Now, no matter what your religious preference is or if you even believe in Saints, doesn't change that St. Nicholas represents a selfless act of giving. Rather it be material gifts, money where needed or often most valuable gift of a little of your time, it's about act of helping someone else for no other reason then just because they need it.

As St. Nicholas had figured out as a young man, we truly, as adults, begin to understand Santa Claus when we realize that best gift of all is not on receiving end, but being one giving. And being rich doesn't always mean having a lot of money. Often, especially these days, taking time to spend with someone, inviting them over for dinner or even putting food on their table, can make all difference.

But how do we explain this to a child? Well, we do it in stages. They first have to learn how much receiving a gift meant to them to understand how much it means to others. And Santa Claus, well he is a perception of a truly magical holiday spirit presented to them in a way with which they can associate at this point in their lives.

So, how do we, as parents, answer this question in a way our young children will understand? You, as a parent, should decide when it's time to come clean. You can meter this by deciding when you feel they will understand that Santa Claus really does exist in all of us and he often means something different to each person they'll meet. A child grasping this is a big step towards learning what holidays are truly all about.

"Only 3 of 18 products tested produced a positive result when testing urine that contained amount of hCG typically present during second day after a woman's first missed period. By third day, 8 products tested appeared effective. It should be noted that all home pregnancy tests become more accurate after at least one week of a missed period". CONGRATULATIONS! ************************

Source: Scienceblog, Reuters Health (c) 2004 Karen Zastudil