First, did you know that Santa is a ninja?

He can fly through the air (via sleigh and reindeer), can disappear into the background when needed, and can fit into tight spaces (chimneys).

He may even be standing behind you right now.

Ha! He moved before you could look over your shoulder.

However, instead of using his skills for assassination, he uses them to provide presents across the world and bring the brightness of Christmas Cheer.

Christmas Cheer is an individual choice. We can make the Christmas Season a holiday of marketing and capitalism, of consumerism and debt, or we can make it a season of family and service, of joy and fun.

Santa is a busy fellow, so I believe his real work is done by the Secret Santas all around us. In fact, you too may be a member of the Secret Santa Society.

In the past year, have you:

• Taken a moment to do a random act of kindness? (help someone across the street, push someone’s grocery cart back for them, pick up something that was dropped)
• Visited a friend or family member in need of company and cheer?
• Made an anonymous donation?
• Volunteered your time at a school, event, or with a non-profit organization?
• Smiled at a stranger? (Not in a stalkerly way, but in a friendly way).

If you, or anyone you know, has done any of these, or anything like it, then you too have been a Secret Santa. And, as a Secret Santa, that means you are also a ninja. Although, I would not test climbing down chimneys without a good trainer.

This year, I’ve been able to participate in a few things to help others. Some things are small, and some are larger. Giving my time and resources to others is an easy task. It only takes a little effort to observe what others need and seek the opportunities to practice my Secret Santa Ninja Skills.

Being the one to often give, it has become difficult as my family has come into some financial challenges. We have enough to maintain a roof over our head and food on the table, but must be careful with other expenses. We are working on improving this, but it will take a little while for our efforts to bear fruit.

Seeing our challenges as Christmas approaches, some friends and extended family members have rallied together. We have been given anonymous monetary donations and small acts of service. All have been done with honest charity and love, and the kindness is difficult to bear. We are grateful, but we are used to using our own Secret Santa Ninja Skills to give. I believe it is actually easier to give than to receive. So, as we receive, we will give our gratitude.

It is the people around us who work miracles, who follow promptings and thoughts to take care of others. I think none of us know the true impact of our words and actions on others, and so I try to make my actions good ones. I don’t always succeed, so I am still in training.

So, thank you to all of the Secret Santas out there.

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I’ll be signing off for the next few weeks to spend time celebrating Christmas with my family, as well as prep projects for next year.

Before I go, I’ll leave you with three of my favorite things of Christmas:

1. This song from the Muppet Christmas Carol (I love the whole movie, but this song is my favorite part):

2. Christmas Decorations! Including, the Christmas Bunny Angel at the top of this tree…

And this sculpture of Santa kneeling at Jesus feet. (This is also one of my mom’s favorites).

UPDATE: Here’s our Nativity Scene with the addition of Legos and a few other things:

3. The best New Years / Christmas Dance Party Song:

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!