“"Father Christmas" also writes her several letters throughout November, with such atrocious spelling and handwriting that only Daddy can decipher them for her.”
I have a wonderful 4-year old niece. At this time of year her favourite thing to do when I visit is to sit me down on the couch with her and her own "Father Christmas Wish book," which is actually a festive catalogue distributed by a major department store. She flicks through the pages with amazing speed until she reaches those precious pictures of the things she wants Father Christmas to put in his sack for her this year.
My brother is usually quite the card all year 'round but in the two months leading up to Christmas, he outdoes himself. He frequently calls my niece (his daughter) on the telephone and in his best "Father Christmas" voice, he asks her if she's being a good girl at home and school, asks her to read out her Christmas list to him again so he doesn't forget what she wants, tells her stories about what the elves are making in the Christmas toy shop, tells her about the latest adventures of the reindeer at the North Pole and then he rounds everything off by reminding her not to forget to leave out carrots for "Rudy and the boys" and milk and biscuits for him. "Father Christmas" also writes her several letters throughout November, with such atrocious spelling and handwriting that only Daddy can decipher them for her, and which also have wonderful cartoon drawings of the elves making toys and the reindeer dancing in the snow.
Now, I am well aware that the picture I have just painted of my niece and my brother is not an acceptable one in some circles because of the references to "Father Christmas and elves" because, although Father Christmas and elves are a significant part of British Christmas tradition, they are not a part of Christian tradition. Every Christmas I do give my niece something with a "Christian" theme, usually a book, and this year it will be a "Veggie Tale" video. I take nothing away from what she believes, but I do try to broaden her horizons. I feel comfortable that I am doing what I can to introduce Jesus to her. But I have to be very honest and say that while she is showing me what she wants in her "Father Christmas" wish book, I am cherishing the moments we are laughing and giggling together on the couch and making my own wish to the "Father of Christmas". It's always the same wish -- that my precious little niece with her twinkling eyes, excited babblings and mischievous smile gets to live beyond the age of 21 years old, the age the longest survivor with the same, rare genetic disorder as hers, managed to reach.
I hope all your Christmas wishes come true.
Madelaine is a wonderful friend and writer presently living in Toronto.