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A friend shared her thoughts about Santa so eloquently a few weeks ago that I asked her to write them down for me to share here.
This is my first Christmas as a mother and it seems that I continue to hear the question, “how do I tell my kids about Santa Claus without utterly disappointing them down the road, when they find out he isn’t real?” First off, the question doesn’t make sense in my book, because Santa Claus IS real, but it does raise a valid concern for mothers who are trying to teach their children truth.
My mom taught me the history of Santa Claus. Although I don’t remember the exact words she used, he essentially is a 4thcentury Christian bishop who was famous for his generous gifts to the poor. His legacy lives on and he is the same jolly man who brings gifts to all of God’s children today. The important thing my mom taught in my home was that my belief in Santa Claus was really my belief in giving “gifts” (i.e. love, service, charity) to everyone. There was never a Christmas that passed where our family did not engage in “Santa helper” activities: giving up one of our toys under the Christmas tree to a family in need, going shopping for other children or delivering meals to people who lived in homeless shelters downtown. In fact, on occasion, we would even forego Christmas presents and do a large service project in orphanages or small towns in Mexico. In addition to the service outside of our home, my parents helped us find joy in giving to our family members. We still to this day, love drawing names and making our gifts a secret to each other. And amidst all of the service and gift giving, it is always exciting to see the joy full stockings and little surprises on Christmas day bring, whether they arrive via Amazon, down the chimney or by Mom.
So the question remains, “do you tell your kids there is a Santa Claus?” Based on my belief and my love for his lasting tradition, I say, yes. I love the words from the Christmas story, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus:
“Yes, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion
exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.”
Yes, Santa Claus exists and will always exist in my home as long as his image reflects that of charity, love and service, the same attributes as our Savior. Long ago a Christian bishop showed his love for mankind and Christ by giving, and we can do so today. Maybe we aren’t really Santa’s helper, but Santa is Christ’s helper, helping us bring good cheer to those in need every year.
-by Darien Laird, Arlington, VA
How do you share the love of Santa Claus in your home?
