CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
PRESCHOOLER PARADISE
TIME IS RUNNING OUT IN OUR PRESCHOOL AUCTION!
LINKS OF INTEREST TO FAMILIES
RESOLUTION:READ 2010
Please Read With Your Child!
Santa's Personalized E Stories
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
E CARDS FOR EVERY AGE AND OCCASION!
WHISPER "I LOVE YOU" DAY!
JANUARY 19
SEND AN E CARD FOR THIS OR ANY OCCASION!
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
Sunday, January 7, 2007
READING, WRITING, AND CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
Throughout the different phases of my life, I have constantly being amazed at the positive influence of reading and writing with our children. As a former educator, the advantages of exposure to reading - at home were obvious. I doubt that there is anyone who can not appreciate the strong foundation for the school years that reading at home creates for the preschooler.Word recognition,comprehension abilities, and listening skills are all fostered through the parent - child reading experience.Educators who have studied the topic agree that a link is evident between academic success and exposure to reading at a young age. I have witnessed evidence to support this in my days in the classroom.
I observed the greatest benefits of preschool reading,however, through my experiences as a parent of four children and grandparent of one. The greatest benefits of preschool reading is in the experience itself. It comes from the cuddle,the closeness and the joy of the moment.If you are a parent,you understand that sentiment. If you are not a parent,reflect for a moment on your own childhood memories of reading with your parents and I do not have to say another word to convince you of the importance of reading to preschoolers.During the preschool years,children may ask to read the same book again and again. My three year old son used to ask for the same book at least three times a day for a period of time.I'm sure there are parents out there who can relate to that experience.I'm sure there is even a parent or two who could relate to my thoughts at times that this story might be becoming a little boring! My son liked it for a particularly funny phrase which it contained-"And there in the woods a piggy wig stood with a ring in the end of his nose -with a ring in the end of his nose!"It made him laugh so heartily that all of my boredom slipped easily away! My three year old daughter was so proud when she could reverse the reading situation and read a book to me! At 3, she really didn't recognize each word but she memorized it from so frequently reading the story and knew exactly when to turn the pages! At this point reading had not provided her with word recognition skills but I feel it had already provided her with confidence and self-esteem as she was so proud of her accomplishments! She continued to excel in public speaking throughout her school years and developed into very confident young lady. I know many factors are at play in a child's development but I give a lot of credit to those reading experiences and the subsequent self-esteem which it fostered in her.
Sometimes our reading experiences with our children do not even have to involve books. You can "read" a child a story from the script in your mind! Think about it for a moment! Is there not a touch of a writer in us all? Do we not all have vivid imaginations? How many of us keep journals! How many participate in on-line forums? My middle son preferred the stories from the imagination,without the printed text. He preferred for me to invent my own stories. No, that did not provide him with word recognition skills but it still provided the valuable reading "experience". As well, it dismisses the abstract idea of author and puts it in a more tangible realm. If Mommy can write in her mind,then so can I! My youngest son developed a passion for writing and wrote an entire play while in high school. Reading and writing are intertwined! One skill fosters the other! The love of one supports the love of the other!Most children enjoy books when they are given the opportunity to explore.Previously, I was a Discovery Toys representative and I organized play groups for children. Children would gravitate towards the books. At times,a flashy cover or interesting feature would attract them to a book but it is the joy of reading which would ultimately keep their interest.
As a grandparent I continued to create stories for my grandchild. I could not read with him very often in person as he lived in another province so I began to send him stories via email - complete with graphics and animation. The feedback I received was that they provided lots of enjoyment. The enjoyment was mutual! This was the inspiration for
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES!
Instead of providing stories just to my family,I could broaden my enjoyment and create stories for others. There is no shortage of access to children's stories so I decided on a new twist to children's e stories -
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES!
