Top Five Reasons I Know Santa Is Real

Every year there are so many questions about Santa Claus. Who is? Is he real? Why can't I see him? Why won't he bring me that expensive toy that I want?

There are is a lot of mystery and misconceptions about Santa. But just because he is hard to understand doesn't mean that he doesn't exist.

Santa inspires what is best in all of us: Love, Friendship, Youth, Happiness and Magic. Santa links us to one another and to a time of year that celebrates many holidays and many holiday traditions.

I know that Santa exists because I see evidence of him everywhere. Here are the top five reasons that keep me believing.

Every year, there are more and more movies about Santa Claus, ones that include Santa, Santa's elves and Santa mishaps. Some are old classics and some are brand new.

If Santa weren't real, why would there be so many movies, TV shows and animations inspired by his wonderful self?

Not only is he a wonderful person that helps spread cheer, his beautiful suit and snowy white beard look great on camera. No wonder he continues to be such a popular tradition.

There are plenty of movie stars out there but no one dominates the Christmas movie screen time like Santa Claus.

Here are just a few of the great Santa Claus movies.

Another area where Santa dominates is on the radio airwaves. Where there is a Christmas song there is likely a Santa reference. Even if a song is not directly about Santa, it likely mentions his magic and mystery.

People sing about things that inspire them and obviously, around Christmas, Santa is the most inspirational.

Santa and the idea of Santa tends to take people back to a simpler time and a simpler way of looking at the world. And there's nothing wrong with that. We could all use a moment to step back and just allow basic magic, wonder and understanding to overcome us and embrace us.

Some of the best songs that are about or inspired by the magic of Santa include:

• Santa Claus is Comn' To Town
• Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
• Up on the Housetop
• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• The Christmas Song
• Santa Baby
• Must Have Been Ol' Santa Claus
• Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
• I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
• Little Saint Nick
• My Grown Up Christmas List

Each of these remind all of us, young and old, about the magic of this holiday season and the magic of Santa.

As if we didn't get enough evidence watching "Miracle on 34th Street"--the post office officially recognizes Santa, we also have recognition from North American Aerospace Defense Command.

NORAD is a joint effort between Canada and the United States to keep track of any kind of air or missile threats. They partner with monitoring stations all across North America and the world.

Of course, when Santa makes his annual Christmas eve flight, NORAD needs to know about it.

But because Santa is not a threat, NORAD also allows all of his fans, both young and old, to keep track of his journey and realize when it's time to hurry to bed.

Anyone can follow Santa's progress here: http://www.noradsanta.org/

This site gives up to date reports and records videos at select locations throughout Christmas Eve. You can also explore he North Pole while you are waiting on his annual visit.

There are Santa traditions all over the world including Santa, Father Christmas and Pere Noel. Each country may understand Santa a little differently, but the fact that he crosses both physical and social barriers shows the power of this great man.

Part of his universal appeal is that he represent common goodness found among many diverse people in the world.

Some of the universal emotions he touches on include:

• Love: Santa represents love of each other, love of sharing and the unconditional love of children
• Excitement: Nothing quite replaces that pit of your stomach feeling you get when you are anticipating something exciting. Children all across the world can get excited when they go to sleep dreaming of Santa.
• Charity: Santa inspires giving of your time and love and of putting someone else's needs above your own. What can be better than that?

Everyone needs a little magic in their lives and Santa helps to bring that. From his magical journey across the world to his flying sleigh and reindeer. Santa helps to inspire and make the world a little bit nicer.

Part of his magic is his timelessness. For several centuries now the tradition of Santa has existed and evolved. But no matter how much it changes and how our ideas change, the underlying reasons for Santa still exist.

In a world of ugliness where reality is scary and unbearable for even adults, it's nice to have some reprieve from the harshness. Santa with his gentle smile, twinkling eyes and soft warm body makes all of us feel safe and warm for the moment.

In today's fast-paced society where kids are burdened with the knowledge of all that is bad in the world, it may be hard to still believe in the simple goodness of Santa and all that goes with the tradition. Here are some ways to insure that the spirit of Santa is alive and well in your home.

1. Read "The Night Before Christmas Together"
2. Read "Yes Virgina There is a Santa Claus"
3. Become a secret angel for a family in need to see how good it feels to give.
4. Watch a Christmas movie together
5. Talk about magic, love and traditions and how all three help to make the holiday better

Santa is a wonderful tradition that is important to keep alive. Though the world is cynical and many of us fall away from the heart of this beautiful tradition, there are still many reasons to come back.

In the words of Willie Nelson, "You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but as for me and Grandpa, we believe."