Olivia asked if she could visit Santa, so off we went and stood and waited in that long crazy holiday line. She didn’t once complain. We thought she would back out at the last moment and change her mind, because that’s often what new situations do to her, but she didn’t. She ran up to Santa and gave him the biggest hug. She wouldn’t let go. Then she climbed on his knee and they quietly and intently had the longest conversation. What was said, I do not know, but it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. The innocent trust and belief that shone in her eyes. Incredible.
It brought tears to my eyes and I whispered to J,
“Mikail never got to sit on Santa’s knee”
Then it hit me.
That look of complete trust and innocence Olivia had when she sat on Santa’s knee.
The quiet whispers and giggles.
The awe in her eyes.
Mikail never got to sit on Santa’s knee, but he’s sitting on Jesus’ knee and I am sure that the trust, innocence and awe in his eyes for his Saviour are far beyond what I saw Olivia have for Santa.
And then the tears rolled.
I love that she believes in Santa. I love even more that she knows and believes that Christmas is truly about Jesus and His ultimate gift for each of us. I love that we have the opportunity to teach her the true meaning of Christmas, and still enjoy in the magic of Santa and the ancient story of St Nicholas.
Living in the Moment 