I Believe!
Dec 23rd 2009
Suzanne EnochSuzanne Enoch & When Goddesses Fall To Earth
Yesterday my mom and I took my nephews to the mall to see Santa so the boys’ mom could stay home and finally wrap some presents. We waited in line for a little over an hour, and then it was time. The seven-year-old plunked himself down beside Santa and began chatting about school and his hopes for the holiday, and that bicycle he’d really like. The four-year-old, who is autistic, caught sight of the huge Santa’s sack of lollipops and insisted on having one in each hand before he would go near the big guy. As is tradition, the 
photo is of the older boy smiling and the younger boy trying to escape and being patiently held back by Santa’s large mittened hand.
And then the seven-year-old whispered to Santa that his little brother doesn’t talk very much, but he would like either a bouncy ball or a tricycle. As they finished and we walked over to pick up the cd containing the Christmas photo, big brother motioned for me to bend down, and he informed me in a hushed voice that that was the real Santa. He could see it in the twinkle in his eyes.
I am not about to dispute his theory, because I have the sneaking suspicion that the seven-year-old is correct. At any rate, I saw a little bit of Christmas magic in the air yesterday, and that is why I love Christmas. I think I may even leave 
out a cookie this Christmas Eve, just in case.
Do you still have kids around who believe in Santa Claus? Or do you wish they still did? And does Santa still deliver presents to your house, regardless?
38 Comments »
38 Responses to “I Believe!”
moon_princess111 on 23 Dec 2009 at 2:10 am #
Santa ALWAYS leaves presents at our house, as does the Easter Bunny!! My kids are 32 (twins) and 28, and there hasn’t been one year the Easter BUnny or Santa hasn’t made a stop here!! Of course, we now have little ones around also. The oldest grandson wants nothing whatsoever to do with Santa and never has. The youngest grandson LOVES Santa and can’t wait to see him! The oldest grandson is not yet 5, but I only give him another year of believing anyway…he has to be able to touch, see, smell things for them to be “real” to him. The youngest grandson I think will believe until someone tells him differently. And then mamie will step in and set him straight, There has been and Always will be a Santa that comes to our house!
B on 23 Dec 2009 at 2:23 am #
I agree with you 100% Suzanne. I think the real Santa isn’t about a physical presence of a man in a red suit who comes to deliver gifts in a sleigh pulled by reindeer on Christmas Eve. It’s about the magic, the idea of that reality. Whether that happens or not is a mere technicality. If someone truly believes something happens, then it IS real to them. That’s their reality, and for all they know, that’s what really happens.
I got into an argument with my aunt once because of that. She’s told her 5,3 and 2 year old kids Santa doesn’t exist, that she buys the presents. Said they don’t care, that they only care about the gifts. Said they should not be deceived. *sigh* When I lived in the US, I got to work in a day care and I will NEVER forget four year old Lauren’s eyes when Santa Clause walked into her classroom. I don’t understand how someone could deny a kid such utter and complete happiness and joy.
As for me, Santa always comes. I like to believe he’s there somewhere, ho ho hoing and delivering his gifts. I’ve never seen him because I’m always awake. Some say he makes us sleep and think we’ve been awake the whole time, so, that might be it
Trini on 23 Dec 2009 at 3:39 am #
I agree with B… Santa is about the magic… and I love it. My son will be 14 in January, so he doesn’t believe in Santa or Three Magic Kings (Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar… in Spain is more important January the 6th). But I’m still trying to keep the ilussion. We put the presents in the living room, close to the Xmas Tree. We put the gifts during the night from the 24 to the 25 so my son doesn’t have nor idea than he is going away to find…. Every Xmas morning my son comes to our room, he wake up to us very smoothly and he says: “Could I see the presents now?” and I say with hoarse voice: “Please, wait a few minutes honey, it’s too early” (yes, I know it, I’m bad, very bad…). Then we wait a few minutes and we wake up slowly of the bed and go we three together to see the presents… I think it’s my favourite day of the year, I couldn’t describe his face and his smile…. I really hope to keep this little tradition for a long, long time…. because I love it,indeed.
