otoh

I am a cynic. I’m well on my way to being a curmudgeon (give me a couple more years). But I’m not a Grinch or a Scrooge. (Except for when it comes to Valentines Day, but what guy isn’t? But, that’s a different story….) While I bemoan the commercialism of the Christmas season, I don’t have a problem with its shift for many of us from Jesus’ birthday to the broader message of peace and good will. Yes, there is a Santa Claus.

If we’re going to lie to our children — I should say when we lie to our children — let’s lie about something that might cause them to act a little more humanely. Even if they do it initially because they think they might get better presents under the tree. I believe random acts of kindness and senseless acts of peace are a reward in themselves. And I have enough faith left in humanity that I believe our children will recognize that and will continue to act that way even after one of their friends utters those dreaded words, “No, stupid. Your parents put all that stuff under the tree.”

I believe… I believe… It’s silly, but I believe. Wait. That’s a different movie and a different post….

Peace. Good will. Holiday cheer. Charity. Santa Claus is the embodiment of these ideals. He’s more real to me than some other people I’ve met. I’m just glad I don’t have to explain it to young kids every year like Janet does!

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