http://disqus.com/by/tcovil/enTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:38:37 -0000http://benandjacq.tumblr.com/post/264994325#comment-24443862<p>We took this exact route with our little family, for the exact same reasons, even though both Patrick and I were raised with Christmas equaling a visit from Santa. I was actually shocked at how angry and snarky people, including family, have gotten with us. We, too, have Santa books and ornaments, watch Christmas specials on tv, and don't run the other way or cover the kids eyes when we see Santa at the mall. The only practical difference, really, is all of the presents under the tree say, "From Mommy and Daddy." The kids couldn't care less who the presents are from, and they are still too young to realize other people do it differently. I feel better that I am not lying to them. We also started doing a Jesse tree last year, and spend time every evening doing advent stories, singing carols, and hanging our ornament on our Jesse Tree (aka the dining room light). We were raised Baptist and still attend a Baptist church where everyone frowns at the word "advent" though they have no idea what it is. I love the idea of advent, and enjoy passing that love on to my kids. It has completely changed our Christmas experience, and allowed us to truly focus on Christ, his first coming, and his future coming. The season is so much sweeter than it was when Santa was the main event.</p>tcovilTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:38:37 -0000http://benandjacq.tumblr.com/post/43174060#comment-982367<p>I know what you mean.. I found myself doing the same thing when Eli was sleeping through the night incredibly early on. Of course my pride came before the fall, and it wasn't long before he was getting up a bazillion times a night, lasting well past his second birthday. Of course, we could argue me telling you about how my kid didn't sleep through the night forever as another use of my weaponry. (sheepishly putting away my sword)</p><p>They teach us so much, don't they??</p>tcovilWed, 23 Jul 2008 19:07:08 -0000