Christmas through a child's eyes

The Bible says we must be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-4). Just what does that mean?! I've heard people say this means we must have the faith of a child, but what does that mean? Here's the straight scoop, through a little story from my past: I remember our daughters when they began toddling, then walking. They were a little bundle of energy! Our house was their whole world. they didn't know what was outside it, at least not past their yard. They didn't understand the vastness and complexity of what was beyond their own little world. Well, we began going for walks around the neighborhood, ranging far and wide. Once the house was out of sight, they could not return on their own. They were lost. They had no idea where to go or what to do, or even if they were safe. Yet as we crossed one street after another, they held our hands and knew deep in their heart that they were safe. They knew that mom and dad loved them and would always do what was best for them. They knew their parents would protect them from all harm and guide them in the best way to go, every single time. All they had to do was hold our hands and do what we told them to do and they would have fun along the way, whether they knew where she was going or not! She didn't get scared or hesitate. She embraced the trip down strange new streets as an adventure, with full confidence in her parents. That's how Jesus said we should be; like a child. It's called faith. I said that to say this. I once wondered how I should present Christmas to my children, with all the hype on Santa and gifts etc. Then in prayer one day God told me to do some learning and to have some faith. So I did. I learned the history of Santa and that he was a Christian man doing good and giving to children that had nothing. Yes over the years people have made him into things that should not be. But bottom line, he was a great man. At that point we choice to leave him in our children lives. But to teach them the true meaning of Christmas. Every year we always put Christ first. We baked Jesus a birthday cake and we always made a point to reach out to a family in need and to be a blessing to that family. Just like Christ would (and Santa if you read the history). We took a step back, choice to raise our kids to put Christ first, teach them who Santa is and to look through their eyes and make the best memories we could. As adults we get so tied up in "junk" we forget to really go back to that child likeness.. even Christ said that is where we need to be. Without that we can not have the faith that we need. I love God and how He choices to teach me things. I just love watching the people who are putting Santa down for Christ sake.. I just want to ask them.. did you celebrate Halloween??? Might want to do your history on that one too. With saying all of that. Put me down if you want.. I did do my homework... do what God tells you to do... I did!! But if you choice to not believe in Santa... don't tell my family.. keep it to your self... I love the look on Christmas morning as children light up.. I love watching as they choice to give to others... they love doing that. My kids are adults now, someday I will have grand kids and my children will have to make their own choices on how to raise them. I know they will do a great job no matter what. Praying everyone has a great Christmas!! God bless everyone of you!! And may Santa bring you lots of goodies. Most of all may you all learn to have faith like a Child in 2012!