Initially, I decided that I was not going to lie to my daughter and do the whole pretend and mythical world of Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy.  I just had misgivings about being untruthful with her.

I was reminded by friends of what a wonderful childhood I had because I was taught through these mythical characters to have imagination and hope.  It made being a child magical.  After listening to the pros and cons,  I decided that we will teach her the story of Saint Nick and the history behind this man of color whom Santa is based on.  She will also know the true meaning of Christmas and will know why it is my most valued holiday, aside from Easter.  Christmas is about the spirit of giving, the spirit of loving and all because of the ultimate gift, the birth of Jesus Christ.

We took the baby to the larger mall here with the intent on taking her first pictures with Santa.  To my surprise, when I sat her on his lap, she immediately starts babbling and smiling.  I have no clue what she told him, but if it was her list of gifts she anticipates, it is quite extensive, lol.

What we will do, as a rule, is she can make a list for Santa and Santa will get her three gifts of no more than $50 each.  Santa has a limit !  Other larger items she requests will come from Mommy or other family.  Her list must include something to read, something to wear, something to share and something to play with. One item on her list has to be a toy to share with a child who otherwise would not receive a gift.  Tomorrow, I will go to the book store to grab some children’s classics and will go to Toys R Us or Walmart and buy a gift for a child.  I will call Social Services on Monday and have them select a family.

My mom, sisters and I participate in ” Gay Santa” every year and provide $100 gifts to four homeless LGBTQ teens at New Alternatives NYC, an agency in NYC (where I did a documentary on their participants) that provides support for homeless LGBTQ youth.  I want my daughter to understand that there are people who have been marginalized by society or who live in families who are not as fortunate as she is and that it is our responsibility, as Christians, to always give back.

This year, my daughter does not need anything !  I bought her a top rated Diono convertible car seat and I will get her a few sleep sacks, although we have a bunch in a box in storage that I need to go dig out.  I started purchasing baby items with my first pregnancy that ended in a loss, so I have a bunch of new baby stuff in storage but I can not easily get to it.  My brother in law is going to go with me and move all the heavy boxes out of the way so that I can take those 4-5 large boxes out.  I will donate those items to the pregnant teens in the mentoring program I support.