Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

Santa Claus visited this weekend. I took Sweet Pea, Snickers and Doodlebug to visit my mother and Santa stopped by for a quick visit with a gift for each of my kids and a lot of Ho Ho Ho'ing, hugs, kisses (Hershey Kisses) and some Christmas singing. It was awesome.

Despite the fact that I, my mother, father and Sweet Pea knew who was under the disguise, it was still magical. The disguise is so good that we all wonder if it really is a disguise or maybe some sort of magical transformation. I've been married to the man for over fourteen years, but when he shows up, Ho Ho Ho'ing and stamping his big black boots, hefting his bag of gifts and making a regular Christmas ruckus he is not at all identifiable. Maybe it's the thick white beard and mustache, the soft red and white fur suit and hat, the Santa glasses and big black boots, or maybe it's the sparkling Christmas magic circling him like a tiny fleet of winter fairies, or the reindeer bells jingling faintly somewhere in the distance, or the smell of freshly baked gingerbread wafting in from some unknown source. Maybe it's the large eyes, full of wonder that gaze up at him, and then shyly look away, with a glance at the big red bag. Maybe it's the smile and anticipation as Doodlebug climbs up on his knee, shyly telling him what he'd like for Christmas. Whatever it is, in that moment, he is 100% Santa Claus through and through. We all believe.

It brings to mind Virginia: "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus"  I absolutely love this editorial response from 1897! Of course there is a Santa Claus!

May the magic always remain.

Quack!