For LDS parents (and indeed for all Christians), the question of whether or not to encourage children to believe in Santa is a difficult one. Parents who desire to focus on the spiritual aspects of the holiday are faced with a difficult decision. You might end up with a child who spoils the secret for all his classmates, or your children might accuse you of lying to them when they eventually find out the truth. Of course, the most important risk is that your child will consider Santa, instead of the Savior, the true symbol of the season, leading children to focus on presents and reindeer instead of rejoicing in the birth of Jesus.
Consider for a moment the origin of Santa Claus. It is generally believed that the inspiration for the legend was a Catholic Bishop who anonymously gave gifts to the poor and lived a life replete with good deeds. Over time, the life and works of Saint Nicholas, as he was eventually known, spread throughout Europe. As Christianity spread, Christian beliefs were mixed with Pagan practices, leading to such traditions as the hanging of stockings. These traditions were carried to North America by the Dutch. Eventually, a misunderstanding of his Dutch appellation, Sinterklaas, led to the adoption into English of the name Santa Claus.
It was not until the early 1900s that the modern idea of Santa Claus began to take shape, when intensive ad campaigns, particularly by the Coca Cola Company (which may be largely responsible for Santa’s red and white attire), popularized the character in his modern form. At this point he bore little resemblance to the original historical figure, and the idea gradually evolved that in order for him to provide toys for so many children, he employed elves in a workshop.
In Santa Claus we then have an excellent example of a Christian concept changed by the world over time until it has lost much of its original nobility. This serves as a warning to us: In a world where the fundamental values of Christianity are in many instances being changed to meet popular sentiment, we must hold our values firm despite the constant evolution of culture.
There is, however, still some good to be found in the ideal of Santa Claus. He is depicted as a kind, selfless old man, which can inspire us to good deeds. The men dressed as Santa who collect donations for the poor are keeping the spirit of Christmas as they work to help those less fortunate. Santa often appears at family parties, hospitals, and orphanages, bringing joy to many innocent children. In this way, then, the modern Santa can still accomplish works of Christian charity. Santa, then can be a useful tool for spreading brotherly love.
I think that the ideal of Santa Claus can be a means through which we can fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor, without too-frequent use of the sacred name or character of Jesus. So if we can teach our children of the good that the character of Santa represents, without specifying that he exists as one person, we can enjoy the season in a way that allows us to remember Him who is the embodiment of kindness and love.
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2 comments:
I was raised with no Santa to the point that my mother didn't even allow Santa decorations or the singing of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer." She was very concerned that we keep the focus on the Savior, but it felt a little extreme to me. In my home, now that I'm a mother, we've taken a middle of the road approach. My kids know that Santa isn't real, but we teach him as a fun game that some people play and we present him as a symbol of Christmas. I've got a Santa ornament on my tree, our advent calender is in the shape of a reindeer, but my children understand that their presents come from parents and other loved ones. I think you can keep Christ as the focus without totally eliminating Santa, but it's a choice all parents have to make. I do think it's sad when children find out that their parents have been lying to them for years.
I see no reason why you shouldn't teach your children that there is a Santa. My mom was a perfect example of this. She always taught us that "Santa" is someone who does some kind service for you and you don't know who it is. Christmas is a magical time and Santa is magical. Children need help learning faith principles and of Christ. Just because your child believes in Santa Claus doesn't mean he/she doesn't believe in Christ. Why make a child choose? Teach them of both and when they learn of the truth make it a leraning experience. I believed in "Santa" till I was 11 years old. When I asked my mother the absolute truth about Santa. She explained to me that "even though there isn't a Santa in a red suit, up at the north pole, there are Santas all around doing kind things for you, and, the biggest of all is what Christ, Our Saviour, did for us. That year, we did many Secret Santa services in our ward, our family, and our neighborhood... and I learned to be a Santa to others. I guess what I'm trying to say is use Santa as a tool to teach faith and service to others!!!
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