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I have always been a believer in Santa Claus. I refuse to believe that the magic of St. Nick is not alive and well. I mean really, what fun do people have who take life so seriously that magic is not allowed to seep in? The way I see it, is that if I don't believe, then who will bring me that extra special, extra big present on Christmas day?
Parker is excited for Christmas and I think he believes in Santa Claus. But, as for the Elf on the Shelf, well, he is not buying it. Maybe I played up the naughty and nice thing too much. Maybe I made him believe an actual breathing and talking elf was going to appear at our house. Whatever it was, when he saw "Shelf" (that's what he named him a couple years ago) for the first time this year, he was not impressed. In fact, he was down right disappointed.
So every night when Shelf moves about and finds a new place to sit, he is only greeted with an eye roll and a "but I know he is not real, so why did you put him there" from my blunt little three year old. But let me tell you, I will continue to play along in hope that the magic will return to his heart. Because really, what fun is it to not anticipate, to dream, and to believe?
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P.S. Today I caught Parker talking to Shelf when he thought I was not listening. He said, "I know you are just a toy, and not a real elf, but I like you anyway. And thanks for bringing me a candy cane today."