Santa Came to Town

Santa came a few days early to our house this year.

If you remember, we have struggled with the idea of Santa since Eli was born- we knew this year we had to do something. Eli is at the age where he knows all about Santa, and talks about him all the time. I am attributing this to preschool because we don't even have decorations with Santa on them.

I have been really torn about this- and if there is a plea for one side or the other I have heard it.

I prayed a lot and Chris and I talked a lot. One day, I had an idea.

Why don't we celebrate St. Nicholas Day?

That way, St. Nicholas could come early...and then we could be done with it.

So, that is what we did.

Since St. Nicholas Day is at the beginning of the month, and our month was CRAZY, we moved the day to yesterday.

All day long we looked for ways to give to others.

We went through all our old toys and clothes and took them to be donated.

We made a special trip up to daddy's work to take presents to his secretaries.

We made and delivered our neighbor gifts.

All day we talked about giving and what the Bible says about giving. We talked about the story of St. Nicholas and how he loved God.

Then, this morning, Eli discovered that St. Nicholas came to visit him.

Eli got some kind of "Bat Cave" which Santa might have found on Craigslist.

Ileigh got the Little People Nativity Set.

(I know, I know your kiddos probably had that for their first Christmas, right? Don't judge. I know I am behind in the "good" mom game!)

Eli was super excited (Iliegh was too) and we all had a lot of fun.

And, now, on Christmas morning we can focus on a birthday party for Jesus and if Eli or anyone else asks about Santa, we can simply say he came a little early to our house. :)