When my little one was about 3 or 4 and was in preschool (and I was a well indoctrinated dub), on Christmas Day he asked if he was going to "school" that day. I said, "No- its Christmas Day" With a panicked look he told me, "What?!! Hurry, we have to put up a tree so that Santa will come and give us toys!" To which, I, as a good dubbie explained that there was no such thing as Santa, and that we didn't celebrate Christmas.
And in one moment, I destroyed his fantasy world and innocence.
Now- fast forward 6 years... last night we had a great Christmas eve. Complete with tree, and party, and egg nog, and lots of presents this morning. He got real spoiled with presents and we all feel like this is our first real Christmas. (Although any hope of magic or belief in something besides me buying stuff is long gone.)
But I remember still how I crushed his imaginary world a few years ago. And it crushes me.
Happy Christmas everyone.
May you find peace and freedom