First it was the “ho, ho, ho-ing“.

Now it is his “bowlful of jelly”. ABC News is asking, “Is Santa setting a bad example?”

There is even a movement to keep our Santa’s portly: Keepsantafat.com.

Look, I realize that, historically, Santa has been thinner. But on whose lap would you rather sit?

I like my showers hot, my coffee strong and my Santas fat. So, Eat, Poppa, eat, indeed!

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When I hear Christians say that they want to put the “Christ” back into “Christmas”, I get it. After all, without the religious aspect of Christmas, what I am left with is that big fat guy who brings my kids lots of presents. Presents, presents, presents. Nothing chills my blood faster than hearing one of my kids whine, “I want this!!!” while holding up a toy catalog.

But, here is the rub: we aren’t Christians. And while I make sure my kids hear the story of Jesus’ birth, it isn’t the focus of our holiday. For us, the focus of the holiday is about family–our family and those families around us. We have all sorts of silly traditions that we do in our home and have added one “unsilly” one this year: we have adopted a family.

If you type “adopt a family” into Google, you will see a long list of organizations that promote this concept at the holidays. What we did was to email a friend who works for a local battered women’s organization. This organization provides shelter to women and their children who are trying to escape an abuser. Many of these women leave their homes suddenly with only the clothes on their back and their children by their sides. The holidays must seem so strange and lonely for someone who is in hiding and trying to begin a new life with no money, no possessions.

“Our” family is a mom with two girls. All we know about them is their age and their modest wish list. Reading their wish list makes me want to cry. There is no mention of ipod or wii or High School Musical. There are only ‘practical’ items along with one doll request from each girl. One doll; that is all.

So, while we will continue to stuff dollar bills into the ringing Salvation Army worker’s metal bucket and will drop off games for Toys for Tots, we will also begin shopping for a very special family we will never meet. Wrapped up in those boxes and stuffed into those gift bags will be our love and hope that the next Christmas will find them in their own home, with a Christmas tree, colored lights and freedom from fear and want.

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I may now have heard everything:

It is being reported that Santas in Sydney, Australia have been instructed to laugh “Ha, Ha, Ha” instead of the more traditional greeting because it may be considered offensive to women.

To which I say to those offended by the “Ho’s”:

“Nyah, nyah, takes one to know one!”

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