I Still Believe In Santa Claus

Do you remember when you found out about Santa? I mean, when you found out that what you thought, might not actually be? I do...I also remember the great lengths my parents went through to give me that one, last year of innocence.

Now I am facing it with Tyler.

Tyler actually came to know the "truth" during Christmas time when he was 6-years-old. The neighbor's boys kept telling him over and over. Finally, he came and asked us. Me, to this day won't confirm or deny. Shawn, however, felt that Tyler needed to know that he could count on us to tell him the truth when he asked. But yet, my little boy, though knowing, liked to pretend that he did not know.

Move ahead to present day...This weekend I went black Friday shopping. Picked up some things for the boys - not too much, just a bit. Decided to keep everything in the trunk as the boys do not have access there.

On Saturday, though, we took Ty and his friend to see the stage production of A Christmas Carol. I had to take Josh's car seat out of the car so both boys could fit comfortably in the back. Rushing, and not thinking, I popped open the trunk and gave Ty the seat to put in there. When I looked up, Tyler's mouth had dropped open in complete shock. My top secret hiding place, quickly became known. Fortunately, all of Ty's things were hidden, while Joshy's were right on top.

Tyler looked at me as I scrambled for some sort of excuse. Instead he smiled and said, "I know Mom, you were just picking up some ideas for Santa to bring to Joshy." All I could do was nod my head in agreement.

Tyler, no matter that he is verging tween status, just wants to still believe in Santa, and can I blame him? I am 30 plus years old, and every year I stare at the tree and let myself believe.

There's No Place Like Home

Growing up outside of Syracuse, NY, I new that I always wanted to move to the south. I hated the cold and snow and wanted to trade in my boots and winter jackets for the beach and warmth from the sun.

For the last 13 years I have lived at the beach, and during that time, there have been very few moments where I have been homesick. My whole family - parents, brother, grandpa, cousins, aunts, uncle and niece all live back north, but still the beach is now my home and I have no regrets - but around the holiday I miss it a lot.

Every good memory that I have as a child, came from around the holidays. Whether it was sitting around the big table with all my cousins having "sauce" at my grams and grandpa's house in Oneida, going to my uncle's house on Christmas Eve, roasting chestnuts on the fire and drinking fancy drinks that only a 10-year-old could drink or just having some special grandpa and me time when it came to Christmas morning, the holidays were always full of love and festivities - memories that I will always cherish.

As today is the day before Thanksgiving, I do spend it reflecting on what I am thankful for. I am thankful to my parents for my childhood memories, the fact that they allowed me to spread my wings and fly away from home and the knowledge that I can return anytime. I am blessed to be their daughter and pray that I can leave that type of legacy for my children.

It's That Time of Year

I love this time of year...the smells, the sights and the sounds. I especially love it now that I have children. There is something even more magical during the holiday season for me now that I have Tyler and Joshua.


Do you remember that sense of excitement when you were younger, knowing Santa was watching you (good or bad) and praying that everything on your wish-list would be filled? I remember and long for those days of innocence. But fortunately, having children, I have been able to see things, all over again, but this time through their eyes...and their excitement is contagious.


Today Santa arrived at our mall. The boys were able to see Santa and have a donut and milk with him. Tyler, being nine, and not necessarily believing like he used to, acted like the cool-kid, that is, until Santa approached him...knowing his name. For a quick second, my nine-year-old was a little boy again. And Josh...goodness...what four-year-olds eyes don't light up at the sight of St. Nick? This was the first year that Josh really knew who Santa was, without a doubt - and couldn't stop talking about it for most of the day.


Though, in all of this excitement, there was a moment when my heart swelled and I felt such a sense of pride as a mother. As we were walking out, the Salvation Army volunteers were ringing the bell as they always do this time of year. Tyler stopped, looked at me today and asked, "Mom, can you lend me some money - I'll do my chores - but I want to give it to someone who needs it more." I was so proud of him, and remembered even more, why this time of year can be so special.

A New Way of Life

For those of you who do not know, recently I began a position with a Fire Rescue where I live. No, I am not going to be a firefighter, nor would I ever have the courage to do what that job needs. Though, in the last week, I have had my eyes open to so many new things, including a way of life that is absolutely admirable and inspiring.

I knew when I accepted the position, that I would learn more things that I ever thought possible. What I didn't know was that it would be in the very first week. This week has been one of a challenge. I have found that my fears tend to control my life and that somehow I need to break through them.

For many years, I have also learned to trust myself and very few other people around me. For me, it was just easier not to be hurt by others that I let into my life, not accepting that they could have my back. I will say that throughout this week the most important thing that I have learned, is that with the right people behind you - you can accomplish the things you never thought possible...a huge lightbulb moment.

I cannot even begin to express how excited I am to begin this journey. I pray that if it is meant to be, that this will be where I will stay for the rest of my career.

Thank you to those who pushed me, encouraged me, and stood behind me, I look forward to representing YOU.