Ideas for Keeping Santa Real

As a young child I remember feeling skeptical of Santa, yet of course welcoming the idea when it came to the presents and feelings of magic. It seems like we want to believe in such a wonderful idea and that every child will receive gifts on the day we celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus. But at some point in our childhood, we figure out that it just isn't possible, nor is it as easy as it used to be to believe the stories we heard before. As such trusting young children, we easily accept the stories and let the magic of Santa enter our world each Christmas. But as we learn more and more through the years, we discover that what we have once believed, does not appease us so easily anymore. If you are hoping to help your child hold on to the magic of Santa just a bit longer, here are a few ideas to help you keep the innocent magic alive in your home.

Of course the typical milk and cookies is a must. It is certainly a tradition for children to leave Santa a plate of Christmas cookies as well as a glass of milk. Whether your family has put their own spin on this and you leave Santa a tuna sandwich and chai tea instead, it is of most importance that those treats mysteriously disappear some time during the night, suggesting that Santa not only came, but partook and enjoyed. Some parents even leave a thank you note scribbled quickly by Santa to personalize the enjoyment of the snack Santa had at their house.

Another idea that has popped up in more recent years is watching the Santa tracking on certain news broadcasts. This idea can really make Santa's seem real as the path is shown right on television and on a typically "adult"-type program. Children can appreciate the participation of adults through this fun and even kids who are on the verge of disbelief hold curiosity and hope as they watch and track Santa as he makes his way over other parts of the world.

One of the most successful ideas that my parents tried on me as a very young child was leaving Santa's footprints on the hearth. I found out years later that my dad took a pair of his boots, gently dipped them into the ashes of the fireplace and carefully made a set of prints on the hearth as if Santa had just stepped out of the fireplace and into our home. This seemed so real as it made me sure Santa had arrived. My parents may consume the treats during the night, but no way could they deny the actual prints of Santa Claus himself, or so I thought.

Being mindful of what your child talks about can lead to your own successful ideas. If your child mentions that Santa would probably knock over a particularly heavy ornament as he puts presents under the tree, then mom-Santa or dad-Santa could very well make that happen! Children often come up with their own notions of how things work and in a case like this can certainly be used to parents' benefit. Don't be afraid to talk to your children about Santa if you've decided to let them believe. It can give you fantastic ideas as to what your child thinks and creates special Christmastime memories as well. Part of the magic is in the wonder of it all and mom and dad don't have to have all the answers.