I love Santa Clause. I love the warm feelings that the myth of Santa Clause brings For me, few things invoke the Christmas Spirit than seeing kids get excited about Santa Clause. I don't remember when Santa stopped being a reality for me, when I lost my faith like the people in the Polar Express. It wasn't a memorable and defining moment for me. I do remember, at some point, realizing that Santa's handwriting was awfully similar to our parents' handwriting.

I do remember believing, though I remember leaving cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. I remember moments when I would wake up briefly on Christmas Eve and try to listen and hear any bells or Santa-related noise. Not hearing anything, I'd fall back asleep. I also remember being so excited it was nearly impossible to fall asleep. I love that children still believe in him, though I know that there are some people who oppose the image and idea of Santa, because it "takes away from the real reason for the season." "Christmas should be about the birth of Jesus, and ONLY the birth of Jesus. The myth and idea of Santa takes away from that and makes kids think about only presents and 'gimme, gimme, gimme.' " True, there are a lot of bad "-isms" out there, and the worst of them is commercialism, and many have tainted the Christmas season. Some people begin to focus too much on satisfying the material wishes of their children, family members, friends, and so on, that they forget to teach the joy of giving, the satisfaction of service, and the warm wonders of the true Christmas spirit.

But treated properly, Santa can do nothing but add to the real Christmas Spirit. He is, after all, part of the essence of giving. As a kid, Santa meant "presents." Now, to me, he means "giving." 
Christmas is all about giving and love, best personified of course, by the birth of the Savior, God's greatest gift to mankind. For me, Santa doesn't take away from that. He adds his little part of Christmas, spreading cheer to boys and girls and men and women all over the world.  

ABC'S OF CHRISTMAS

A is for Angel, on top of the tree,
B is for Bell, ringing merrily.
C is for Candy, a real Christmas treat,
D is for Decorations, that can't be beat.
E is for Elf, who helps Santa, it's true,
F is for Fun, and Festive too!
G is for God, who sent down His Son,
H is for Home, where our fun's just begun!
I is for Icicle, hanging from the roof,
J is for Joy, and that is the truth.
K is for Kris Kringle, who comes on Christmas eve,
L is for Love, in this we believe.
M is for Manger, where the Christ child lay,
N is for Noel, we sing on Christmas Day.
O is for O Holy Night, when Jesus was born,
P is for Peace, for all on Christmas Morn.
Q is for Quest, of the Wisemen that night,
R is for Rudolph, whose nose is so bright!
S is for Snow, which falls to the ground,
T is for Tree, where gifts can be found.
U is for Unselfish, which is what we should be,
V is for Visit, from Santa, to you and me.
W is for World, let peace be found here,
X is "X"cited, as Christmas draws near.
Y is for Yuletide, being happy and gay, and,
Z is for Zoom, as Santa flies away!