Santa Claus, Vegan Parenting and the Spirit of Giving

I see Santa Claus as the personification of the Spirit of Giving- an embodiment to inspire us to tap into our own generosity. It is a connection we hopefully keep year round. When my children ask if Santa is real; I tell them, "Absolutely! The Spirit of Giving is real". As a family, we make gifts for our friends and family; we bring cookies to the neighborhood fire-fighters; and the kids each pick out a toy to purchase for charity. I feel so blessed to be a part of this energy- this Spirit of Giving, even in this relatively small way. And by blessed, I simply mean that I recognize the beauty and opportunity to contribute through that sharing.

I like being able to see myself with pride and feel like my Best Self. I often remind my oldest child, “If you’re ashamed of it, don’t do it. Listen to your body.” Here’s the best part of it: For most of our days, there is a tomorrow. There’s the chance for growth- to be even better versions of ourselves. The chance for atonement- to right a wrong-doing. And the chance for redemption- to earn back trust that had been broken. What an incredible blessing! To be able to: learn, grow, adapt, change, forgive and be forgiven. It’s like a new year that’s waiting to dawn, when we’re ready.

I carry gratitude with me all year round. Not only is this who I want to be and how I wish to experience the world, I model this way of being for my children. I teach my children to “pay nice back and forward”. Simple laws of physics tells us that energy can never be destroyed, only transferred. Perhaps, we can even transmute that unkind energy that comes our way. How powerful is that?! To empower our children, ourselves, with putting that energy into the world. Mmmm, Sounds a lot like LOVE to me. ;) Happy Holidays!

Alfee Westgroves is the host of Alfee’s Vegan Parenting Tips at WCUW 91.3. She is an activist, singer, actor, teacher, social worker, and the single mother of two. Born and raised in Mississippi, Alfee moved to Massachusetts at the age of 18- the year she became vegetarian. She recently celebrated her 22nd year of vegetarianism; the last 14 as vegan. For more on Alfee’s Vegan Parenting Tips: www.wcuw.org