Christmas Letters

Over a week ago, I began encouraging the kids to make their Christmas lists.  Last Sunday, several ads were in the newspaper, and Robert got right to it.  As with any 15-year-old, his list is rather short (and electronic).  He put it on my desk when he was finished.  Catherine made her list later that evening and put it in the window so the elves would take it.  I have to mention here, we have never had a talk with Catherine about the realities of Santa.  I can only assume as a seventh grader that she is fully aware, but she still follows through on ALL things...and with her personality, I'm just not sure.  By Monday evening, Thomas still hadn't made his list.  I asked him when he was going to get around to it, and he replied, "I don't know.  I've had a lot to do!"  I laughed and asked him what he had going on, and he mentioned homework and cleaning his room...all true.  Finally after his room was completely clean on Tuesday, he sat down and made his list, and it also went in Catherine's window that evening (I have no idea why it had to be her window, but I didn't question).  Somehow it came up that Robert hadn't put his in the window, and Thomas was aghast.  He wanted to know how Santa was going to receive the letter.  I quickly answered that Robert had mailed it.  Thomas wanted to know how Robert knew Santa's address, and I explained that we don't need to know...we can just put "Santa Claus, North Pole" and the US Postal service will be able to deliver it.  Thomas pointed out that it is the "US" postal service and I reminded him that they also handle international mail.  Good grief!  Again, he still seems to really believe, although I can't imagine things haven't been said.  At the same time, he has such an innocent and magical personality that maybe he is still a believer.  And regardless, if all of them are just playing along because nobody really wants to break the magic...I am a-ok with that as well!