A Beloved Christmas Tradition: Santa Claus
 

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Here's a short video on the origins of our American "Santa Claus" tradition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39QomPEL3jQ

Re: A Beloved Christmas Tradition: Santa Claus
 

I never would do the Santa Clause thingy - 'cause it's lying. LOL!

A few years ago, my DIL was pretending there was a Santa with their children. I printed out a letter that is supposed to be from Santa to the children thanking them for the cookies and milk.

I told her, "Well, if you are going to lie. You might as well go big or go home." :heeheehee

Re: A Beloved Christmas Tradition: Santa Claus
 

:lol

Re: A Beloved Christmas Tradition: Santa Claus
 

I continued the "Santa" tradition with my kids (biological & step). At about 7 (they are 53 days apart) they started showing a degree of doubt regarding the reality of "Santa". So, on Christmas Eve that year I decided it was time to tell them the tradition.

I explained who Νικόλαος (Nikolaos) was, and how he was a bishop or pastor of a church in Myra in the 3rd century. I explained how he was known for his generosity and compassion, often giving to those in need secretly, and how the Christians in his home town came to love him so much. I explained how after his death those Christians in his home town continued giving to those in need in his name, just to keep the spirit of anonymous giving going. I explained how the tradition spread and how December 6th was established as the Feast Day of St. Nicholas and how this one day was chosen as a day to give to those in need anonymously in the name of St. Nicholas. I also explained how the tradition became associated with Christmas as people eventually blended the feast days to simplify pilgrimage and observance, which is how St. Nicholas became associated with Christmas. I also explained how when the St. Nicholas tradition came to America, the Dutch "Sinterkass" became "Santa Claus" in American English. I explained how marketers changed his image to something less "Catholic" so that they could expand the gift giving tradition beyond the Catholics to boost sales, and that's how we got our modern "Santa Claus".

My kids got it. They realized it is a tradition of giving anonymously. I explained that sometimes people give to show off and take credit for their charity or good will, and how giving in the name of St. Nicholas prevents that. I also explained that sometimes people are not as wealthy, and so they can't give gifts that are as nice or as expensive. This can leave them feeling embarrassed or ashamed. And so giving in the name of St. Nicholas also gives them the liberty to give as they can, knowing their anonymous gift, no matter how humble, is welcomed and beloved.

My son said, "So, we're all Santa?" I said, "Yep, the tradition is like a game." He said, "I get it. We say Santa is giving the presents so we can't brag about what we're giving." I said, "Exactly." And Addison said, "And we say Santa is giving the presents so that we don't have to feel bad if our gift is small." I said, "That's exactly right, honey." They smiled and said, "Now we really believe in Santa!" lol

I love my kids. They actually got it. Today, (they're 11 now) they might do something nice around the house and I'll ask, "Okay, who took the trash out for me?" While playing on their tablets, like they're ignoring me, they'll say, "I don't know. Maybe it was an angel." lol When they've done this I say, "Well, whoever they were, they are certainly my little angels." :)

I think the accusation by some that parents are "lying" to their kids (when the idea is simply to teach kids about giving anonymously to avoid getting any credit in return) is a bit over the top once the tradition is truly understood.

Re: A Beloved Christmas Tradition: Santa Claus
 

Also, out of the mouths of babes... lol

One year my step-daughter scolded her uncle Tim when she realized he put his name on the "From:" line on a Christmas package. She said, "Uncle John, why do you want to remind everyone that you're rich?" He looked stunned! LOL!

Noah once said, "I looked at the tags and got I got nothing from Santa... He frowned and said, Santa always used to give the best gifts."

I had to explain propriety and how to receive a gift with grace, even if the giver is being tacky or tasteless.

The next Christmas most of the family put "From: Santa" on their packages! :lol

https://images.onlinelabels.com/Imag...Gift-Label.png

Re: A Beloved Christmas Tradition: Santa Claus
 

Since the word "Santa" basically represents the "Saint" in "Saint Nicholas" (or "Sante" in the dialect Dutch, "Sante-Klaas").... When you sign a package, "From Santa", you're only saying, "From a Christian", or, "From a Saint".