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.
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