Is the magic in the… believing?

The correlation between logic and magic is apparent. As logic rises, magic dwindles.

When you’re nine years of age (or younger), logic slowly starts creeping in. As it grips a steady foothold, many beliefs become shaky. Soon there seems to be a tussle between magic and logical reasoning.

The logic makes sense, but where is the fun in that? Where is the magic in that? Even a nine-year-old knows that. Steadfastly, she knows she must believe – firmly and resolutely – to make the magic last a little longer…


Santa's list - 2012. Some of her lists included stuff for the parents (necklace with gems was for mom). When those things didn't show up, she once said dismissively, "You grown-ups don't believe... that's why it doesn't work..."

This year was interesting. Santa has been on shaky grounds. But she didn’t want to take any chances – just in case. I can almost see her holding on tight – trying to believe – even when a part of her brain (and friends?) are telling her otherwise.
Besides, our Santa has always had some issues… She hasn’t quite said so, but…our Santa has some flaws.

Santa is lazy.

Some years ago, Santa left her a note saying that they were out of remote control choppers at the North Pole, so he would parcel her one through Amazon. Hmm…

Santa is not always resourceful

“How is it that Santa has the same wrapping paper as we do?”

“I think he used the one from our cupboard.”

Santa just plain forgets.

About eight months after Christmas - “Santa had said he would send me the quill and bottle of green ink by mail. He never did. He probably just forgot all about it. (eyeroll)”

Santa is cheap.

“I’m going to ask him for a big blue sapphire stone. He’ll probably get me a fake one. But that’s okay.”

Santa gets preachy

“Some parts of Santa’s letters are fun and some are just a little weird” (weird = full of advice).

How can Santa have so many flaws? Now parents, on the other hand… Blame it on increasing logic or whatever, Santa just seems more and more like the parents…

Yet she wants to believe. For not believing makes the magic go away. And where is the fun in that? Where is the magic in that? Even a nine-year-old knows that.

Although it makes me smile, I realize we don’t have to be only nine to do that. There are times and there are things we want to believe in, even when our mind is telling us otherwise.

And each time we are unable to do so, does a little bit of the magic get snuffed away? How powerful is believing? Does believing translate into hopefulness as we grow older? And is there magic in that?

So is the magic in the… believing?

Happy Holidays everybody!