“Mama? Are you Santa?” Those words are etched into my heart to this day.
Big was 7 and, still believing in Santa, gathered around the Thanksgiving table with both sets of grandparents for some pie. Her attention turned to Christmas (because, seven) and she talked about how great Christmas was the year before. My dumb self, with pie in my mouth, sputtered out: “I got a great deal on that Barbie Dream House!”.
She looked at me with confused horror.
“You did? I thought Santa brought it?!”
Busted.
Her face fell. Her dad looked at me with horror. It took a minute to realize what I had done.
“Mama? Are you Santa?”
Crap. Crap crap crap crap crap.
And there, in her big blue eyes was both disappointment and wonder. Disappointment that mom sucks and screwed up Santa; wonder that her parents created the magic of Christmas. My dear husband, bless his heart, came to make it all better. He explained that now that she knows the truth about Santa, she can be part of the magic. Big went from kid to Santa’s Elf. The man can think on his feet.
So, if you have screwed up the Santa business like I have, here are three tips to get your kids in the spirit even if Santa is no longer part of the equation:
Make them Santa’s Elf
Big helps me shop and wrap Little’s presents. She goes with dad for stocking stuffers and stays up late on Christmas Eve. If your family enjoys that god awful creepy son of a…um…festive Elf on the Shelf, include them in moving it each night. You’ll be surprised by their creativity! When kids play a part in the magic, it does wonders for their holiday experience.
Do Goodering
Yes, I just made doing good deeds a verb. Sue me. What charities and causes are close to your heart? Getting your child involved in those things outside of themselves tunes them into the incredible gift of giving. Check out these places to give back in Cedar Rapids.
Cultural Celebrations
How do other cultures celebrate the holiday season? If not Christmas, then what? Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, Solstice, and other celebrations can open a child’s mind to the world outside their home and sphere of influence. Some religions and faith traditions don’t even celebrate holidays! Explore the world around you.
The True Meaning of Christmas
In addition to making Big a part of the Christmas magic, a large part of helping her cope with the truth about Santa was teaching her the core of our faith and why that, more than Santa, was the reason for Christmas. Materialism is not real high on my list of things I find important, so driving home the point that gifts are secondary to the true meaning of Christmas for our family is essential in giving Big a well-rounded view of the holiday season.
So, Big found out that mom got her Barbie Dream House off some dude on Craigslist and hid it in the basement for 3 months. She knows that dad stuffs the stockings with all sorts of dope stuff. Now she knows that Christmas is about far more than gifts and wonder; she knows that she is part of the wonder.
At least that’s what I hope she tells her therapist someday!
Make sure you never miss out on a parenting or community-related blog post: sign up to receive Cedar Rapids Moms posts in your inbox. While you’re at it, join our VIP List to ensure you’re one of the first to know about upcoming Cedar Rapids Moms events and promotions!!
먹튀 검증 사이트 먹튀오프에서 믿음의 기준을 확인하세요.
I do not even know how I ended up here but I thought this post was great I do not know who you are but certainly youre going to a famous blogger if you are not already Cheers
kuşadası masaj salonu Buradaki lezzetler, tatilimizin en güzel anılarından biri oldu. https://sp35lodz.edu.pl/
Рекомендую – скороварка для газовой плиты какая лучше
Hi Neat post Theres an issue together with your web site in internet explorer may test this IE still is the marketplace chief and a good component of people will pass over your fantastic writing due to this problem
I loved as much as youll receive carried out right here The sketch is attractive your authored material stylish nonetheless you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike
Squid game JAV https://mythav.com/dass-534-uncensored-leak
Discover Iraq’s Premier Business Directory and B2B Marketplace | businessiraq.com – Your Ultimate Gateway to Iraqi Market Success Transform your business journey in Iraq with businessiraq.com, the Middle East’s most sophisticated and comprehensive business intelligence platform. Our AI-powered trilingual directory (Arabic-English-Kurdish) seamlessly connects 100,000+ verified Iraqi companies with global investors and partners, offering unparalleled access to Iraq’s lucrative sectors including Oil & Gas, Construction, Technology, and emerging industries. Powered by real-time BoldData analytics and enhanced with blockchain verification, our platform delivers essential tools for success: live tender alerts, interactive business mapping across Iraq’s governorates, secure trade finance solutions, and detailed company profiles with verified financial metrics. International businesses benefit from our exclusive features, including customized market entry strategies, regulatory compliance guidance, and virtual B2B matchmaking services, while local Iraqi enterprises gain powerful digital exposure to global markets. With daily-updated business news, investment guides, and market analysis covering Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, and beyond, businessiraq.com maintains the highest standards of data security (ISO 27001 certified) and user privacy (GDPR compliant). Join over 50,000 monthly active users already leveraging our platform’s 95% success rate in B2B connections, and unlock exclusive benefits including priority listings, personalized market intelligence reports, and VIP access to Iraq’s largest business networking events. Start your success story in Iraq’s rapidly growing economy today at businessiraq.com, where verified opportunities meet innovative solutions. Keywords integrated: Iraq business directory, Iraqi companies database, B2B marketplace Iraq, Baghdad business listings, Kurdistan companies, Iraq tender platform, Iraqi business intelligence, Middle East B2B portal, Iraq market entry guide, Iraqi investment opportunities, Iraq company verification, Arabic business directory, Iraq trade directory, Iraqi suppliers database, business in Iraq, Iraq economic news, Iraq market analysis, Iraqi business registration, Iraq company formation, Middle East business platform
Recognizing that collaboration drives success, Businessiraq.com fosters an environment where businesses can find strategic partners and engage in meaningful collaboration. By featuring case studies, testimonials, and success stories, the platform illustrates the power of partnerships in enhancing business performance. Additionally, the site optimizes its content for keywords such as business partnerships in Iraq and collaborative opportunities, which significantly boost its search rankings. This collaborative focus positions Businessiraq.com not just as a directory, but as a community hub where businesses come together to innovate and grow.
Businessiraq.com is your gateway to accessing the full potential of the Iraqi market. This comprehensive Iraq business directory provides extensive online business listings, enabling efficient networking and informed market entry. Discover the latest Iraq business news, explore diverse Iraq jobs, and leverage the tender directory to secure procurement contracts. With Businessiraq.com, you are fully connected to the Iraqi business landscape, facilitating growth and success.
Keeping pace with regulatory changes can be challenging, but Iraq Business News highlights new laws and policies that impact business operations, ensuring you remain compliant and competitive
BusinessIraq.com stands as Iraq’s leading source for comprehensive business intelligence and economic updates, delivering real-time market insights to global investors and local entrepreneurs. Our platform provides extensive coverage of Iraq’s evolving business landscape, focusing on critical developments in oil and gas, infrastructure, and financial sectors. With expert analysis and breaking news, we ensure stakeholders remain informed about Iraq’s dynamic market opportunities.
Your blog is like a beacon of light in the vast expanse of the internet. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Thank you for all that you do.
Your blog is a breath of fresh air in the crowded online space. I appreciate the unique perspective you bring to every topic you cover. Keep up the fantastic work!
helloI really like your writing so a lot share we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL I need an expert in this house to unravel my problem May be that is you Taking a look ahead to see you