Santa. Elf.🎄⛄🎅

Yes! Our family does Santa & the Elf on the shelf. Why? With a culture that tries 2 "grow up" children 2 fast, u better believe we stick 2 the fun & wonder of childhood. Many people have many different outlooks on Santa, etc....especially those who r Christian. However, our family uses the wonder of childhood 2 teach faith & belief. Our boys r now 8 & 6 yrs old. From day one, we have told the boys about the real story of St. Nicolas. A man who took care of the sick, poor, & needy. We also have explained 2 them he loved children & choose 2 bless them. With the changes of our culture & the distortion of Santa Claus, it's sad 2 say, many children have no clue about this man. Our family chose 2 do Santa b/c it's a teaching tool. R we spiritual n every aspect of him, NO. But, we do make it a point 2 keep the birth of Jesus the focus & loving on the poor & needy just like St. Nick. A few yrs ago we added an Elf on the Shelf to our family. Love this picture because our boys can see this elf, yet not touch him due 2 his magic. We let them know the elf resembles God. We believe n Him yet cannot see Him. He does miracles (has magic) everyday of our life. It has been amazing that these simple things of Christmas can teach your children so much about faith. Santa is a picture of grace. Does Santa bring gifts 2 naughty children? YES. Do your children deserve more stuff @ Christmas? no, but u bless them b/c u love them. What does Christ do 2 us? does he put us on a nice & naughty list & decide if we made the cut? NO. I do get frustrated w/Christians finding something bad w/everything. Why can't we find God n everything!?! Teach our children 2 do the same. St. Nick was a man who pictured scripture in taking care of the widows, orphans, poor, & needy. This is what we r called 2 do as well. Why not celebrate Christmas w/Christ's birth, Santa, Elf, etc??? Use all the avenues 2 teach your children. The wrong comes n when we point our children 2 selfish desires. We teach them 2 want want want, buy buy buy....etc....let's use our avenues 2 help them mirror Jesus. Mirror the gospel. Will our boys b disappointed one day when the "wonder" is gone!?! I don't believe so. I have not lied 2 them. I have told them the truth. All I need 2 do when that day comes is let them know the original St. Nick passed away & all these yrs later, we have kept his memory alive around the world by blessing those n needs & children. Just as we have done with Jesus. He is no longer visable on earth, n a human body, but HE is alive & well. And, we r His agents of restoration bringing the free gift of eternal life 2 ALL. Do u believe n Santa? Our family does. What do u do w/Santa? Do u believe n Jesus? Our family does. What do u do w/Jesus?