Trini on 23 Dec 2009 at 3:46 am #
By the way…
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY DEAREST GODDESS… I HOPE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUTH…
Thank you very much for the nice moments I spend here.
From a little corner of Spain…. A MIS QUERIDAS DIOSAS, FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!!!!!
Judy F on 23 Dec 2009 at 6:28 am #
My niece who is 15 was telling me at thanksgiving she stopped believing in Santa years ago. I told her that was sad. She looked at me funny. And I explained that Santa is hope and joy and everything that is good. And that you should always keep that feeling in your heart.
We have my great niece who is 2 so christmas should be fun this year.
Thanks for another great year.
LoriHandeland on 23 Dec 2009 at 6:47 am #
We don’t have any kids in the house who still believe in Santa but I am looking forward to having some again who do. Just not right away.
No, Santa doesn’t bring presents here anymore. That is kind of sad.
Freedom Writer on 23 Dec 2009 at 7:05 am #
My 4 year old GD still believes. We had it planned out that we would put her presents out as we left for Christmas Eve dinner at my mother’s house, but now the weather may delay Santa a bit. Forecast says Freezing Rain, Rain and Snow between now and Friday, and I’m not driving 10-15 miles in freezing rain and snow.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Dec 2009 at 7:27 am #
My family doesn’t believe in telling kids there’s a Santa, yet I think I believed anyway until I was a certain age. There’s just something about that little bit of magic at Christmas. I think that’s why so many people like the movie Elf–it’s about the Christmas spirit, how indomitable it is.
I have to tell you–we took my autistic son to see Santa a few times, and he ALWAYS wanted to get away. Santa is just a scary looking guy to a kid who has communication deficits, I think. But he was pretty good for ONE Santa–his great uncle! My husband’s late uncle had a real white beard and used to play Santa for a charity every year. I was so glad we got a pic of Nick with him! That was special.
Chloe Harris (Noelle) on 23 Dec 2009 at 7:27 am #
Last year I did but somewhere between 12 and 13 my youngest quit hearing the bell ring.
But that won’t stop me from leaving out milk and birthday cake for Santa and cheese for Santa Mouse then filling the stockings and setting out the presents while they sleep.
Holidays filled with comfort and joy to you all!!!!
Amy Scott on 23 Dec 2009 at 7:43 am #
I have a 5 year old, and I am so glad she still believes. Kids grow up so fast these days, and I want to keep her a child as long as I can. I have been worried that someone at school would tell her Santa isn’t real, but we escaped for another year. Just the other day, my daughter recieved a letter from the North Pole, and she was in complete awe, it brought tears to my eyes, just to see her so excited. My husband and I make sure that our daughter knows the true meaning of Christmas, and that it isn’t all about the presents under the tree. This was her first year where she was old enough to help us deliver Christmas hampers of food, and she picked out some toys to donate, as well.
This will be my last post until after Christmas, so I just want to wish all the goddess’ a very safe and happy holiday.
Pesky on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:00 am #
Freshechelle on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:04 am #
My big present is still from Santa. I remember asking my mom when I was a believer why Santa and she had the same handwriting;he asked her to help wrap the gifts. I’m comfortable with that story because it allows me to ask my parents for a gift from them too. Even as an adult.
There will be a 4 year old a Christmas dinner so we’ll have at least one person there who believes.
yoshian on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:08 am #
My son (9) and daughter (4) are still believe in Santa, just yesterday they asked me to remind them to hang their socks on Christmas Eve. I also would like to wish you all A HAPPY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010.
MizMacgyver on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:10 am #
I was 50 when my mother passed and Santa was still delivering presents. My granddaughter (8) doesn’t believe but in my heart I still do. Santa’s name is still on packages even if Santa’s elf is the only one that believes.
amy1242 on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:11 am #
I have one that believes and one that does not. Santa brings presents every year and always will. I still believe, so Santa, please bring me lots of good books to read this Christmas, and of course, Peace on Earth!
Nicole Jordan on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:15 am #
Awwww, that’s such a lovely story, Suzie. And these other stories are lovely too.
