BELIEVE!
Angela was not raised to believe in Santa Claus when she was little. When this family came together, Angela was 8 years old and had never had a Christmas with Santa. I was determined that she would come to believe in him and find the joy that comes with that belief! Our first Christmas together, was filled with doubt and hope! That night some bells rang in the attic. I figured it was just some bells that the cats must have found and were playing with or had knocked over. I didn't think about it any more and went to bed. On Christmas morning, Angela was thrilled that she had heard Santa's bells! She raced out to the living room yelling that Santa had parked outside her window! We all raced into her room and found that in the snow were parallel "tracks" running the length of her room (which was on the second floor and had a first floor roof right outside).
Another tradition that we started and kept for years was the "Certificate of Approval" for Santa. Angela became very concerned that Santa would only look at the "bad" things that she had done and that she wouldn't get any gifts. So we made up a certificate each year and had relatives and friends sign it for her. This certificate was left for Santa with his milk and cookies so that he could see that Angela was very good, but not perfect, and that she was a deserving child! It made Angela feel good that so many people were willing to "sign" for her and Santa got to know that Angela was not only a good kid, but was well loved by all the adults in her life.
When we moved the following year to a house with no balconies, Angela was very concerned that Santa wouldn't be able to find his way in to the house to leave her presents! Vincent had a very old key gilded and hung it outside our door. He explained that it was a magic key that would only work for Santa! And it did work! On Christmas morning, Santa had left Angela gifts and even left the key back in its place!
Now that Angela is 17, she helps out Santa each year by donning her "Santa Hat" and distributing gifts to the neighbors! They are simple gifts, home-baked goodies or breads, candy wreaths, decorated candles, but they are from the heart of this family. She has learned to love Christmas, not just for the gifts, but the entire spirit of the Season.
I joined the Site Fights on a whim! And have found that this "e-world" is filled with wonderfully talented, friendly people! I have received so much from my fellow fighters, and the fairies, elves, quills and other creatures that inhabit this place! I found that it isn't that important to me if my site wins or loses in the Fights. I have found friends with or without common interests, and hope that I can keep their friendships for a very long time!