Is Santa Real?

On Monday we took our puppy to visit with Santa and support (?) the SPCA by buying a photo with Santa. The intention was to get a photo of Leela and Santa but the girls were added as well. It was unfortunate that they weren't dressed for the occassion but dressed for everyday life in the personal taste clothing. :) This visit brought up the question, "Mommy, is Santa real?" I sort of took the bailing out method and asked, "What do you think?" Mackenzie's answer was, "he's someone ins a costume wearing a white beard." Then with the desire to keep the innocent joy of belief in Santa alive, I responded, "Santa has a lot of helpers." People who dress as Santa and visit with children and dogs. People who watch and see if you are being good or not so good. Taylor supported this way of thinking. I also had to add that Santa helps people to learn about giving without expecting anything back. Santa gives to a lot of people and might only get milk and cookies back. Unfortunately, many people just learn to ask for more. Over both Taylor and myself, Mackenzie kept saying, "but he's someone in a costume with a white beard!" Ah, the "innocence" of children. Or should I say, one-way thinking, especially Kenzie.