Personalized stories are thought to be a self-esteem enhancer.Some personalized stories in the marketplace just contain the child's name (or their friends' names) but still the children learn to recognize their names and gain self-esteem from reading a story about themselves. Personalized stories can be the impetus to encourage a child to keep a journal or write a story about themselves or their family or friends. In my personalized e stories I decided to try to tweak the children's interest in reading by providing an unique story (some themes) for each child. Each story contains 8 - 12 elements of the child's life ranging from the simple - favourite colour - to the more complex - special wish or dream - so each story is as individual as each child. Any extra incentive which can encourage children to enjoy reading has to be positive.Instilling a love of reading in a child is giving them a gift which will last a lifetime! We pass down our recipes from generation to generation so let's not forget to do likewise with our books and their joys. Stories,read or written, don't have to cost a cent.Of course they can be accessed from library sources but regardless they are free in our imagination! So regardless whether or not you purchase stories or books, remember the reading experience and
PLEASE READ WITH YOUR CHILD!
RESOLUTION:READ 2007
Commit To Reading With Your Child Each Day During 2007!
SHARE YOUR "FAVOURITE READING MEMORIES" WITH YOUR CHILD
OR WITH YOUR OWN PARENTS!
POST YOUR CHILD'S OWN STORIES!
PERSONALIZED STORY REVIEWS BY SANTA AND EASTER BUNNY!
DAILY REBUS STORY AND PUZZLES!
SELECT A DIFFERENT REBUS STORY AND PUZZLES
EACH DAY FOR YOUR CHILD!
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
http://preschoolpersonalizedestories.
bravehost.com
I observed the greatest benefits of preschool reading,however, through my experiences as a parent of four children and grandparent of one. The greatest benefits of preschool reading is in the experience itself. It comes from the cuddle,the closeness and the joy of the moment.If you are a parent,you understand that sentiment. If you are not a parent,reflect for a moment on your own childhood memories of reading with your parents and I do not have to say another word to convince you of the importance of reading to preschoolers.During the preschool years,children may ask to read the same book again and again. My three year old son used to ask for the same book at least three times a day for a period of time.I'm sure there are parents out there who can relate to that experience.I'm sure there is even a parent or two who could relate to my thoughts at times that this story might be becoming a little boring! My son liked it for a particularly funny phrase which it contained-"And there in the woods a piggy wig stood with a ring in the end of his nose -with a ring in the end of his nose!"It made him laugh so heartily that all of my boredom slipped easily away! My three year old daughter was so proud when she could reverse the reading situation and read a book to me! At 3, she really didn't recognize each word but she memorized it from so frequently reading the story and knew exactly when to turn the pages! At this point reading had not provided her with word recognition skills but I feel it had already provided her with confidence and self-esteem as she was so proud of her accomplishments! She continued to excel in public speaking throughout her school years and developed into very confident young lady. I know many factors are at play in a child's development but I give a lot of credit to those reading experiences and the subsequent self-esteem which it fostered in her.
Sometimes our reading experiences with our children do not even have to involve books. You can "read" a child a story from the script in your mind! Think about it for a moment! Is there not a touch of a writer in us all? Do we not all have vivid imaginations? How many of us keep journals! How many participate in on-line forums? My middle son preferred the stories from the imagination,without the printed text. He preferred for me to invent my own stories. No, that did not provide him with word recognition skills but it still provided the valuable reading "experience". As well, it dismisses the abstract idea of author and puts it in a more tangible realm. If Mommy can write in her mind,then so can I! My youngest son developed a passion for writing and wrote an entire play while in high school. Reading and writing are intertwined! One skill fosters the other! The love of one supports the love of the other!Most children enjoy books when they are given the opportunity to explore.Previously, I was a Discovery Toys representative and I organized play groups for children. Children would gravitate towards the books. At times,a flashy cover or interesting feature would attract them to a book but it is the joy of reading which would ultimately keep their interest.
As a grandparent I continued to create stories for my grandchild. I could not read with him very often in person as he lived in another province so I began to send him stories via email - complete with graphics and animation. The feedback I received was that they provided lots of enjoyment. The enjoyment was mutual! This was the inspiration for
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES!
Instead of providing stories just to my family,I could broaden my enjoyment and create stories for others. There is no shortage of access to children's stories so I decided on a new twist to children's e stories -
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES!