Wishing you all will be safe, happy, and healthy!
dbrown3400 on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:31 am #
This is my 20 m/o granddaughter’s first Christmas, and, due to DD#2’s work schedule, we were unable to take her to visit Santa. We’ve been showing her the jolly old fellow on television, hoping she’ll get the idea. But we can’t wait to see her expression when she sees new toys under the tree. She’s already fascinated by the presents, which she has dutifully left alone. Her curiosity has been squelched by the ever-present eyes of Nana. She merely touches them and says, “Pretty.”
Madeline Hunter on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:45 am #
Christimas magic is so tied to Santa, that even after I was told the truth as a kid, I kept looking for evidence that the adults had gotten it wrong!
A couple of years later, when I was about 9, my sister and I decided to play Santa. We secretly bought little gifts for everyone and snuck them under the tree so everyone would wonder, hey, maybe. . . .
Santa still leaves gifts at my house. Most of the gifts opened are from Santa.
Madeline Hunter on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:49 am #
Oh, and when my sons were young, Santa would always leave each of them one gift in their rooms, for them to open right when they got up. See, Santa thought the parents might like a few more minutes sleep while the boys were busy playing with those first toys. Wasn’t he nice?
Sam on 23 Dec 2009 at 8:53 am #
My daughter is 14yo and she knows who the “real” Santa is. Santa still brings gifts each year, even to me! My nephew is 3 so we will still be able to carry the Santa stories and him believe. I remember my sister and I found out about the “real” Santa since he had hand writting so similar to mom. lol. But no matter how old we get Santa will always deliver presents to us. I even keep the “Santa gifts” in hiding until Christmas eve so when we do get up Christmas morning it looks like he was there while we slept. One is never too old for imagination.
Karen Rose on 23 Dec 2009 at 9:16 am #
Santa totally comes to our house! And the mama (aka me) kisses him, too
DH would always tell the kids that Santa got tired of all those cookies, so we should leave a sub and a TAB. One year Santa ate the sub and left a can of cream of broccoli soup for oldest when she was about five. That was her favorite soup at the time. She was so thrilled that Santa knew what she liked!
Santa liked the sub and TAB, btw.
Julia London on 23 Dec 2009 at 9:31 am #
My 3 year old not only believes, he has brought Christmas back into our house. It is so much fun to believe in him again with the CPE — last night, he spent some time examining the living room for the perfect place to put his stocking so Santa won’t miss it.
I didn’t take him to see a Santa this year. Last year, when he was 2, the Santa scared him to death. I decided this year to just go with the magic part, and it’s been a delight.
Julia London on 23 Dec 2009 at 9:31 am #
Merry Christmas, Goddesses! May you find everything under your tree that you need and hope for.
SheridanLA on 23 Dec 2009 at 9:38 am #
No kids here, but Jack the Cat definitely believes in Santa… Santa brings him a new litterbox every year and a can of tuna. There are treats in his stocking, too.
Ok, I either need to have a kid or seek therapy.
But seriously.. I think there is a Santa in some form or fashion. He might take the form of someone working at the soup kitchen or shelters on Christmas, buying gifts to donate or getting the family all together.
evlqn on 23 Dec 2009 at 9:39 am #
My sons are 37 & 34 and Santa still fills their stockings, now with the grands Santa has more reason to stop by. The 12 yo chooses to believe, the 13 yo, not so much but Santa can still leave gifts even if they are from Grammy & Auntie. A couple of years ago we were gong into the grocery store just before Christmas and Santa was going in also, still in his work clothes. We got a picture of my sister and Santa in WINCO, her street cred went up about 40 points.
Suzanne Enoch on 23 Dec 2009 at 9:50 am #
Oh, I love all these stories! This is why I don’t think it’s a lie to tell kids there is a Santa Claus — because he’s about the magic.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Dec 2009 at 10:25 am #
Madeline, what a brilliant idea, leaving a present in their rooms! Wish I’d thought of that.
SheridanLA on 23 Dec 2009 at 10:30 am #
OH!! totally off topic.. I finally read The Care and Taming of a Rogue.. loved it
Can’t wait for more from the Adventurer’s Club!
