Becoming Santa

BECOMING SANTA

2003 was the year I became a mom and the year I became Santa.  Oh the fun we had decorating and baking. I loved shopping for just the right thing Jessica might like.  I loved helping her write a letter to Santa and put out cookies. I always used a unique wrapping paper for the gifts from Santa.  Creating adventures and experiences to remember was my joy.

Jessica arrived in our family during the summer of 2003 when she was three years old.  I wanted to create a home of warmth, love, reading, and safety for a child who did not have this with any regularity for her first three years.  I wanted her to have not just routines, but rituals and experiences. 

Every Tuesday we went to the library for story time.

Once a month we went to my friend Nell’s house to get her hair twisted or braided.

We watched Clifford the Big Red Dog every afternoon.

Each year on her birthday I made Jessica pancakes shaped like stars and served them on a red plate that said, “You are Special Today”.

We listened and sang along to the music “Free to Be You and Me”, “Strong Smart and Free”, Sesame Street Platinum, “World Playground, a Musical Adventure for Kids” among many others. Music was a teacher, a prayer, and way to unwind.

At christmas time our tradition, was something I also grew up with. First, we had to find our fresh cut tree.  When the lights were strung and sparkling, Jessica would get the first present of the season, her own ornament to put on the tree.  Each year we when hanging the ornaments, we would tell the story about that ornament or something that happened during that year. 

When you have kids it’s the firsts you remember. First words. First steps. First day of school. First love (and heart break). As parents we don’t always remember the lasts. The last time your child crawled into your bed. The last time you read “Good Night Moon”.  The last time you were called Mommy before the irritated “Mooooom” takes over your child. The last tea party with dolls and stuffed animals. The last time you tucked your child into bed. The last time you read “The Night Before Christmas”?

I believe keeping traditions alive is essential to community and family. I have kept traditions since my days of being Santa have gone by and my daughter is grown (mostly, maybe, sort of). Do I keep reading the Christmas stories? Do I keep watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? “The Polar Express”? The “Miser Brothers”? Do I still tell the stories of each ornament as they are hung on the tree? 

I still watch a christmas special (or 4). I remember the stories that the tree ornaments tell. I bake the cookies and hang the lights. I also have realized the importance of starting new traditions. I have a purple tree celebrating my favorite color. I have attempted to make Christmas candy from this recipe:  https://blindpigandtheacorn.com/grannys-christmas-mints/

I have hosted a cookie baking party with friends. Creating new traditions for those of us with grown children can be hard, but so important for moms and dads and all the other parents and people who have raised children.  I encouraged Jessica to fly, to jump off mountain’s and build wings as she goes.  And also, this time is sad and bittersweet. I miss her and I love her.  I pray the nest(s) that she lands in, and builds are full of love safety, and a lot of adventure. 

Sarelle McCoard, Christmas 2023

What traditions do you remember? What new things are you doing now if you have grown children? Leave a comment and join the conversation.