I don't want to threadjack or anything, but I just wanted to comment on the Santa thing. I always LOVED the idea of Santa, both as a child and as an adult. I definitely engaged my children in it, too. When I felt it was time for them to know (the age at which I felt it would embarrass them to defend a belief in Santa), I sat each one down and asked why they thought Santa would bring them gifts. Without fail, each of them answered, "Because he loves us." I gently asked each one who loved them more than anything else in the whole world. They thought and then nodded and smiled, and we never spoke another word of it again. They still get gifts from Santa, and so do I. Somehow, Santa never got the memo that I moved, though, so he drops the gifts for me at my mum's house. I agree that debt or living beyond one's means is not a good thing, but in my experience a belief in Santa never has to be "crushed". Indeed, if handled properly, I think it can really open a person's heart to the joy of giving and deepen their love and trust in their parents and family.

@Peri...AMEN !!!!! I say that as a Christian. What we celebrate no longer is a religious holiday. It has expanded to mean so many other things. My family puts up a nativity scene and we do Advent. But most people don't. That is ok. I agree with those that can take it to mean a time for generosity and introspection. A time for peace. A time for abundance ( Kwaanza). So many wonderful things at this time of year as we "settle in " for winter. My children attended a Jewish preschool and we celebrated the Jewish holidays in order to understand and think about it. Like we study civilizations in history class, for example or like we celebrate Martin Luther King day. : )

Just adding -- my husband is from the Muslim tradition, and I'm from the Christian world. We both celebrate with a Christmas tree and gifts. He's coming to the Episcopal church on Christmas Eve to hear our friend's solo in the choir. His sister (also from a Muslim background) is making dinner for her family and friends on Christmas Day. In a couple of months, we'll all be celebrating the Middle Eastern New Year, with a whole other set of beautiful traditions and rituals. It makes life beautiful to have this rich tapestry of celebrations.

Me and my husband are not religious at all but when we moved to Canada with a 2 and a 5 year old, we started celebrating Christmas so that kids can be part of this tradition. When kids were younger, we used to enjoy baking cookies together and decorating tree. I always bought them a gift too and festive Christmas dinner with friends. Now that kids are older and know what Christmas is all about, we celebrate with friends and kids get a gift each. I don't go overboard with gifts and don't spend what I don't have. It is more to celebrate the tradition than religion for me.

Maybe this story will be of interest:

http://www.theguardian.com/wor.....-as-i-love...

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

Cerinda, can you repost your link. I am eager to read it.

I believe this is Cerinda's link from The Guardian:

Double post.

I just want to chime in and say that I love the Guardian link provided by Cerinda and Laurinda. Also I echo what Echo said re-Santa...my son has stopped believing, but adores the idea of giving with love. He has had a magical childhood, but, now he knows, the magic is no less for him. He came to his own conclusions about it all too.

Thanks, Laurinda, for fixing the link. I've been off the 'net for a few days: our family tradition revolves around skiing!

Thanks, elpgal! This thread has been really interesting and lots of food for thought. I hope you find your way step by step.