ONCE UPON A TIME IT WAS WITCHCRAFT AND SANTA CLAUSE

There have been many times in years past that I can remember parents
having concerns about their children's belief in Santa Clause. Much
controversy has existed over the years with regard to whether there
is damage done to those who encourage their young children to watch
and wait for Santa, to ask him for gifts and to believe in the magic
of his appearance.

As time went by, the children were younger each year who truly
"believed" that there was such a true-life man. I can remember one
time when a little girl told me that "there must be lots of them
‘cause they do not look alike." Well, that is true, so what
does a parent say.

I know what my philosophy has always been on this, and there have
been others that had different opinions. One thing I do not believe
is that I have been hard pressed to find one child who was ever
emotionally disturbed by believing in Santa Clause. However, I have
often thought that based on the true meaning of Christmas, some
maybe did take it a little too far. However, it is a fun time for the
very young, and they share a joy at this time unlike that of any
other time in their lives.

Halloween is a completely different holiday, with the background of
its beginning maybe evil instead of good things for all people. Of
course, there is nothing evil about these little children who knock
on our doors each Halloween to "trick or treat".

However, I can remember a lot of concern one year in our community,
and even though I cannot remember all the details, this is an example
of what can happen when any holiday is viewed by different people.

We had the old historic high school and it had a basement that was a
little creepy at the time. The story got out that witchcraft was
taking place in that old basement and that a teacher was involved. I
never had any evidence that this happened, but flyers were
circulated around town, and now I cannot even remember all that they
warned about. One thing I remember was that everyone should keep
their children inside, especially blonde little girls, as the season
of Halloween was here and strange things would be happening.

I won't go into the background on each of the above holidays as it is
not too important to the following information. It is just that at
these times in past eras, concerns have been expressed over both.
Now, we move on to something that really bothers me. No, it is not
about passing out birth control to sixth graders. To me, it is
something that parents should take note of and that is that times
really have changed when we come to this.

I am not sure how long it has been since you have been in a school
Kindergarten class. Somehow, I missed this and then maybe it is not
taking place in many schools. I certainly hope we have not gone this
far. The children I see in these classes actually do not even know
what a street drug is, and I could be wrong, but do they need to know?

This was the question of the mother who picked up her child recently
from Kindergarten and the little one was wearing a red ribbon. Her
mother, a contributing columnist for a large newspaper, asked her
what she had done to receive the ribbon. The little girl quickly
told her that the ribbon was to show that she was "Drug Free My
Choice For Life."

There had also been a t-shirt for sale to go along with the theme of
this Kindergarten study that was imprinted with "Drug Free". The
mother had made sure the order form had been taken from her packet
before sending it back to school.

Like her mother, I was shocked when I read this. I know we have a
tremendous problem with drugs in America and in other countries, I am
sure. But, please - can we not let these children get to a point
where they even understand what this is all about. This child did not
and I doubt many would.

These little ones are still playing with Barbie Dolls, firetrucks,
and yes, video games. They read; they play games; they are at their
prime in having innocent fun. Can we not let it last just a little
longer?

Of course, the child, even after whatever she was told at school, had
to ask her mother what it all meant. What would this little girl know
or need to know about methamphetimines, crack or heroin?

I know I started school back in the dark ages, but I have traveled
down the path with younger Kindergartners. It is true, but take a
look at the Kindergarten Class of 2007. I just cannot believe that
this should be a part of "sharing time" in a Kindergarten class. If I
am wrong, it will not be the last time we read about this.

Now, that I have probably opened up a can of worms on the above, let
me just share another sad situation and this was just a movie. "Gone
Baby Gone" is viewed by critics as one of the best of the fall
releases. I agree. Directed by Ben Afflick, and starring his younger
brother, Casey Afflick and Morgan Freeman, there are many twists. It
is a tale of a lost child, a drug addicted mother, a 3-year old left
to care for herself, and the horror of crime in inner city Boston.
Those who see it should take note of just how our laws of today view
the "best interests of a child." Sorry, but it does not always work
that way and it not happen in this movie. It won't likely happen in
your community either.

No matter how terrible the lifestyle of a biological mother, we find
it rare for the courts to act in the best interest of the child. That
"biological" mother carries a lot of clout in any legal situation.

But, think about how you would feel on a policy of educating your
Kindergarten student on street drugs in the classroom. It may be
coming your way soon. Forget about Santa and the witches as they are
just small fry compared to this.

Barbara Minze is an editor for the Hubbard City News and the Mexia
Daily News.