I grew up in a Christian household. My family has always celebrated the wonderful story of Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior. We read the Christmas story from the Bible every year before we open presents. As a matter of fact, I don't even remember believing in Santa Claus. Don't worry, I'm ok. sob*sob*....Anyway, so when Travis and I got married, and especially when I became pregnant with Tyler, we started really thinking about the whole Santa Claus vs. Manger scene conversation. So, our first Christmas, we did no Santas. We just decorated with angels, snowmen...that kind of stuff. We did have a tree, but that's it. Then one day, I heard someone tell the story behind Santa Claus, or St Nicholas. It totally explained that St Nicholas was a real person. He was very rich, and he did give presents to needy children. And, the kicker was that the reason he did all of this is because he was also a Christian. He had a relationship with the Lord that led him to act this way! Since then we have discovered that it's not Santa Claus vs Jesus, it's St Nicholas BECAUSE of Jesus! It's just sad that the world has missed or maybe purposely twisted this story to meet a more marketable image and story. In the end, we have enjoyed telling our children this story in addition to the nativity. They just think that's cool that even Santa Claus recognizes who Jesus is! You can read the full story at www.stnicholascenter.org and go to Who is St Nicholas?. Enjoy!
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