Personalized stories are thought to be a self-esteem enhancer.Some personalized stories in the marketplace just contain the child's name (or their friends' names) but still the children learn to recognize their names and gain self-esteem from reading a story about themselves. Personalized stories can be the impetus to encourage a child to keep a journal or write a story about themselves or their family or friends. In my personalized e stories I decided to try to tweak the children's interest in reading by providing an unique story (some themes) for each child. Each story contains 8 - 12 elements of the child's life ranging from the simple - favourite colour - to the more complex - special wish or dream - so each story is as individual as each child. Any extra incentive which can encourage children to enjoy reading has to be positive.Instilling a love of reading in a child is giving them a gift which will last a lifetime! We pass down our recipes from generation to generation so let's not forget to do likewise with our books and their joys. Stories,read or written, don't have to cost a cent.Of course they can be accessed from library sources but regardless they are free in our imagination! So regardless whether or not you purchase stories or books, remember the reading experience and
PLEASE READ WITH YOUR CHILD!
RESOLUTION:READ 2007
Commit To Reading With Your Child Each Day During 2007!
SHARE YOUR "FAVOURITE READING MEMORIES" WITH YOUR CHILD
OR WITH YOUR OWN PARENTS!
POST YOUR CHILD'S OWN STORIES!
PERSONALIZED STORY REVIEWS BY SANTA AND EASTER BUNNY!
DAILY REBUS STORY AND PUZZLES!
SELECT A DIFFERENT REBUS STORY AND PUZZLES
EACH DAY FOR YOUR CHILD!
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
http://preschoolpersonalizedestories.
bravehost.com
Saturday, December 16, 2006
JULIA'S CHRISTMAS SPARKLE
This is a Christmas e story which has a children's safety message -
DON'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT TELLING YOUR PARENTS!
READ THE FIRST HALF OF THE STORY BELOW!
WISH TO RECEIVE THE ENTIRE STORY
WITH SEASONAL RED BACKGROUND, GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION?
WISH TO PERSONALIZE
THIS CHRISTMAS E STORY
WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME?
VISIT:
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
http://preschoolpersonalizedestories.
bravehost.com/sparkle.html
JULIA'S CHRISTMAS SPARKLE
WHEN JULIA WOKE ON CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING THE SUN WAS SHINING BRIGHTLY.JULIA SAW THAT THE SNOW ON THE TALL EVERGREEN TREES WAS FULL OF SPARKLES. JULIA FELT SPARKLY INSIDE AS WELL. JULIA'S MOMMY SAID THAT THESE DAYS JULIA HAD THE "CHRISTMAS SPARKLE!"
OF COURSE,JULIA HAD THAT SPARKLE A LOT DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASONS.SHE SPARKLED WHEN HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS WENT ICE SKATING ONE CHRISTMAS DAY. SHE SPARKLED WHEN SHE WATCHED HER FAVOURITE BALLERINA
IN "THE NUTCRACKER"! THE BALLERINA AND HER COSTUME SPARKLED RIGHT BACK AT JULIA! JULIA HAD SPARKLED THE MOST, HOWEVER, WHEN SANTA HAD BROUGHT HER SPECIAL,SPECIAL TEDDY BEAR. TEDDY MADE JULIA SPARKLE EVERY DAY. JULIA AND TEDDY ATE TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER AND TALKED TO ONE ANOTHER EACH DAY.THEY WHISPERED TOGETHER - BUT NOT LIKE GROWN UPS.THEY TALKED IN THE SPECIAL WAY THAT ONLY A GIRL
AND HER TEDDY BEAR CAN SHARE TOGETHER.
THEN JULIA REMEMBERED THAT SINCE THIS WAS CHRISTMAS EVE SHE HAD SOMETHING MOST IMPORTANT TO TELL TEDDY. JULIA WENT TO HER BEDROOM BUT TEDDY WASN'T ON HER BED. SHEWENT TO THE LIVING ROOM BUT TEDDY WASN'T ON THE SHELF. SHE WENT TO THE KITCHEN BUT TEDDY WASN'T THERE.TEDDY KNEW THAT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO TELL JULIA IF HE WAS GOING SOMEWHERE.JULIA WAS ALWAYS SUPPOSED TO TELL HER MOMMY AND DADDY IF SHE WAS GOING TO VISIT HER FRIEND NEXT DOOR. SOMETIMES THOUGH JULIA WOULD BE HAVING FUN AND SHE WOULD FORGET TO TELL HER MOMMY ABOUT VISITING HER BEST FRIEND.HER MOMMY AND DADDY SEEMED VERY SAD IF THAT HAPPENED. JULIA HOPED THAT TEDDY DIDN'T DO THAT! THE SPARKLE IN JULIA'S HEART SEEMED TO GROWING SMALLER AND SMALLER UNTIL SOON IT SEEMED
AS IF HER HEART DIDN'T SPARKLE ANY MORE.
