The Case for Santa Claus

Kris Kringle. Sinterklaas. Papa Noel. Father Christmas. St. Nicholas. He goes by a multitude of names, but I know him best as Santa Claus. For as long as I can remember, one of the prominent symbols of Christmas, other than the manger scene with the Christ child, has been the bearded, crimson-clad jolly old man himself. As a child, it always filled me with wonder and amazement as I imagined him taking off on cold, snowy Christmas Eve nights to slow the flow of time and visit every good girl and boy in time for Christmas morning.

For every name by which Santa Claus is known are ten or twelve stories and Christmas specials trying to justify and explain his existence. If one were to try and take every story, poem, and song regarding Santa Claus and put them all together as all-inclusive canon, it would truly be maddening and undoubtedly contradictory. Yet, as a testament to his enduring power as a symbol of joy, happiness, and the Christmas spirit, one need not look any further than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, malls across America and box offices worldwide to know that the symbol of Santa isn't going anywhere soon.

However, in spite of his popularity and power to endure in the hearts and minds of children everywhere, he also has been the target of a lot of criticism. Allegations of all kinds have been made, from the ridiculous "Santa is an anagram of Satan" to the understandably misguided "Santa distracts from the true meaning of Christmas." Many a child has been reduced to tears after being told the "truth" about Santa Claus. Just recently, my sister was asked an open (yet very pointed) question regarding him by a coworker. Asked she, "Why do we lie to our children?" My sister's response was so amazing, I decided to repost it here. After all, in spite of all of the criticism and slander on the good name of Santa Claus, I hereby declare that I do believe in him and so help me my children will also. Thus, after much exposition, I present to you the case for Santa Claus.

1. First of all, Santa Claus is and should be a lesson in selflessness. After all, are we not taught to give without regard for who sees us; to offer alms in secret? Granted, I know that there will be a time when I am the one who is placing presents underneath the tree, filling stockings and the like using my money that I earned by working all year, but the matter of undue credit has never been an issue for me. You see, what was important to my parents-- as will be important to me-- is that my wife and children are smiling and happy on Christmas morning. I'm not buying them toys and other gifts because I want them to love ME; I buy them gifts and presents to remind them of how much I love THEM. Sound familiar? It should...
2. Gift-giving shouldn't be the focus of Christmas, but it isn't the bane thereof either. After all, does anyone fault the wisemen of tradition who gave the baby Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh? Think about it. Christmas is all about giving. The gifts the wisemen gave, probably the finest they had, were not out of obligation or a subset of commercialism. Heck, the presents weren't even particularly useful to the baby Jesus, especially when compared to what He would give them. The wisemen were giving to show their devotion, admiration and love for the one who would later bring them the greatest gift of all; even that of eternal life.
I imagine that a young St. Nicholas was touched by the example of those wise men, and devoted his life to giving gifts to children everywhere. In fact, I don't ever recall a Christmas story or special where Santa Claus said, "I want the children to worship me, not He for whom the holiday is named!" He knows that the Savior of all mankind already has the world and everything in it along with creations innumerable. All Santa Claus can do is follow His example, and give in a way only he can. So the same should be for all of us!
3. This one is by far the most important, and I will paraphrase the words of my sister on this one. Essentially, it is important that children learn to believe in that which they cannot see, but can find tangible evidence of its reality. For example, how do you teach a child to believe in love? Honesty? Angels? God? They can't see these things/beings, but they are as real as you or me. All they can do is believe and trust in the evidence of the existence of the aforementioned items/beings. For all my flowery wording, I think it was best stated by the Saint himself in the Miracle on 34th Street.

"I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor.... I'm a symbol. I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If you can't believe-- if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt."

I love this quote. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be preachy... just trying to get my feelings out there. Whatever you choose to do for your family and household is entirely up to you! Regardless, I bid you all a very Merry Christmas! I will probably post something here before the big day, so stay tuned!