I do not know if I am on Santa’s naughty or nice list, but I have finally made it. I mean, I am personal friends with Santa Claus. I grew up singing about him with songs like, Here Comes Santa Claus and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. This music is fun, festive, and fantastic.
When I was younger, I remember looking forward to sitting on Santa’s knee, selling him on a good boy strategy, and telling him what I wanted for Christmas. When the big moment came for me to sit on his knee after waiting in a long line with my mom, I didn’t want any part of it. I was afraid of the big guy with a red suit, white beard and rosy cheeks. I made it through the humiliation of tears at the feet of Santa. I can remember believing in him but not wanting anything to do with him. I was afraid! I know I probably screamed.
I also remember attempting to be good enough to get on the “nice” list. After all, “He knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good, for goodness sake.” Or goes the lyrics to, Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
I had three older brothers and a classroom of friends at school. I still believed in Santa, but I had suspicions because of what those around me said about him. Things like, there are many Santas. One on every corner. Which one are you going to believe is the real Santa? Mom told me, “those are his helpers.”
To Believe was everything. Those who believed in my family were my baby sister Joan and me. We received abundantly more gifts from Santa on Christmas morning than the nonbelievers. We received fun stuff, toys, tom-toms, and terrific games. I noticed my brothers received things they needed, primarily clothes, cologne, and other uncool stuff.
I only said, “I believed,” the last couple of years, to those buying the gifts. I said, “I believe,” as long as I could. I was faking it, but I had trouble hiding my disbelief.
On a similar note, I choose to believe in Jesus. I do not fake it. Although there are many religious opinions, I believe in God the Father, have a relationship with Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit is my Comforter and Guide. I know God personally. He is my Lord! With a form of religion on every corner, it is a blessing to believe in the King of kings and Lord of lords. He provides all my needs according to His riches in Glory.
I have blown it with many sins. I do not deserve to get off the naughty list. However, I remain in the Lambs book of Life. Yes, belief is everything!