READ MORE HERE!
DON'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT TELLING YOUR PARENTS!
READ THE FIRST HALF OF THE STORY BELOW!
WISH TO RECEIVE THE ENTIRE STORY
WITH SEASONAL RED BACKGROUND, GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION?
WISH TO PERSONALIZE
THIS CHRISTMAS E STORY
WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME?
VISIT:
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
http://preschoolpersonalizedestories.
bravehost.com/sparkle.html
JULIA'S CHRISTMAS SPARKLE
WHEN JULIA WOKE ON CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING THE SUN WAS SHINING BRIGHTLY.JULIA SAW THAT THE SNOW ON THE TALL EVERGREEN TREES WAS FULL OF SPARKLES. JULIA FELT SPARKLY INSIDE AS WELL. JULIA'S MOMMY SAID THAT THESE DAYS JULIA HAD THE "CHRISTMAS SPARKLE!"
OF COURSE,JULIA HAD THAT SPARKLE A LOT DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASONS.SHE SPARKLED WHEN HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS WENT ICE SKATING ONE CHRISTMAS DAY. SHE SPARKLED WHEN SHE WATCHED HER FAVOURITE BALLERINA
IN "THE NUTCRACKER"! THE BALLERINA AND HER COSTUME SPARKLED RIGHT BACK AT JULIA! JULIA HAD SPARKLED THE MOST, HOWEVER, WHEN SANTA HAD BROUGHT HER SPECIAL,SPECIAL TEDDY BEAR. TEDDY MADE JULIA SPARKLE EVERY DAY. JULIA AND TEDDY ATE TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER AND TALKED TO ONE ANOTHER EACH DAY.THEY WHISPERED TOGETHER - BUT NOT LIKE GROWN UPS.THEY TALKED IN THE SPECIAL WAY THAT ONLY A GIRL
AND HER TEDDY BEAR CAN SHARE TOGETHER.
THEN JULIA REMEMBERED THAT SINCE THIS WAS CHRISTMAS EVE SHE HAD SOMETHING MOST IMPORTANT TO TELL TEDDY. JULIA WENT TO HER BEDROOM BUT TEDDY WASN'T ON HER BED. SHEWENT TO THE LIVING ROOM BUT TEDDY WASN'T ON THE SHELF. SHE WENT TO THE KITCHEN BUT TEDDY WASN'T THERE.TEDDY KNEW THAT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO TELL JULIA IF HE WAS GOING SOMEWHERE.JULIA WAS ALWAYS SUPPOSED TO TELL HER MOMMY AND DADDY IF SHE WAS GOING TO VISIT HER FRIEND NEXT DOOR. SOMETIMES THOUGH JULIA WOULD BE HAVING FUN AND SHE WOULD FORGET TO TELL HER MOMMY ABOUT VISITING HER BEST FRIEND.HER MOMMY AND DADDY SEEMED VERY SAD IF THAT HAPPENED. JULIA HOPED THAT TEDDY DIDN'T DO THAT! THE SPARKLE IN JULIA'S HEART SEEMED TO GROWING SMALLER AND SMALLER UNTIL SOON IT SEEMED
AS IF HER HEART DIDN'T SPARKLE ANY MORE.
