This time of year is particularly special to me.

The first time I heard of him, I was just 3 or 4 years old.

But by the time I was five, I understood about the gifts he brings and boy, was I excited.

I believed in him for years until some kids my same age said it wasn’t true.

He didn’t exist and he doesn’t give us gifts.

So, of course, I asked my parents.

They weren’t very good at corroborating the story, life moved on, I got older, and I didn’t think much of him for a very long time.

I hit some hard times in my life when I desperately longed for the simple truths of childhood.

What could it hurt?

Since then, I’ve embraced the true meaning of this time of year.

And like when I was a little kid,

I once again have a faith and belief in him, Christ Jesus, and the gifts he gives.