Now for some discussion. I've been working on a theory and would like to bounce it off of my visitors. (Lurkers, too. It's my holiday wish for you to say at least "hello.")
Theory: Santa Claus. God. Same dude.
No? Hear me out here.
- Santa knows who's been naughty and nice. How could he know that stuff? Totally God's area of expertise.
- Santa is everywhere on Christmas Eve. Everywhere.
- Santa is acclimated to the cold. Hello? You tell me a better opposite of Hell than the North Pole.
- Despite the cold, both can warm hearts.
- Not everyone believes in Santa Claus.
- Santa Claus doesn't mind that.
- Both use threats to try to make people believe in them. Santa: No Gifts for You. God: Burning in Hell.
- Many parents totally try to force their kids to believe in Santa. And God.
- Santa brings presents. God, presence.
I'm sure there are other good comparisons here, but this is what I have so far.
With my religious background, I'm drawn to this theory. I've thought for so long now that holidays like Christmas and Easter were Christian constructs built around existing Pagan holidays. This helps to bind the two.
Of course, this theory will need to be expanded to include connections with other belief systems. I'm pleased with its progress so far.
I like #9.
What a great photo of you and the girls--I can't believe how big they're getting!
Merry Christmas, Mrtl & family!
Posted by: Sharkey | 2007.12.20 at 11:46 AM
I am dying from the overwhelming amount of cuteness that's oozing off of my screen. That's the greatest picture!
Ditto on the God stuff!
Posted by: Amber | 2007.12.20 at 12:48 PM
Lurker here. I could totally support that theory.
Also, both of them have beards.
Posted by: Jenny | 2007.12.20 at 04:20 PM
God, Santa Claus and me. We all love you. And think you three are the cutest.
Posted by: Susie | 2007.12.20 at 04:25 PM
What an ADORABLE picture! You three are the cutest!
I like your theory - and it's not a stretch by any means.
~faithful lurker :-)
Merry Christmas!!!!
Posted by: Cindy | 2007.12.20 at 04:38 PM
You guys are GORGEOUS, all three of you! Great picture, looks like you were having a lot of fun. :)
As for the Santa/God theory, I like it. I suppose especially if you are looking at belief as a general concept rather than a specific set of facts (which I am inclined to do) then any number of different understandings of "God" are similar at the root.
(That may have made no sense at all...)
Posted by: Ern | 2007.12.20 at 05:24 PM
OMGoodness! That pic is so great! You guys are adorable. <3
Hope you can make it to my partay.
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Posted by: Rachel Weaver | 2007.12.20 at 11:42 PM
But how does Mrs. Claus fit into this picture? However there are 12 days of Christmas and 12 Apostles. Very interesting. *thoughtfully strokes beard*
Ok, and could your holiday photo be any cuter? I doubt it.
Posted by: von Krankipantzen | 2007.12.21 at 02:16 AM
de-lurking
"hello!"
***I've named my bf in my cell phone contact as "Tangent"...He reminds me of you...
Lurking up now....
Posted by: Chick | 2007.12.21 at 02:27 AM
In fact, I used the comparison when my daughter asked me ("no, really Mom") about the 'Santa Truth'. I'm sticking with it. It may not look like Tim Allen in a red suit, but the spirit and magic Santa brings is as good as it gets.
Love the picture. Happy Holidays to you!
Posted by: jana | 2007.12.21 at 07:35 AM
Hello and Merry Christmas from a lurker in Maryland!
Posted by: Kat | 2007.12.21 at 06:48 PM
Merry Christmas, friend!
You look so pretty and skinny -- with great hair, too. And the girls look absolutely adorable!
I can't believe it's been over a year. Where did the time go?
I hope that your family is safe and happy this holiday. I've been thinking about you!
Posted by: ~Kabe | 2007.12.21 at 09:54 PM
That is the most adorable and amazing photo! Merry Christmas Mrtl.
Posted by: Nina | 2007.12.23 at 01:06 PM
That photo is priceless.
Posted by: William | 2007.12.26 at 10:46 AM
Fantastic picture, Mrtl!
merry christmas to you and all yours eh.
Posted by: Amy | 2007.12.27 at 02:10 PM
Oh! I missed your post. Happy New Year almost! And thank you for the wonderful picture.
Posted by: Daphne | 2007.12.29 at 02:48 AM
When I was 5 or 6, I said to my mom, "What if Jesus is like Santa? Just something people tell other people to make them be good?" This idea did not go over well with her, given her beliefs, but I think I hit the nail on the head.
Fantastic photo, by the way!
Posted by: kalki | 2007.12.30 at 09:33 PM
Happy Holidays!
Beautiful photo.
(Most other belief systems also have religious holidays around the same time of year... probably related to seasonal changes (solstices, planting wheat, etc.) that influenced the pagan holidays in the first place.)
Posted by: catherine ryan | 2008.01.04 at 12:20 AM