The Santa Dilemma

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We’re all settled and getting ready to celebrate one holiday while I have another holiday on the brain.

My spouse isn’t going to be home for Christmas.  So what to do?  Push it forward so that you can celebrate with your loved one or stick to the traditional December 25th schedule?   I know there are a lot of us in this boat; every military wife/husband will consider this at one point or another.  So what am I going to do?

I’m leaning toward the notion of pushing it forward.  I don’t think that Christmas is about a specific day on the calendar.  My personal religious beliefs are that we should have that spirit of giving, joy, and caring throughout the year, not on one out of 365 days.  I think it’s important to be with your loved ones during the holidays, especially for the military, because you never know if this will be the last for awhile. 

Since this is the case, I have one major thing left to do: Explain to the girls why Santa will be coming early.  I think I’ll go to the next door neighbors’ house (my neighbors all rock, I’m lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people)  and have them write the twins a letter. Mallory recognizes both Jon and my handwriting so it’s essential to have outside help.

 In the letter I’ll have them say that Santa understands that dad has to leave for work so Santa has authorized a one time  early delivery (I don’t want them pulling this card every single year.)  I also need to notify their teacher so that she can play into it, because we know how kids are.  All it takes is one skeptical child to make them doubt the whole scenario.  She (and all the girls’ TA’s) rock and I know they will do everything possible to make it fall together. 

Now that I’m done being peeved (OK, I’ll be honest I’m still flaming mad), I’ve got it all planned out and I’m just happy we’ll all be able to celebrate together. 

Are any of you in the same boat?  What decision did you make and why?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments!