What do to about Santa?

I remember I was about 12. We were at church on Christmas morning and I was met by a little, excited 6 yr old friend. I promptly asked her what Santa brought her for Christmas. She looked at me puzzled and then turned to her mum.
"Mum, what did I get from Santa?"
Her mother smiled at me, "Oh, Santa doesn't come to poor kids." And then she walked away.

Fast forward to a couple of years ago. A friend was telling us that she told her toddler that if he didn't hurry up and listen to her, that Santa wasn't coming.
"I couldn't believe how effective it was!" She exclaimed.

We haven't really done Santa at our house before. It wasn't that I was against him, I had great memories of getting ready for Santa to come as a kid, I just hadn't quite settled on how we were going to go about it. And last year, when Tully was asked what he got from Santa, he gave me that same puzzled look I received from that poor little girl all those years ago. These two scenarios have burned in my mind how I don't want to 'do' Santa. I don't want my kids thinking the presents they receive are deserved, or are rewards for good behaviour. Especially when it really does have far more to do with wealth than 'naughty or nice'. They are gifts. I want Christmas to be about generosity and thankfulness.

And now it's come to that time of year again when the planning has begun, the junk mail is increasing, and my newsfeed on Facebook is filling with Christmas colours. And Tully is older and his circle of friends is wider.
Then two nights ago, while reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (My favourite author ever), we came to the part where the witch's wintery spell is breaking. Up until now in Narnia, it has been "always winter but never Christmas." And who should come and herald the ending of the witch's reign, but Father Christmas!
   
   "I've come at last," said he, "She has kept me out for a long time, but I have got in at last. Aslan is on the move. The Witch's spell is weakening."

That's who I want Santa to be in our house. The one who gives generously to celebrate the breaking of a spell, to bring hope and joy, like the old St Nicholas, who used to give secretly to the poor.

So, I know it's not Christmas yet, but it's been on my mind to share with you while making these Christmas Pinnies. If there's anytime I feel uncomfortable selling my wares, it's at Christmas. I want you to know, for me, Christmas is not about buying more, or selling more. But I do want to celebrate it with all the joy and colour and creativity its message deserves. So I'll be sharing over the next couple of months, here and on my Facebook Page, the things I'm making, not because I want to add to the consumerist noise, but because it's my way of expressing what the holidays mean to me, and I want to share that with you. I'm looking forward to enjoying what you make too!

Yours excitedly!
Jodi. xx