Suzanne Enoch on 23 Dec 2009 at 10:52 am #
Thanks, Sheridan! I’m so glad you liked it.
Michelle B on 23 Dec 2009 at 11:22 am #
All the kids are home for Christmas! Ours are 23, 20 and 15. I always tell them it is OK to believe because there really was a St. Nick and our traditions follow right along with him. It is magical and a magical time of year. We open gifts on Christmas Eve night. Christmas morning we have some family gifts to open, like board games. Over the years it’s been a variety of things like a ping pong table, or Play Station. Santa’s gifts always came on Christmas morning when the kids were little.
colinfirthfan on 23 Dec 2009 at 1:08 pm #
I have a 9 1/2 and 6 yr old who both believe! Well, the 9 yr old is suspicious but I told him if you don’t believe Santa isn’t coming.
Lisa H on 23 Dec 2009 at 1:30 pm #
What a beautiful story Suzanne! Thank you so much for sharing it. Yes, my four-year-old believes and his older siblings help strengthen his belief! Of course I believe, and have on occasion kissed the real Santa Claus.
Last night while in bed, my husband was trying something quite naughty. I told him he should stop or Santa wouldn’t bring him anything. He told me it would be worth it! Not sure if he believes in Santa or his own secret magic.
Paula on 23 Dec 2009 at 3:25 pm #
Hey Colinfirthfan I have 2 boys aged 61/2 and 9 and I’ve told my boys the exact same thing. if you don’t believe in Santa then he won’t come visiting!! My 6 year old has a friend who has gone to lapland so he definitely still believes. I’m not sure whether the 9 year old does or not. I hope he still does he hasn’t said anything yet.
A very Happy Christmas to all the Goddesses and prosperous New Year.
Kim here’s hoping you have a fabulously Happy Birthday tomorrow.
Suzanne Enoch on 23 Dec 2009 at 3:29 pm #
Since I’m the oldest of three girls, I always played it safe and said I believed until my youngest sister finally gave it up. I figured if Santa was coming to see her, then I wasn’t going to argue. *g*
colinfirthfan on 23 Dec 2009 at 5:21 pm #
That’s funny Paula – great minds and all that.
I have very little hope that my 9 year old can keep anything to himself. If he finds out he will blurt it out at once. Two years ago he asked me why Santa’s presents had the same wrapping paper as the one at home. Sigh!!
Louisa Cornell on 23 Dec 2009 at 7:02 pm #
The youngest child in our family is 14, but we ALL believe in Santa Claus! He comes to my Mom’s house every year and fills ALL of our stockings (including those of Mom’s dogs and Mom’s granddogs and grandcats!) All of us get some gifts from Santa and some gifts from Mom or Nana.
Santa comes around my Mom’s neighborhood on Christmas Eve on top of a firetruck with a police escort, always about sunset. The neighborhood kids come out, some in their pjs to wave at Santa. My Mom’s grandchildren still always show up for this event. My almost 19 year old nephew intends to be there tomorrow night with his 16 year old sister and his 14 year old cousin.
My favorite Santa photo is of my deaf Great Dane, Glory, and Santa when he visited to humane shelter to pose for photos with people’s pets. She LOVED Santa Claus. Her tail wagged the whole time. He was a great Santa with a real beard and white hair and definitely a twinkle in his eye and an affinity for animals. I have a photo of her giving him a kiss and the best photo, one they still use in ads years later is of him cradling her head in his hands and touching his nose to hers. Great photo and great memory.
There IS a Santa Claus !!
Suzanne Enoch on 23 Dec 2009 at 10:15 pm #
I love all these stories. There is so a Santa Claus — he just happens to be all of us, and all the good-hearted deeds we do all through the year and especially around Christmas time. Happy holidays, everyone!
Karen Hawkins on 24 Dec 2009 at 2:41 am #
I still believe in Santa. Like you, Suzie, I think he’s a spirit that makes us all a bit more generous. I absolutely love this season and every year, I’m a wee bit sad when it’s over.
Happy holidays, goddesses!