READ MORE HERE!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
SANTA'S "REAL" REASON
SANTA'S "REAL" REASON
BY MT FOWLER
I've been thinking a lot about Santa lately. Of course the time of year lends itself to thoughts of Jolly Old St. Nick.Despite what commercialism suggests, however, every Christmas thought is not always a completely sugary sweet one.Christmas feelings can resemble yuletide chocolate treats - sometimes both can be bittersweet. This Christmas I will have the "bittersweet" experience as all my family can not be together but Christmas memories of children and Santa are too sweet to be overwhelmed by a dash of contrast. I will reflect on children, Santa and past Christmas seasons. Ever since my children were very young however, I have wondered about Santa Claus, the tradition and his raison d'etre.
Preparing For Santa
I know all parents of young children are occupied with thoughts of Santa Claus during this season. There is the excitement and the anticipation that Santa's trip will meet with excellent reviews.Much preparation is necessary for Santa to deliver all his presents.Let's remember the parents whose financial means or lack therof cause festive preparations to be more of a challenge! Seriously,take the next few moments to think if you know someone who will need help at Christmas and if you are in a position to help in any way! The practical side of Santa fills up parents' lives at this time of year. Since I am the mother of four grown children, I can identify with this pre - occupation with Santa Claus. I know the concerns. I remember the excitement. I still feel the Christmas glow which I think only children can possess but can transfer to everyone in their presence.
Santa's Tradition
As a parent of young children, I thought of Santa's Christmas visit but I also used to wonder about the tradition of Santa Claus.Sometimes a tiny flicker of a thought would trouble me about Santa and his story. I have never asked another parent about this so it is entirely possible that this idea is not shared by anyone else. At times it would concern me that I continued year after year to profoundly insist that Santa Claus truly exists. There comes a time in every parent's life when they are asked the big Christmas question,"Is Santa Real?" I loved the Santa experience, revelled in it and played it to the hilt - including letters from elves and other special touches. I wondered at times though about what this little person would think when they discovered that this was all an elaborate hoax.Children give their trust so freely and believe so intensely in their parents.I dreaded the day when I would have to admit that there was no Santa.When they discovered the truth, how would they ever be able to trust me again! I know I had not been bothered by my parents' insistence about Santa in my childhood.Still, I gave great reflection to this tradition that causes us to extol Santa's virtues. Santa's virtues are undeniable but it is the means utilised to portray them that bothered me.I never did have to tell my children that Santa does not exist.I solved the trust issue in my own way by explaining that Santa really does exist.I assured them that I really knew that! He may not look as he is portrayed but he does exist. Using this explanation I never had to contradict my assurances from all those past years. My children are all grown and I even have one grandchild but to this day I have never told anyone that Santa does not exist.Truthfully, he does exist! Santa may not live at the North Pole but as long as there are parents and children then he will exist!
Santa's Reason
Santa's story may be fantastic but I realised it does serve a valuable purpose. Of course the ageless, "Yes, Virginia,There Is A Santa Claus," explains it best. The truth of that editorial is staggering and timeless. Santa does encourage children to believe in what they can't see but is still very real none the less. As this eloquent piece from the New York Sun suggests, it is the thing which we can't see which is the most valuable. So if you the parent are Santa - not the legendary man from the North Pole - then what could be better for a child to believe in than the pure love between parent - child. All the thought, concern and sacrifice that you as parents put into the Santa production is evidence that the essence of Santa is real. In the celebration of Santa we are not really promoting fantasy at all. We are showing what is most real - pure unconditional love. The Christmas gifts themselves are immaterial. The common adage - It is the thought that counts - is certainly true.I believe that children gain their best sense of being loved through the ordinary but constant and reassuring routines of daily family life. Santa, however, is the ultimate festive manifestation of this surreal ideal! How appropriate that it is an end of year celebration! Santa then becomes a physical manifestation of an eternal emotion. Children learn to have hope, experience exquisite joy, and believe in what seems improbable and impossible from their belief in Santa Claus.They learn to believe in ideals that can not be destroyed neither by the physical circumstances of this world or by the passage of time. These hopes and beliefs are as necessary to the spirit as nutrition is to the body.
