The Christmas I was six years old, we went to the ward Christmas Party. Santa was there. In those days, I don't think there were quite as many Santas as there are now and they didn't tell you that the extra Santas were "helpers" they were all supposed to be the real thing. Well, that's how I remember it anyway.
. . . So back to the ward Christmas party, Santa showed up but there was problem, it was totally Brother Weatherman. When I questioned his validity, I was told that this not Brother Weatherman but was, in fact, the real Santa. What were these people trying to pull?? Well, I was going to have none of it!
I was on a mission! I made sure everyone in the line knew it was Brother Weatherman and then I made sure that Brother Weatherman knew that I knew. I spent the rest of the evening making sure everyone in the gym that night 1~knew that the Santa was really Brother Weatherman and 2~ that I was not fooled.
On the way home (we must have left early) I was retelling my saga and declaring truth to my parents and brothers and sisters (who included Jake, Sara, Josh and baby Gabby).
Finally, Jake looked at me knowingly and said, "Rachel! Shut up!". . . . It took a second but suddenly I understood. "Oh!" was all I could squeak out. That was when I knew. I tried to hang on to the fantasy for a couple more years but it was over.
A week or so ago I had a conversation with Gloria that went something like this.
"Mom, I know who brings the presents at Christmas."
"Who?"
"It's our moms and dads."
"Who told you that?" I said, thinking either Sara or Dan were in big trouble.
"Nobody," she said, " just my conscience."
I couldn't really argue with that, I tried, but it was pretty half hearted effort.
7 comments:
What a cute blog! I remember when Grandpa Putnam came calling as Santa at our home in Rose Park.
Natalie was probably only 2 years old at the time. She recognized Grandpas shoes. Another time when Santa came visiting it scared Brandt so much that he ran and hid under his bed.
Anyway it's hard to see our little ones grow up....but guess what, I still BELIEVE every time I see an autentic Santa I can see my dad (Grandpa Putnam)Santa will always live in my heart.
OH MY GOSH!!
knowing you, i can just totally see you in that line, informing each and every person that BROTHER WEATHERMAN IS A BIG, FAT FAKE!!!!
i love you rach--and that little gloria does not fall far from the tree.
So sweet. As the child, you really want to know, but once you know it's a let-down.
The long-ago Christmas when I learned the truth, I was sad. That night I dreamt that Santa w/reindeer and sleigh dipped down from the sky and flew right by our bedroom window.
The best part of your story is knowing that Gloria recognizes truth.
Thank you for adding us to your daily blog. I love reading about your cute family and it's nice to know that you love to read about us too.
Awww...I'm on the fence, partly want my kids to know, partly don't because I love the thought of how magical Christmas is to the kids when they believe Santa is coming.
Wow, Rachel you have an amazing memory, to recall such details at that age. Gloria, is pretty darn smart to figure that out at six. Seth still believes in the magic, and he is nine. Although, I know he is the oldest child in our family, and so I'm sure once he realizes the truth, Matt and Megan won't be far behind, I know this could possibly be my last Christmas where all my kids still believe in the magic, so I am trying to cherish this innocent and exciting time of their childhood. I hope that they will keep the magic alive for Sadie and Bailee for a long time because they will still be young.
What's all this?!? Are you trying to tell me that Santa isn't real??
Personally, I choose to believe.
:D
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