Making believe is part of human nature

One of the basic norms of human behavior is the ability to delve into a world of fantasy. In our English language, we refer to this capacity using the words, "making believe." It is as basic to our humanity as breathing to our lungs, sight to our eyes, or sound to our ears. Without the dream world that "making believe" allows us to create, our lives would be very dull indeed.

There are many types and styles of "making believe." Over the next few days, our western culture will participate in one of the most traditional of these fantasies, "Santa Claus."

There are a few who disagree with the concept of Santa Claus. For them I have only one emotional response, regret. Regret that they can find fault with one of our most cherished traditions.

For me, Santa Claus has two different timelines. The first of these is from my own childhood memories. I am uncertain as to when I first became aware of this person called Santa Claus, but I am sure I knew by around the age of 3. Looking back now, I remember the absolute thrill that I received from the very idea of "good old St. Nick."

Just as I cannot remember when I first gained knowledge of Santa, I have no concept of when I finally lost my innocence, and realized there was no such wonderful person. Loss of innocence, is a good description of how a child feels when they discard this youthful illusion.

Imagination is a wondrous human ability. It is best described in the common phrase, "it's the stuff dreams are made of." If we only live in the real world, the here and now, I suspect we would all lose our collective minds.

In 1955, country song writer, Jimmy Work, wrote a song titled "Making Believe." This song was soon recorded by the legendary Kitty Wells. Since that time, countless artists have cut their own recordings of the song. My personal favorite was the'70s era version by Emmylou Harris.

What soulful lyrics this simple song gives to us. "Making believe, that you still love me ... Can't hold you close when you're not with me, You're somebody's love, you'll never be mine ... Making believe, I'll spend my lifetime, Loving you and making believe."

Most of us can sympathize with the feelings of these lyrics. For virtually all of us have experienced at one time or another, the wondrous thrill and the horrible sense of loss, where love was involved.

Has there ever been another single word that so many songs have been written about. How many books, movies, plays, or television shows, base their entire plot upon love?

If you want to know why we need making believe, you need seek nothing further than love. If I asked you to define the very meaning or idea of romantic love, how would you even begin? It is an elusive entity that no one from William Shakespeare to Margaret Mitchell, could exactly portray.

Yet, where would we be without writers like them? They let us peer into their own world of making believe. How can there be the double suicide of teen lovers, as in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, if there is not making believe. When Queen Elizabeth requested a comedy from good old Will, he produced a spoof on love called "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

If you've ever read or viewed "Gone With the Wind," you have been tormented page after page, scene after scene, that Scarlett would not allow herself to see that it was Rhett that she really loved. These characters have become so much a part of what we think and feel about love, and yet they exist only in the world of make believe.

I am certain that there are those among you, who will try and convince me, and for that matter yourselves, that you don't believe in making believe, or in love. To that feeble attempt of denial I say, "balderdash." If you are uncertain of the meaning of that word, simply substitute "nonsense."

Making believe is and always will be a part of humanity. If it weren't, then why would we continue to value such whimsical follies as Santa Claus? Why is it, that after I learned there was no Santa Claus, I became, just as willingly, a conspirator in perpetuating the tale?

The answer is obvious and simple. I loved the fiction of Santa Claus, and I want the little one's who follow me to experience my same joy. Just as I once could barely breath when I saw my first Santa, I want my own grandchildren to do the same.

A few years ago, the CMT Network, had a countdown list of the greatest country and western songs of all time. Coming in at number one was the song, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," by George Jones. If you think there is nothing to this make believe thing or love, then why did the Library of Congress find a special place for this timeless recording?

When you hear the lyrics you feel you know the person George is singing about. A man who has spent his life loving a woman he has lost. When it comes to love and country music, there is a line from a song that says it best, "play me a George Jones Song!"

For several years I have been calling the youngest children of my family and friends on Christmas Eve. I portray Santa Claus on the phone. It's only make believe, but it gives me more pleasure than just about anything else that the season offers. Just to know that they believe there is a Santa gives me a special reward, and it's most definitely, my favorite kind of "Making Believe."

Are those sleigh bells I hear?