Santa Lives
Santa then cotinues to grow and flourish as we continue to evolve both as individuals and as a society.Since he is surreal we must tap into his spirit. Keep Santa alive! The Santa Claus experience is not limited to our time as young parents. Certainly those times are magical ones! If you are a young parent who is reading this article, cherish those precious moments! They may be both hectic, concerning, and tiring all at once but they pass by more quickly than you can possibly imagine. Memories of small children and Santa become replaced with the joys of grown up relationships with your childen and exciting,new and awe inspiring experiences with your grandchildren. Santa lives within our hearts whether we are 9 or 90! We just have to nourish that spirit and let it show!
Santa's Stories
When our children are grown, we can easily re-discover Santa Claus through our granchildren or other tiny relatives or friends. My granchild helped me rediscover my inner child! We are separated by distance.I still wanted to keep in touch as much as possible, however, despite the physical separation. Since I could not read stories with him very often in person, I began to send him e mail stories containing both graphics and animation. These e stories became the inspiration for
Children's Personalized E Stories
Writing unique personalized e stories for preschoolers certainly helps awaken a younger spirit within you. I also offer children's personalized theme e stories and so providing
Santa's Personalized E Stories
certainly keeps the Santa spirit alive in my heart. All of us can find our Santa spirit in our own way. If you have lost your Christmas spirit the best place to regain it is in the company or service of young children. Re-reading "Yes, Virginia There Is A Santa Claus" is a definite direction to follow in the interim if you wish to re-discover Santa.
Santa Lives,
Is Definitely Real
And Exists For An Ultimate And Timeless Reason!!
Merry Christmas!
May we all experience a holiday filled with
Faith, Hope and Love!
MT Fowler is the mother of four grown children and the grandparent of one.
She is a former educator and Discovery Toys representative.
She presently offers
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES!
http://preschoolpersonalizedestories.bravehost.com
SANTA'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
POST YOUR CHILD'S OWN STORIES!
PERSONALIZED STORY REVIEWS BY SANTA
"JULIA'S CHRISTMAS SPARKLE"
A CHRISTMAS E STORY WITH A CHILDREN'S SAFETY MESSAGE!
WIDE SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS E CARDS!
BY MT FOWLER
I've been thinking a lot about Santa lately. Of course the time of year lends itself to thoughts of Jolly Old St. Nick.Despite what commercialism suggests, however, every Christmas thought is not always a completely sugary sweet one.Christmas feelings can resemble yuletide chocolate treats - sometimes both can be bittersweet. This Christmas I will have the "bittersweet" experience as all my family can not be together but Christmas memories of children and Santa are too sweet to be overwhelmed by a dash of contrast. I will reflect on children, Santa and past Christmas seasons. Ever since my children were very young however, I have wondered about Santa Claus, the tradition and his raison d'etre.
Preparing For Santa
I know all parents of young children are occupied with thoughts of Santa Claus during this season. There is the excitement and the anticipation that Santa's trip will meet with excellent reviews.Much preparation is necessary for Santa to deliver all his presents.Let's remember the parents whose financial means or lack therof cause festive preparations to be more of a challenge! Seriously,take the next few moments to think if you know someone who will need help at Christmas and if you are in a position to help in any way! The practical side of Santa fills up parents' lives at this time of year. Since I am the mother of four grown children, I can identify with this pre - occupation with Santa Claus. I know the concerns. I remember the excitement. I still feel the Christmas glow which I think only children can possess but can transfer to everyone in their presence.
Santa's Tradition
As a parent of young children, I thought of Santa's Christmas visit but I also used to wonder about the tradition of Santa Claus.Sometimes a tiny flicker of a thought would trouble me about Santa and his story. I have never asked another parent about this so it is entirely possible that this idea is not shared by anyone else. At times it would concern me that I continued year after year to profoundly insist that Santa Claus truly exists. There comes a time in every parent's life when they are asked the big Christmas question,"Is Santa Real?" I loved the Santa experience, revelled in it and played it to the hilt - including letters from elves and other special touches. I wondered at times though about what this little person would think when they discovered that this was all an elaborate hoax.Children give their trust so freely and believe so intensely in their parents.I dreaded the day when I would have to admit that there was no Santa.When they discovered the truth, how would they ever be able to trust me again! I know I had not been bothered by my parents' insistence about Santa in my childhood.Still, I gave great reflection to this tradition that causes us to extol Santa's virtues. Santa's virtues are undeniable but it is the means utilised to portray them that bothered me.I never did have to tell my children that Santa does not exist.I solved the trust issue in my own way by explaining that Santa really does exist.I assured them that I really knew that! He may not look as he is portrayed but he does exist. Using this explanation I never had to contradict my assurances from all those past years. My children are all grown and I even have one grandchild but to this day I have never told anyone that Santa does not exist.Truthfully, he does exist! Santa may not live at the North Pole but as long as there are parents and children then he will exist!
