What to do?

I love Christmas.   I love the cozy, warm and generous feeling of it all.  Most of all, I love that it is the one time that we, as a culture, recognize the single most amazing gift we have all been given: the gift of Christ's birth.  So, where did this whole Santa thing come from?  While a totally fun tradition, I am really struggling about what this message is sending to my kids. 

Avery said to me in the mall yesterday, "Mommy, can I live at the mall? When I grow up, can I be Santa Claus?"  At the time, I just laughed about my funny girl and thought it quite cute.  But, on the way home, I couldn't stop thinking of how Santa has made it safe for us all to celebrate Christmas-by trivializing it and taking the focus away from Christ-the one and only magical thing on earth. 

We have never really emphasized the whole Santa issue but, of course, Santa appeals to kids.  He brings them toys.  Enough said.  So, I struggle about what to do and how to keep Christ the center of Christmas while living in this world.  I want my kids to experience the fun of Santa but also want them to know the real reason we recognize and celebrate Christmas.  I can only pray that I will do a sufficient job as a parent to strike this balance.