After that headline, you probably think I'm crazy already. I don't mean I literally think Santa Claus is up at the North Pole making toys as we speak. I mean I believe in the magic and joy of the season. I believe in everything that comes along with Santa. I love the change of heart people seem to have around the holidays. I know that Christmas is about family and the birth of Jesus, but Christmas just wouldn't feel like Christmas without the story of Santa Claus. This is because Santa is a personification of the values and traits that should be exhibited during the Christmas season. Believing in Santa at our age simply means believing in the spirit of Christmas.

The innocence of this holiday is something that the idea of Santa represents. Children are innocent enough to believe in something magical and someone bigger than them. When did we lose that pure childlike joy and innocence? They can believe in something they can't see and have hope that he exists. The fun and joy surrounding the holiday doesn't have to go away after a certain age. Deep down we know the truth, but this doesn't mean we have to give up our youth and our excitement for Christmas.

The magic of the holidays is represented by Santa as well. The magic we speak of at our age isn't the flying reindeer, north pole, driving in a sleigh kind of magic. Its the magic of people. People changing their hearts and learning love. People donating time and money to help make a difference for someone who really needs it. People loving other people and taking the time to show it. Someone leaving a large tip for a waitress who truly needs it. Paying it forward. The magic we see in people is the kind of magic we can still believe in.

Santa represents the joy and generosity of the season. Being 'holly and jolly' is something he is known for. The story of Santa is a story of giving to the less fortunate and bringing joy to people. We can all take a lesson from that. We give gifts to friends and family. We help the less fortunate a little more during the holidays. We just care about people more. This is one of the happiest times of the year - if you allow it to be.

Believing in the spirit of Christmas is simple. Believe in the innocence, the magic, the joy, and the happiness that come along during this season. As kids, we learn about Santa and everything he represents. Just because he goes away doesn't mean everything he represents does. We can still believe. We believe in everything we know Christmas should be. We can still believe in the spirit of "Santa."

the spirit of the season.