When we added children to our family, my husband and I began to discuss in earnest how we would handle “The Santa Issue” at Christmastime.We knew some devout Christians who were “anti-Santa”: Parents who wanted to make sure the focus on Jesus didn’t get lost amidst secular Christmas celebrations, and so did not include Santa as part of their family’s traditions. While we could appreciate this sentiment, we also recognized that Santa was a prominent feature in mainstream American Christmas. We wanted our children to equate Christmastime with joy, not “Christmas is the time when we don’t get to take part in all the fun things our friends get to.”
It’s a delicate subject.
My wise friend Tracy provided some helpful advice: “In our family we handle this issue by making Jesus so much fun that Santa simply pales in comparison.”
This approach really resonated with us. And so began a many-years-long effort to establish creative and meaningful traditions to help our family focus on the “Christ” in Christmas. Santa’s there—he’s just kind of in the back seat.
By the way, several resources exist to help parents explain where the tradition of Santa Claus originated. Most of it is the stuff of legend and has morphed into different renditions over the centuries. But most versions agree that the original St. Nicholas was a godly, generous man who was devoted to the poor. Not a bad role model, if you ask me.
For a helpful overview of how Santa has evolved over the years, check out the History Channel’s article here.
How do you feel about Santa? Does your family include him as part of your Christmas celebration?
We like to "play Santa" at Christmas with the kids, and explain Santa was based on real person in history (like what you shared) who was kind and generous and giving to others. I have leaned, since our oldest entered Kindergarten this year, to ask her to keep this info about Santa a secret around the other kids - that we would let their parents decide what and when they would tell their kids since some parents like to pretend Santa is real at Christmas. After explaining this, AK said, "Why don't you act like he's real with me?" I just said - if she found out one day that Santa wasn't real (though I'd told her/acted like he was for years) I didn't want her to ever doubt that God or Jesus weren't real either, as if I'd somehow made them up, too. Not stressed about it, just where we landed the plane. Or sleigh. However you see it. :)
ReplyDeletethis is has been a hilarious one for my question-asker. Last year, I confused the living heck out of him - it was really quite sad. This year, we reference Santa more, and he seems less confused by it, but we are trying to make Jesus "more fun." But, if my kid needs Santa therapy, I guess I'll be footing the bill.
ReplyDeleteMy John--Mr. Literal--had figured out Santa wasn't real before he headed to kindergarten, too. So we had to have the same conversation with him that you did, Chanin (about not spoiling it for other kids). But then he became confused that year when in kindergarten, his teacher had them write letters to Santa, and then she mailed them--in the mailbox--personalized "letters from Santa" in return. He still (2 years later) isn't quite sure about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts, Stephanie. It was funny because Truman and I were just having the conversation about whether we will do "Santa" with our kids about 2 nights before this post. We enjoyed discussing your thoughts after we read your blog. :)
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