{...a breezy life} at briemarisa.com

PJ lighting the menorah, Age 1, wearing a kippah my parents brought him from Israel.

The other night, Pete asked if we could get an Elf on the Shelf for PJ. I immediately bristled because I think those stupid things are creepy as hell, and I did't want the pressure of finding new antics for the Elf to get into every night.  I wasn't even sure that PJ would get it- would he give two craps if an Elf action figure got into his Apple Jacks or pilfered his train collection?

"C'mon, Brie," Pete implored. "I want him to have as much magic as possible. Who knows how long he will believe in this kind of thing."

The subject of the elf was never revisited (and I sure as hell am not going to bring it up! Sorry!), but it's given me pause over the last few days as I think about the things I do want PJ to believe in. Is it so important that PJ find his magic in a fat dude who breaks into people's houses? Does that particular page of the magic book really speak to what the Christmas holiday is about?

As it turns out, yes. It does. I do want PJ to believe in Santa for as long as possible. I love the idea of having faith in something completely make-believe, something so far-fetched that to believe is magic in and of itself. Santa is just one example of that kind of something. Having a heart that is open to that type of believing is, I hope, open enough to let in all kinds of hope and kindness and love. If PJ can believe in a fat dude who breaks into our house and leaves presents (and isn't completely creeped out by it), can't he also believe that he's capable of doing big, magical things himself?

Cousin Christmas Cookie Party 2012

Believing in Santa is one of those quintessential parts of childhood (if you grow up with a corresponding religion). It's always hard, it seems, for parents to meet their child at the cusp of growing up and admit that the fairy tales aren't as shinny as they seem. It's easy for me to say of course, while my son is still so young and can fully get down with all things pretend, that I won't be upset when he no longer believes. And yes- as PJ gets older, year after year, I always think bitter-sweetly of the things he has outgrown. But if PJ comes out on the other end of beliving in Santa with a heart that is still open to all of the magic of the real world, it will be okay.

Wishing everyone a beautiful and happy holiday season!!!!

Welcome to Time for Mom, the best parenting link up around!

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Rachel @ Can't Google Everything

Larisha @ We're Parents

Brie @ {...a breezy life}

Melissa @ Two Miracles




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Check these great post from last week out!

12 Gifts of Parenting

Reindeer Prints

Homemade Peanut Free Soy Butter Cups

Christmas Pajamas

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Next week Time for Mom will take the day off, but we will be back in action in the New Year!  Happy Holidays everyone!

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