IS SANTA REAL?

Inspiration for Children of All Ages

By Jacqueline Cartier

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Who is Santa?? Some would say he is a cheerful person who visits once a year and doesn’t overstay his welcome.? He leaves his pets outside, and always arrives with presents.? In short, the perfect guest!

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A version of Santa has survived the test of time in nearly every culture across the globe.? In the United Kingdom, there’s Father Christmas.? In Italy, there’s Babbo Natale.? In France, there’s Pere Noel.? In Russia, there’s Ded Moroz.? In Chile, there’s Viejo Pascuero.? The names are different, but the spirit is the same.

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For many, the traditions of Christmas are religious, for others it is cultural.? Regardless of one’s personal beliefs about the holiday, nearly everyone welcomes the mid-winter break.? It is a time filled with parties, great food, fun songs, families, and sentimental memories.? While different religions celebrate this time of year in their own unique way, others enjoy it as a time to relax and recover from a month-long whirlwind of social events and shopping.

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Symbolic of the holiday spirit is that cheerful old soul named, Santa.? Every year, parents are faced with the challenge of trying to explain the existence of Santa.? Is he real?? It is never an easy task, but why?? What does the idea of no Santa mean to children?? Why is it such a sad conversation?? The presents would still come.? The tree and lights would remain.? The happy songs would continue.? Why then, is it so upsetting?? And is it true?? No Santa, really?

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Who is Santa?? Why is the story so relatively consistent around the world?? What is the common thread?? Why does the spirit and image of Santa continue from generation to generation?

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Thoughts of hope, compassion, generosity, happiness, tradition, recognition of good deeds, the inspiration for the future … Santa sees it all.? And doesn’t it feel wonderful, to be recognized for the good we do throughout the year?? Isn’t it nice to think that those acts of kindness won’t go unnoticed? That family and friends are spending their days thinking of something special to do, just for us?? Christmas provides the perfect moment to share your love with those who make the rest of the year so significant.

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The knowledge that even during the darkest time of year, there is a bright spot, a sense of security that everything will be okay … that someone notices your sacrifices and rewards you for them… that all the family squabbles are temporarily set aside, replaced by love, appreciation, and generosity.

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Of course, family and friends love you throughout the year, and receiving presents is always fun, but how often do we intend to do something meaningful for someone, and time just slips away, and it never gets done?? That special visit that you’ve been too busy to arrange, or the little something that you know someone has always wanted and you are finally able to get it for them but keep forgetting.?? What about that charity, which inspires such passion in you, yet it slips your mind to do something in support?? December becomes your reminder.

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Christmas is the ultimate altruistic deadline for all the nice things we’ve meant to do throughout the year.? It allows us a very specific time, for showing our appreciation for everything we have, both physically and spiritually.? It’s also an opportunity to share that happiness with those we love, and others who we deeply care about.? Our attention is also brought to the plight of so many, within our community, who struggle every day, oftentimes with very little.? While we can’t do everything for everyone, we can certainly do something for someone, and Christmas provides that inspiration.

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Yes, Christmas offers a space in time, to stop and notice… a time for gratitude and recognition of our blessings, and the power we all have, to bring happiness to others; it’s known as the magic of Christmas. Whatever position we are in, we can still bring love and joy to others.

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Why does Santa live on?? Because hope lives on.? If we tell a child there is no Santa, for many, it’s like saying there is no hope, no miracles, no dreams-come-true.? Why does a child of age 10, who clearly knows that a fat man in a red suit doesn’t really come down the chimney every year, still look so brokenhearted at the thought that Santa might not be real?

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Maybe it’s because, in every child’s heart, they know that the spirit of Santa lives eternally.? It’s not about the bearded man in a red suit, or flying deer, or elves making toys… what Christmas represents, religious or secular, is love shared with family, friends, and those in need; and faith that wishes really can come true.? It is a reset button on what we’ve come to expect of ourselves and others.? It’s a global celebration of goodness.? A reminder of times past and an excitement of what’s yet to come.

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Santa is a hero to millions of people because he represents the good we strive for; the desire to bring joy to others’ lives and make a difference; the opportunity to show our appreciation to those we love.? Santa exists to remind us of our better selves.

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Whether inspired by religion or tradition, Santa lives in each and every one of us.? The next time you hear someone say that there is no Santa, just smile, and remember that they simply haven’t recognized the magic within themselves… the Santa that lives in us all.

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Jacqueline Cartier, Publisher Rocky Mountain Tribune, CEO Winning Images

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On Amazon… the Kindle book you will always remember!

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“Is Santa Real: A Secret Adventure”

By Jacqueline Cartier

https://www.amazon.com/SANTA-REAL-Secret-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00PTEALWO

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Dedicated to all who believe in the magic of Christmas!

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That dreaded day has arrived, when your child asks, “Is Santa real?” ?With trusting eyes, they want the truth, yet if not handled delicately; it can crush their hearts and devastate what should be a special time of joy and happiness. ?

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What do you say that does not make your child feel betrayed? ?How do you salvage the loving spirit of Christmas? ?What about its religious significance; how does Santa fit in with the birth of a Savior? ?How do you shift a child from a focus on receiving, to one of giving? ?For many families, this conversation sets the stage for how Christmas is celebrated for years to come.

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This story will take your little one on a wonderful journey that weaves in many Christmas traditions and retains the magic of the holiday season. ?The lessons are motivational and timeless. ?We also see a strong connection between the secular tradition and the religious significance, inspiring a spiritual journey, as well.

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This is meant to be a shared experience, as adults read to their young ones about the reality of Santa that has survived generations across multiple cultures around the globe. ?

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Welcome to a beautiful interpretation of Christmas that will bring your family closer together, as you are taken on a magical adventure, which will live in your hearts forever.?