes opened wide. I shrieked with delight. “Santa came! Santa came!” Presents were stacked on the breezeway. My brothers pushed their way past to grab their packages. All was joyful chaos.

“Bring your presents inside the tent, now. It’s cold out there,” said mom.

While she made pancakes for breakfast, I sat on my cot, tearing the wrapping paper off. Santa had brought a Tiny Tears Doll. It looked like a real baby. It could even wet its diapers. I hugged my doll close. It was the best Christmas ever.

There’s much debate over whether parents should perpetuate the myth about Santa Claus or not. It’ll harm their little psyches. It’ll foster distrust in believing what adults say. Regardless, 80% of children in the US believe in Santa.

They’ll be disillusioned soon enough. They need some magical moments in their lives. As much as parents can give them. There’s blatant reality affecting them now. How many come from divorced families and single parent homes?

Belief in Santa abounds in our culture. He’s a major figure in commercials and parades during this season. He sits in a prominent chair accepting little children’s requests in every Mall. They hear stories about him or St. Nick at home and school. There are special mail boxes for letters to Santa.

How many parents have warm memories of Santa visiting their homes when small? That’s why many carry on the tradition and invent new scenarios of their own. Seeing the sparkle in your children’s eyes is pure joy to behold.

Believing in Santa offers children hope. It teaches positive messages about kindness, acceptance and giving. Christmas is a great festival for children, because of its beautiful spirit!

“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.” Helen Steiner Rice

I have mixed feelings about the Christmas season. There’s too much emphasis on consumerism. Growing up, extended family gatherings weren’t filled with joy. I always felt happier celebrating together as a family minus the drama.

This continued after I married. Getting together with my husband’s family was hard on our children. Sit still and be quiet. They couldn’t be their true selves. After dinner and presents, everyone sat down to watch football. This wasn’t a child friendly holiday.

I put my foot down eventually. Christmas Day everyone would come to our house for the festivities. The atmosphere was happier, allowing our rambunctious kids to relax and play at will.

It doesn’t have to detract from remembering the birth of Christ. Going to a candlelight mass and singing hymns is beautiful. Then coming home to discover that Santa arrived in your absence is how we celebrated with our family.

We decorated with heirlooms related to our combined heritage. This included a nativity creche. The tree took center place in the living room. Handmade ornaments and lights adorned it.

The spirit of Christmas is a celebration of joy, happiness, peace and togetherness, irrespective of religious beliefs.

For many it is a time of loneliness. Not everyone has happy memories. They may not have a close family. There are servicemen stationed overseas. Instances of depression occur more often around Christmas.

Not in the spirit? Celebrate with the people you do love. It doesn’t have to revolve around presents. Get out and volunteer to spread joy to others. The feeling can be catching and will lift your mood.

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” Edna Ferber

Hope those of you reading this have special memories of your own childhood. May you get caught up in the true spirit of Christmas, wherever you are.