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Santa Claus

Sitting in the back seat of the car, buckled in, watching me, I see the troubled look in your beautiful golden eyes, your moms eyes. My little girl with her fiery red hair, off to school, books beside you. "Daddy," you say. "Yes Pumpkin," I reply. In the mirror I see the concern on your face, you don't seem to know how to start. You choose your words carefully. "Some kids at school say there is no Santa Claus." You hesitate for just a moment, "They're wrong, there is a Santa, right?" I look at you for a long moment, too long while driving. What have I done? How can I answer this question without breaking your poor little heart. You wait patiently, intense gaze unwavering. I never meant to lie to you, I would never hurt you, but I guess I have. If I tell you there is no Santa then you will know there is no Easter Bunny, no leprechauns or fairies, no wishes or magic. You'll question all of the good and beauty that you have known in your life. You look out of the window for a moment as we pass another light, then back in the mirror at me. Your expression is still serious but has changed, and I realize that this is not about Santa Claus. This is about your relationship with your Daddy. You already know the answer to the question. How could I so blatantly lie to you. You're a very smart young girl. How did I get myself in to this mess. I just wanted you to feel the wonder of Christmas, to see the smile on that sweet innocent face. Then it dawns on me, I haven't lied to you at all. "I believe in Santa Claus Pumpkin. If the kids at your school understood, I think they would believe too. It's not about a white beard or red suit. It's about the goodness in the world." You leaned forward and listened as I spoke, "I'm not sure how to explain this so you can understand, but I hope someday you do. Santa Claus is not a person. He represents the beauty that is all around us The caring of one person for another, the willingness to give of yourself, even when you have little left to give, sharing a smile with your mom, hugging your new sister. Santa is more than just gifts with his name on them, he's the love I have for you. Do you understand?" I asked. You nodded lightly in confused agreement and with a hint of a smile you sat quietly, but the disappointment was plain on your face. I have always believed in Santa Claus, and I hope someday she will again . She'll be twenty two soon. Yet even now, I sign 'From Santa' on each of her Christmas presents, because I believe he is the greatest part of me. 05/11/2019

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Emilia James

Date: 9/7/2020 1:31:00 AM

Felt this to the core, powerful and emotional write. Emilia. : )

James Inman
Date: 9/7/2020 6:27:00 AM

Hi Emilia, thanks for dropping by and for the nice comment.

Elaine Perrin

Date: 10/17/2019 7:20:00 AM

This is so beautiful, I’m feeling quite emotional now! I have always told my children the same thing when they have asked, that I still believe :-) x

James Inman
Date: 10/17/2019 8:38:00 AM

Emotional, that's what it's all about, right? A lovely comment, thank you Elaine.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/21/2019 12:56:00 AM

Ah, this is darling! What a terrific write. Made me smile. I remember this kind of a moment and how sad I was that other students ruined it for her.

James Inman
Date: 8/21/2019 1:26:00 PM

Yes, I was intending to have a talk with her after Christmas. Thank you for the visit Caren.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/4/2019 7:58:00 PM

thanks for letting me know this is a true story.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/28/2019 2:46:00 PM

Wow, this is amazing, Ralph. I wish you came here more often. This is such a touching story. So I am hoping there really is a red headed daughter now 22! by the way, my granddaughter seems to have a love for poetry as I do. She just joined here . Her name is Natalyn Hobbs and she got a POTD!! I hope to talk with her soon on the phone and see how she is liking the Soup.

James Inman
Date: 7/28/2019 3:37:00 PM

There is a 22 year old red head and I love her dearly. This is a true story (although I may not have been so eloquent when we had this conversation). I had some free time today so I've been reading a few poems. I'll be sure to look up your granddaughter. Thanks Andrea.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 6/9/2019 5:08:00 PM

Hello James Inman, children should believe in Santa Clause I believe he is real. You did a great job telling your child about Santa . Have a nice evening my friend.

James Inman
Date: 6/9/2019 6:33:00 PM

Hi Darlene, thank you for your visit and kind words. I hope your evening is beautiful as well.

Panagiota Romios

Date: 6/5/2019 5:46:00 PM

Really liked this. The Santa Claus thing is way overdone. It has religious connections that few, if any know. I was teaching my grandson about them this Christmas. I lke your writing style. Panagiota

James Inman
Date: 6/5/2019 6:06:00 PM

Thank you for your visit and words.

Kelly Deschler

Date: 5/21/2019 10:05:00 PM

Yes, learning the "truth" was one of the hardest things about growing up, but I smiled once I realized the good intentions that were behind the "lies"... I really enjoyed reading this very tender and expressive write. Keep up the wonderful work James!

James Inman
Date: 5/22/2019 6:07:00 PM

Hi Kelly, this will always remain one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Unintentionally hurting a fragile, beautiful young soul. Ironically, before she asked, I had been thinking about how to tell her when Christmas was over.

Arturo Michael

Date: 5/12/2019 4:17:00 PM

Well done...it's an important read for all...

James Inman
Date: 5/12/2019 5:07:00 PM

Thank you so much Arturo.