Monday, December 3

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (even though it's still 60 degrees in Memphis...)

We finally put up our Christmas tree last night. It's wonderful to have a festive living room!

When Jason and I were dating and talking about getting married, I kid you not, one of our biggest disagreements was whether or not to do Santa. The Hutchinsons never did Santa while growing up. I always thought it was because my parents didn't want to lie to us, but over Thanksgiving I got their whole story. It was mostly because they did all the work for Christmas and they wanted the credit! They said lying to their kids also played a part. Well, because of that, Santa is not a big deal to me. We were still very excited on Christmas Eve, still had fun opening our presents bright and early, and we still enjoyed the Santa stories...it's just that, well, he isn't real. But to Jason, Santa is MAGICAL. I guess I just don't understand. I gave in and we've decided that we'll do Santa, so I'll see how this goes. What are your thoughts? Did any of you not do Santa either, or was my family crazy?


This is a picture of me and my Dad on my first Christmas Eve. I hope to capture a similar picture of Jason and Addie!

13 comments:

Tiff said...

What, no Santa? I have six older brothers, so I didn't believe in Santa for very long, but I still think there is something magical about it, even after you know the truth. I think the fact that you don't get any credit is good - it gives you a chance to really serve you kids. I don't know, just my opinion. I'm sure Christmas would be great either way, and really it is all about the Savior right? Anyway, love the new look of the blog and that picture of you and your dad is precious! This weather has been crazy - It looks like Christmas, but it really doesn't feel like it! :) Hope to see you soon. Tiff Rudd

Caitlyn said...

60 degrees?! It's in the 30's here. There was no snow until Saturday, though. We went to bed to rain and woke up to full-on winter snow! It's really pretty, but I haven't been out in it yet. Yes, that's right, I don't think I've been outside since last Thursday. We've all been sick this week... that's mostly why. We always did Santa. Being the oldest, I got to believe for a long time. Maybe I secretly still do... haha!!

Caroline Tung Richmond said...

My parents never encouraged the Santa thing. Being Chinese and all, they were a little perplexed by this whole American concept of Christmas.

As for me, I don't have a problem encouraging the Santa phenomenon in our household since Justin is rooting for it so strongly. Childhood is a time of fantasy and imagination and the idea of a jolly man who brings presents from the North Pole is such a great story. Wouldn't it be fantastic if it was actually true?

But I also sympathize with parents like yours--Christmas presents cost a lot and shouldn't we get the credit for buying them and not some fat guy in a red jumpsuit??? Hehe.

Anonymous said...

Todd and I are trying to decide if we want to do the whole Santa thing to. We both had Santa when we were younger, but we agree with the you about the money and lying. Your friend Tiffany makes a good point about serving your children though.

shauna said...

I say either go with Santa. I love it with Heidi. Plus, it is always a nice fall back answer when Heidi asks for something she is definitely NOT getting. We always say, "well maybe you should ask santa but we can't really afford it." Besides it's not like your lying to your kids in a bad way where you would need to repent of it. It does seem less fun if your four year old is already too mature for santa. If you don't do santa then you could do a Smoky Fillmore!

Jana said...

NICOLE!! I didn't know you read my blog, I'm so glad! I really need to email you to hear your updates!

Jana said...

By the way, I'm really enjoying reading your ideas and/or comments about Santa. It's interesting to hear what everyone thinks about this.

The Hungry Homemaker said...

We also always believed in Santa. It was never really said that he wasn't real. When I was 16, we would still leave cookies out for him, and I am the youngest, it was just a tradition in our family. I am hoping to do the same with Tanner. Oh, and if you want to take a picture of Jason and Addie like that, Jason needs to grow a really cool mustache first:)

Jason said...

That's it, I am growing out a really cool mustache for Christmas. And deliver presents to all the little boys and girls as Smoky Fillmore!

Jared, Miranda and Max said...

My vote is with Santa! And Jana, can I have your physical address? I don't remember if I got it before but its Christmas card time! =)

Jami said...

Can't really weigh in on the santa debate because I'm not really sure what we will do, either (Mohamed thinks most Christmas traditions are extremely bizarre) but I DO want to add my vote for Jason growing a 'stache. But, I'm wondering, would you even be able to see it with his extremely blond hair? And who in the world is smoky fillmore?

ps- that picture is really sweet. I need to take more pictures.

Mom said...

I don't know where you understood that thing about getting the credit. Both Dad and I were surprised at that statement. It really was the lying thing, and that we liked to try to get you to guess what was in the present before you opened it.

Daniel Hair said...

Santa thing is awesome. I would have no second doubts about doing it!