A few years ago we started a new tradition of hiking every Christmas Eve day. This serves two purposes. One, it is a completely, uninterrupted family time. There aren't many people on the trails the day before Christmas! And two, the kids are so tired by the end of the day that they have no problem getting to bed and to sleep at a normal hour, even with all the anticipation.
This year we went to Iron Mountain. It was a great hike.
The head of the trail. I love this shot!
At the top! We made it!As we were hiking down Jon and I had an interesting conversation.
J: Mom, do you promise, promise you don't come down stairs and fill up my stocking? (You know it's true when it's a 'promise, promise')
K: Wow, why would you ask that?
J: Cuz lots of kids say their parents are Santa. So, do you promise, promise?
K: What do you think?
J: I don't know. (Frustration now growing) Do you promise, promise?
K: You know, if you really want to know, I'll tell you. Are you sure you are ready to know?
J: Yes!
K: Ok ... (deep breath) I can't promise, promise.
J: (Totally confused) Why not?
K: Think about it a minute and you tell me.
J: Ohhhh! So, is there a real Santa?
K: (stealing a line from Miracle on 34th Street). Santa is a symbol of Christmas giving. Mom and dad have that spirit with us, so we keep the tradition of Santa going. Does it upset you to know?
J: No. It's okay. Wanna run? (and the subject was dropped)
Brandon asked when he was 9. He was not disappointed, rather very excited to be part of the conspiracy. Aubrey has made it clear that she will never ask because she likes believing. Jon didn't seem sad about it. In fact, I think he's in full denial. He still spoke of his Santa gift as if we had never had our conversation. I just think it's fun for them to believe. It's part of the magic that I never had as a kid. I love the game and am glad my kids are players!
7 comments:
I love the hiking tradition! We're all believers at our house. Amazingly no one has ever asked me that question!
Oh what a sweet conversation. I love how you handled it. I am going to copy your answer if the girls ever want to know.
We are believers at our house. Just look at the Stockings Santa fills at our house. I like your hiking tradition. It would be too cold here becasue of snow on the ground. Glad you had a good Christmas.
I am a for sure a believer. If you don't believe, you don't receive. My kids sometimes think it is us,(especially if I say something fishy) but don't quite acuse us of it yet. I like it when they still believe. You handled the question great. Can you answer my kids tough question? Talk to ya later.
Kids are so funny!! I noticed your blog link on someone else's blog and decided to check it out. Very cool.
I have two things to say, first congratulations on handling "Santa". What a beautiful way to answer your son's question. I loved it. Second, I am so jealous that you can go hiking on Christmas Eve. We had a foot of snow on the ground and it was freezing cold. All that snow looks really pretty but it limits your outdoor activities unless you enjoy numb fingers, toes, nose, mouth, chin etc...
Kim I love your answer about Santa Claus, I may have to use it on my kids when their older and start asking questions.ching
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