Santa's Reason
Santa's story may be fantastic but I realised it does serve a valuable purpose. Of course the ageless, "Yes, Virginia,There Is A Santa Claus," explains it best. The truth of that editorial is staggering and timeless. Santa does encourage children to believe in what they can't see but is still very real none the less. As this eloquent piece from the New York Sun suggests, it is the thing which we can't see which is the most valuable. So if you the parent are Santa - not the legendary man from the North Pole - then what could be better for a child to believe in than the pure love between parent - child. All the thought, concern and sacrifice that you as parents put into the Santa production is evidence that the essence of Santa is real. In the celebration of Santa we are not really promoting fantasy at all. We are showing what is most real - pure unconditional love. The Christmas gifts themselves are immaterial. The common adage - It is the thought that counts - is certainly true.I believe that children gain their best sense of being loved through the ordinary but constant and reassuring routines of daily family life. Santa, however, is the ultimate festive manifestation of this surreal ideal! How appropriate that it is an end of year celebration! Santa then becomes a physical manifestation of an eternal emotion. Children learn to have hope, experience exquisite joy, and believe in what seems improbable and impossible from their belief in Santa Claus.They learn to believe in ideals that can not be destroyed neither by the physical circumstances of this world or by the passage of time. These hopes and beliefs are as necessary to the spirit as nutrition is to the body.
Santa Lives
Santa then cotinues to grow and flourish as we continue to evolve both as individuals and as a society.Since he is surreal we must tap into his spirit. Keep Santa alive! The Santa Claus experience is not limited to our time as young parents. Certainly those times are magical ones! If you are a young parent who is reading this article, cherish those precious moments! They may be both hectic, concerning, and tiring all at once but they pass by more quickly than you can possibly imagine. Memories of small children and Santa become replaced with the joys of grown up relationships with your childen and exciting,new and awe inspiring experiences with your grandchildren. Santa lives within our hearts whether we are 9 or 90! We just have to nourish that spirit and let it show!
Santa's Stories
When our children are grown, we can easily re-discover Santa Claus through our granchildren or other tiny relatives or friends. My granchild helped me rediscover my inner child! We are separated by distance.I still wanted to keep in touch as much as possible, however, despite the physical separation. Since I could not read stories with him very often in person, I began to send him e mail stories containing both graphics and animation. These e stories became the inspiration for
Children's Personalized E Stories
Writing unique personalized e stories for preschoolers certainly helps awaken a younger spirit within you. I also offer children's personalized theme e stories and so providing
Santa's Personalized E Stories
certainly keeps the Santa spirit alive in my heart. All of us can find our Santa spirit in our own way. If you have lost your Christmas spirit the best place to regain it is in the company or service of young children. Re-reading "Yes, Virginia There Is A Santa Claus" is a definite direction to follow in the interim if you wish to re-discover Santa.
Santa Lives,
Is Definitely Real
And Exists For An Ultimate And Timeless Reason!!
Merry Christmas!
May we all experience a holiday filled with
Faith, Hope and Love!
MT Fowler is the mother of four grown children and the grandparent of one.
She is a former educator and Discovery Toys representative.
She presently offers
CHILDREN'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES!
http://preschoolpersonalizedestories.bravehost.com
SANTA'S PERSONALIZED E STORIES
POST YOUR CHILD'S OWN STORIES!
PERSONALIZED STORY REVIEWS BY SANTA
"JULIA'S CHRISTMAS SPARKLE"
A CHRISTMAS E STORY WITH A CHILDREN'S SAFETY MESSAGE!
WIDE SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS E CARDS!
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