This mama bear ain’t hibernating!

Contrary to the obnoxious preteen and teen that I was, I am not confrontational.  I have become a doormat, I don’t stand up for myself, and I allow myself to get hurt.  I allow other people’s words to cut and I just turn the other way.  This may be true of me now, but when it comes to my kids I am a fierce mama bear and no matter what, I will not allow anyone to hurt them nor rip away their innocence. 

I have been given the gift of my children’s hearts and I will be a mighty warrior to protect them.  If that means I have to stand up to someone, I will.  If that means I jump in front of a bullet, I will. If this means I have to confront other parents, I most certainly will. 

 I want to keep their innocence as long as possible.  They have their whole lives to be adults, to be grown-ups.  I want them to be kids as long as possible.  That being said, they do have chores and responsibilities because building character is also an important part of raising a child. 

 The topic of Santa can be somewhat controversial in the Christian community.  Some say it takes away from the Savior’s birth, some say it is too “secular”.  To an extent that might be true, but how is it any different from meeting Mickey at Disneyland? He isn’t Christ-centered, he isn’t “real”.  But to the kids he is, and there is magic and innocence there.  There is joy that comes from that innocence. 

 We had originally decided not to participate in the Santa charade.  I mean, why give a chubby old man in a suit credit for our hard work?  Why lie to my kids when it is only going to break their hearts later?   I mean, Santa should be going to jail for a B and E anyway, right?  Not to mention….how many strange old men do you trust to hold your children on their laps?  Have you checked watch dog for Santa?  No?  Exactly.  It doesn’t quite add up.  Any other man who persuades little kids to sit on their laps with the promise of a gift at the end would be shipped off and registered.  But not Santa. 

 But guess what?  Kylie came home from kindergarten (her first time…public school) and had learned all about Santa.  And there was excitement, expectations, and joy in that little five year-old’s face.  That magic, that innocence was so tangible and real that we could not possibly break it.  It was important to us to let the girl dream.  We did discuss it; we did toss back and forth different ideas and try to make the best decision for our family.  And that was letting our kids believe in Santa.  It has been so precious to watch their excitement and see that magic.  It has been an amazing gift to us to be able to participate in blessing our children this way.

 I would not do it differently.  I am glad we chose this.  It brings a smile to my own face to be able to be part of this.  My kids are still grateful, generous kids filled with love for others, and love for Jesus.  Santa hasn’t robbed them of any of that.  This year we started the elf on the shelf and the excitement every morning to go find the elf is just as precious as their excitement for Santa.  It makes me wish that I could be a kid again.  It makes me long for my innocence, too.

 One reason why I am so intent on protecting my kid’s innocence is because mine was ripped away from me at an early age.  This isn’t a topic I share with just anyone, and I am not going to go into details, but because of my life experiences I choose to protect my kids to the very best of my ability.  And this is also one of the reasons why I choose to run a daycare.  Some of my issues came from a daycare setting and I have sacrificed a ton to keep my children out of any kind of daycare.  I have been extra careful how I choose my babysitters and who I allow into my kids’ lives.  I work hard to create a safe and happy place for not only my kids but others as well.  And I fall in love with any kid that is in my care.  I will also protect them with my mother bear love.  They deserve innocence too.  Every child deserves innocence and magic in their lives.  Every kid deserves to be a kid. 

 Santa was somewhat outed this year to Kylie from a girl at school.  I had a little panic attack, and didn’t want her to grow up.  But my 7 year-old, decided to hold on to her innocence.  She really didn’t even question it, in fact, she was very worried that this other girl might not get presents for Christmas.  She wanted this other girl to have joy and magic in her life, too.  Her deep concern was so special to me and I knew that we had not harmed her by choosing to participate in Santa. 

 All this being said, Santa is each family’s choice and of course I respect your choice.  But please do not let your lack of magic ruin my kids’ innocence and magic.  I might have to go mama bear on you and trust me, you do not want to see that.  Really.  You don’t. 

 Anyhow…merry Christmas from the Salgado’s, Buddy the Elf, and Santa even if you’re a non-believer! .....just try to keep your non-believing kids away from mine! ;-)