In the wonderful movie The Polar Express, based on the award winning
children's book, written by Chris Van Allsberg, a bell from Santa's
Sleigh is the centerpiece of the story. As the young boy gets older and
more doubtful of Santa Claus, he finds that he can no longer hear the
sleigh bells on Santa's sleigh. Eventually, after a dream ride on a
magical train to the North Pole, he overcomes his skepticism. And Santa
gives him a bell as a Christmas gift - a bell he can hear as long as he
believes in the magic of Christmas!
As I left the theater with my wife and grandkids in tow, I thought
about the New Jersey State Legislature wanting to ban all Christmas music in
schools, including music that has anything to do with Santa Claus.
Yes, you read that right. Not Jesus...... Santa Claus.
Under the influence of our old friends, the American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) this crazy Legislation is actually being considered and most feel that IT
WILL PASS!
I guess in their loony, political way of thinking, if kids think of
Santa, they will think of Christmas and perhaps then..... think of the
real meaning of Christmas which IS the birth of Jesus.
Of course, we certainly can NOT have that!
Now songs about snow and winter are okay. Winter Wonderland is in. Here
Comes Santa Claus is out. Frosty The Snowman walks a fine line, but he
makes the cut. However, Rudolph - OUTTAHERE!
By the way, I am not even talking about LYRICS....... canned, pumped in
Muzak versions of Christmas songs like those we hear in the shopping
mall and on elevators, can NOT be played in the schools Bucko.
I suppose, thoughts of what Christmas is all about just may scar
children for life!
I would imagine that if they could the legislative wackos would ban The
Polar Express movie, as well as the book. There may even be a
moratorium placed on It's a Wonderful Life (there IS an Angel in it you
know) and Miracle on 34th Street. (Santa again, disguised as Kris
Kringle!)
Sound outlandish and farfetched? Well, in my mind it already is - all
of that and then some. Parents should be carrying torches and
pitchforks. What in the name of all that is right, is wrong with kids
believing in Santa Claus....... or the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy,
for that matter.
It is called ..... are you ready... I-M-A-G-I-N-A-T-I-O-N! Dangerous?
Yes! I'll tell you why.
Some adults actually grow up with these childhood thoughts and memories
still intact. Some adults do not kill off the child that dwells inside their
being. You know, that little boy or little girl who still exists
in your heart.
You can see that child in the sparkle of one's eyes. Heaven help the
man or woman who does not still have that spark, because that would
mean that the child inside is gone .. and they will never again hear
"the bell."
When I was little I used to sleep in my back room and dream about
Santa. I also used to dream about one day singing in a great quartet
and traveling in a big bus all around the country. I believed in Santa
Claus, and I guarantee you that little Joey could hear the magical
reindeer bringing the sleigh full of toys, as it zipped across the sky
in North Philly.
I still hear him, so I guess I am loony as well. New Jersey may ban ME
from the state (which would be awful because my sister still lives there).
My parents made sure that Christmas Morning was like Disneyland for my
sister and me, even though money was not in abundant supply on Jasper
Street. Many of my fondest memories center around Christmas.
Christmas songs, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are all still very
magical to me, and I am fifty-six years old. I still cry over the cane
left by the fireplace. I still get weepy over Zu Zu's petals. I still
get emotional over Prancer turning out to be the real deal at the end of
the story. I cry inside for those children who do not know what
Christmas is all about, and I cry more for the adults who stifle this
wondrous spirit.
Little Joey is still alive - and Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus. There
was a virgin birth, as well, and a Savior born who one day died on a
cross for our sins.
It is not all about money and presents and credit cards and what IS and
what is NOT politically correct. It is about letting a little magic
into your life and keeping the child inside your heart alive and
vibrant. When that spark flickers and dies..... when we let go of
childhood totally...... start packing, because we are nearing the end
of the trail.
So keep listening and keep believing. Can you hear the bell?
Merry Christmas (JSB)
Authors note: This little commentary was inspired by the New Jersey
Legislature, The ACLU, The Polar Express and my wife Mary Ann who, just yesterday
morning, turned to me with misty eyes and proclaimed....... "I think that in my
heart..... I am STILL little Mary!" Yes! Indeed she is!