Our oldest son, Will, is now 7 years old. He's the perfect age for Christmas magic. Will is totally into Santa Claus this year. He's been working on his list for Santa since July.

He advises his 4 year old brother, Ben, that acting up will get him on Santa's bad boy list. Will worries that Santa may not bring Molly, our baby, anything this year because Santa may not know that she's here. He even draws pictures of Santa and the elves for his two year old brother Chris to scribble on. Will believes in Santa Claus right now with all of his heart and soul.

His daddy and I are enjoying every second of this because we know that soon things will change.

Right now Will's world is sugarplums and flying reindeer. He still likes to snuggle with me and read, and he plays pretend with his brothers. At the same time, this is the kid who won't let me kiss him in front of his friends and who won't wear his Batman underwear on gym days. The real world is creeping in, and that thought clenches my heart.

I don't want to shelter Will, and I really look forward to knowing him as he matures into a young man. I'm not ready for him to grow up yet. I just wish that he could hang on to his innocence for a little bit longer.

One of these days Will is going to ask us that dreaded question "Is there really a Santa Claus?" We have to be prepared, and we must be honest. Yes, Will, there is a Santa Claus. Santa is working overtime again to pay the Christmas bills. Santa will be up all night on Christmas Eve, not riding in the sleigh, but sitting on the living room floor putting together toys and installing batteries. Mrs. Claus will be frantically pushing the stroller through the crowded malls during school hours to make sure every child's wish is fufilled. She'll be up on Christmas Eve with Santa, wrapping presents and stuffing stockings. Then, on Christmas morning, Santa and Mrs. Claus will enjoy the looks of astonishment on our kids faces as they see the magic of Christmas come true.

Santa Claus is everything magical and good and innocent. I don't want Will to lose that, at least not just yet. I don't think it will be so traumatic for me when our younger children get to this point...but I may be wrong. I know that when the time comes, Will is going to be a great elf. He'll do a great job keeping the magic alive for his younger brothers and sister. We'll know that he's ready for the reality of Santa when he asks about it.

I'm afraid I'm the one who won't be ready.