Those of us with young children often find ourselves asking ourselves at this time of year: What kind of holiday do I want to give my child? That means literally: Hanukkah or Christmas? Both or neither? But also: Full of wonder and indulgence or full of honesty and charity? And what about Santa? Is he friend or foe?

As soon as the weather turned cool, writers started sending us pieces about the holidays. The dawn of the season had them struggling with feelings about their extended families, religion and commercialism.

We picked three articles about Santa. Here are three new mothers with very different takes on the jolly old man and his reindeer, and we present them to you in order of belief.

First, Sasha Brown-Worsham gives us "Bad Parent: The Grinch. Why I won't let my child believe in Santa." Sasha was terrified of Santa as a child and is raising her child to be honest at all costs, so to perpetuate the Santa myth in her own home seemed like hypocrisy.

Then, Jennifer Cattaui (founder of the stylish boutique Babesta) tells in "You Better Not Cry" how she uses Santa's power to rein in her high-energy daughters, shamelessly employing her Santa-like father in this creative means of behavior modification.

For Christmas Eve, we give you Kim Brooks, an avowed atheist who suddenly finds herself, on her baby's first Christmas, wanting to throw herself into the spirit of the season. In "'Tis the Season," she describes how she sees something worthwhile in the longing to, just once a year, pretend: pretend that Santa exists, pretend that we can afford our gifts, pretend that everyone in the whole family (even the drunk uncles and imperfect parents) love each other without condition. There are worse things than that to give a kid.

So, in the spirit of good-intentioned lies we tell our kids and each other, Merry Christmas everyone! — Ada Calhoun

	Holiday Gift Guide by the Babble Editors Perfect presents for every family. Clothes DVDs Green Gifts Toys Gadgets Hand Made Stocking Stuffers Expectant Parents Grandparents Children's Books Luxury Gifts Charity
	Choosing His Religion by Erin K. Blakeley I'm Catholic. My husband's Jewish. What does that make our son?
	Presents, Please by Amy Lutz Why I don't believe in "no gifts" parties.
	The Grinch by Sasha Brown Worsham Why I won't let my child believe in Santa.
	You Better Not Cry by Jennifer Cattui Santa's the disciplinarian at our house.
	'Tis the Season by Kim Brooks Why my Jewish baby is celebrating Christmas.
	Christmas Special Round-Up 2007 by Lisa Carver and kids Shrek vs. Dudley Moore vs. The Doodlebops!

©2007 Nerve Media

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