"How Punxsutawney Phil Killed Santa Claus"

So last night Punxsutawney Phil killed Santa Claus in my house.

It was blood bath.

And the only one who may have not
been damaged in all the shooting
was Levi, my 2-year-old son.

Time to back up.

First, let me say Sam and I perpetuate the
lie of the magicalness of the mystery and
excitement of Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fair,
Washer Troll (you know the one who likes
to steal socks out of the the washer so you
can't make a match), etc.

We can debate the merits of why this is
bad, harmless, etc... whatever your view
may be, but that's not what this blog
is about today.

We do it. End of the above debate.

But, we have a 3rd grader, 8 years old.
He's a know it all punk at Fairview Elementary...
I'm kidding of course.

The point is, he's not dumb. He does the math
and figures things out. Things add up, and
don't make sense to him.

SO, let's get to last nights dinner.

Well, let's start with Groundhog's day.
The 1st grade daughter brings a paper
home about the day.

Facts about Phil.

One fact said some people believe that
even though ground hogs only live 6-8 years
(depends on who's shooting I guess) Phil actually
receives a "magic" potion that has helped
him live for over 100 years.

Dinner, last night.
The boy genius went off.
"That's not possible."
"That's not true."
"It's fake."
etc. etc. etc.

And then this, in the company of his
6 year old sister (who is already questioning Santa),
his 4 year old brother who idolizes him, and
his 2 year old brother who really doesn't even
get it yet:

"Punxsutawney Phil is not real!
Santa is not real!
The Easter bunny is not real!
The tooth fairy is not real!"

All because a ground hog can't live
forever by drinking the water in
Indiana County...

Santa Died! He's dead.

I guess I'm going to have to have the
talk with my son one day soon...
you know... play the game with us
for the sake of your brothers.

R.I.P Santa Claus, February 3rd, 2011