Old Saint Nick + the Season of Christ

I was about 6 1/2 years old when i started asking my mom if Santa Claus was real. She would respond with, "the spirit of Santa Claus is very real." I didn't quite understand what she was saying. I guess i figured he wasn't real cause she didn't say yes. It was a sad day when i saw the evidence: mom and dad putting the presents under the tree. Now that i am older and think back to this memory i am grateful that my mom taught me about the true spirit of Old Saint Nick.

This picture depicts him so well! He is jolly, full of life and love for all the kids in the world. Like the words from the popular children song, "Santa knows we're all Gods children, that makes everything right, so fill your hearts with the Christmas cheer for Santa Claus is coming tonight." 

Santa is a man who sacrifices everything to give to others. I feel privileged to wear the Santa Badge this holiday season. Its the first Christmas that i have actually felt like i was playing the part of Santa. I love it! 

I hope to teach my children that Christmas is about giving! 

I hope to teach them a lot of other things too :) 

I started calling this time of year, the Season of Christ. It fills my heart with joy and peace. Along with the giving of gifts, i feel an increase of love for my Savior. I want to please Him and show Him gratitude for the gifts he has given me!

I want to start some traditions this year or next year because its too late for some.

1. We will have only one box under the Christmas tree starting December 1st and that is our gift to Jesus (i got this idea from The Friend). We will each write down what we will give to Him that month and place it in the box.

2. We will celebrate the advent of Christmas. (I learned from President Uchtdorf that advent means the coming of Christ.) Each day of December we will read a short scripture or song about Christ, his birth, ministry, or teachings. 

What special traditions do you and your family have? 

One last thing. A joke from my 6 year old niece.

Why does Santa have 3 gardens?

so he can HO HO HO!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night