Last night was the big night! We had 'the Santa talk' with Emma Grace. We allowed Bella to pick out her favorite video (Dora and the Super Babies) and she happily nibbled three Hershey kisses while David, Wubs, and I went into the girls' bedroom.
Once we were all seated on the floor beside the bunk beds, Wubs didn't waste any time! She had been eagerly anticipating this 'special talk' that we had promised her. "What is the secret, daddy? Tell me, tell me!"
We talked about baby Jesus, and our God that loves us so very much that He sent His only Son. We reminded Emma Grace that Christmas is Jesus' birthday, and that is the real reason we celebrate. We shared the true story of Saint Nicholas, and how the tradition of Santa began.Then David asked Wubs, "Do you know who puts presents under our tree and fills your stocking for Christmas?"
"Hmmmm, tell me, daddy..." (I could see the little wheels turning inside of Emma Grace's head. She was really trying to put all this information together.)
"We do! Mommy and I love you so much and after you go to sleep, we put your presents under the tree. But we kept it a secret, just like the real Santa gave presents and didn't tell anyone they were from him. Do you understand?"
"But- you don't have any toys."
"We save some money every year to buy you three special gifts. But here is the exciting part- now you get to help keep the secret about Santa! Bella doesn't know the truth about Santa, and lots of other little children don't know, either. So you can't tell them... you get to pretend, okay? And one day, those children will ask their daddies and mommies about the truth about Santa, and then they'll get to keep the secret- just like you!"
"Wait! Who eats the cookies and milk and carrots?" (She was still processing.)
"Daddy gobbles them up, Wubs! Isn't that funny?"
"Yeah! That is funny!"
"Would you like to go shopping with me to pick out the treats for the stockings this year? Would that be fun to be a helper?"
"Yes! I want to help!"
Oh, how the Lord guided our words and blessed this conversation with Emma Grace! She is really excited for tomorrow afternoon, because while I take Bella to a birthday party, David and Wubs are going stocking stuffer shopping. Her joy for Christmas wasn't squashed because a jolly man in a red suit ended up being pretend... her hope in Jesus was strengthened because He alone is Truth! We are continually praying for the salvation of our children, and it's so exciting to watch Emma Grace's understanding of Christ as it grows!
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."- Luke 2:10-12
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I'm inspired by your approach! I'm tucking this in my mental back pocket for later. :) I think James and I are on the same page with Santa ... going with it until the kids ask, once the kids ask we don't want to lie to them. So I'm going to keep this conversation in mind for when that question happens, since we too have a second little one to protect.
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