Yes, it's official. And, you read it first on this blog. After many years of denial, I have finally come to my senses - Santa is real.
The evidence for this...much needed by adults...is everywhere around us and even inside us. If we care to look. Those poor people stuck at Heathrow are part of the picture, as they desparately journey to reach loved ones in time for Christmas. The people sleeping on top of each other, with a cup of cold tea by their side, are proof of one thing: It's not all about the money. It's not all about commercial exploitation.
It's about being with people we love; and expressing that love to them. And, recognizing that this is perhaps something we don't do enough of during the year.
For someone still widely believed not to exist, he has achieved a lot. He changes the way that people think, feel and act everywhere.
Christmas is when being with people is more important than anything else. We celebrate magic, surprise and the spirit inside us. We immerse ourselves in traditional rituals. We play games. It's the one time of the year that being merry, joyful and loving is more important than being correct, smart or on-time.
We adults allow ourselves to become children again.
We get in contact with the significant things. Even as we reject the tacky and commercial aspects of Christmas, we assert the things that are important and meaningful to us.
We put the past year in a box on the shelf, and start to unpack the New Year with expectation and excitement. This year will be better than the last.There is something new ahead of us.
Santa therefore is that magical part of us that manifests itself once a year...and occasionally at other times if we allow it.
I wish you a magical, surprising and fulfilling Christmas and a New Year full of energy and anticipation.
Andrew
