Happy Christmas Santa by Kurhan at freeimages.com
it is that magical time of the year where kids all across the globe look forward to Christmas morning when gifts are arrayed under the tree. Santa Claus has been a part of Christmas tradition for years, but it seems many Christians today object to this practice.
Those opposed to Santa Claus typically view the pretend play as lying to kids. Some may do Santa, but when the kids ask they tell them, so the game isn’t played very long. Others don’t participate because they fear the loss of faith in God, who is also unseen. I must admit when we first had kids and started Santa, I struggled to decide how best to handle playing the game. It was easy for me though, because my wife is an avid Santa advocate so she has no problem answering any questions the kids might ask with creative explanations.
Parents should consider how and why they practice this part of Christmas tradition, which for most families is a big part of the holiday. I don’t know about your family but we have an elf from Santa, watch all kinds of movies about Santa, go see Santa, and get the best gifts from Santa!
Some reasons to NOT encourage belief in Santa:
- If it violates your conscience. Paul teaches us in Romans 14:23 that whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. I don’t think Santa Claus is in the realm of absolute truth, but rather the pretend realm, but if you feel like it is sin, then you shouldn’t practice it. If you feel like you are lying, then don’t do it, but give it some thought first by reading all of this post!
- If your child’s wish list turns into a demand list. Don’t let Santa be solely about the child having a magical genie that will get them anything they wish.
- If Santa is a means to manipulate and threaten your children. All parents will use Santa some to encourage good behavior, but don’t make this the primary focus of Santa. Parents that are threatening to call Santa every 5 minutes or constantly saying Santa is watching wear me out! Don’t let Santa be about discipline, after all there are 11 more months out of the year.
Some reasons to encourage belief in Santa:
- Children can learn some virtues from the tradition such as kindness, generosity, and forgiveness. These principles are taught though the stories about Santa and the basic act of Santa coming and giving.
- Children learn they are still blessed, even when they are not deserving. How many kids have actually been on the good list all year? Mine certainly have not, yet they still make Santa’s cut. I think there is a lesson there for all of us.
- It helps make Christmas not so much about the parents giving all the gifts. For our family, we have always enjoyed that the kids view Santa as giving the gifts and not us. Even though a part of me would like the credit for putting toys together till 2 a.m. (one year we put a trampoline together in the middle of the night in cold temperature), I still think it helps make the experience less materialistic than the parents just giving the kids all they wanted!
- Santa teaches the virtue of giving without expecting anything in return.
- Maybe more importantly Santa enriches the child’s imagination. It allows a kid to be a kid. We are wired for stories and learn through stories. Jesus didn’t begin his parables with “now you know this isn’t really true.” Jotham just launched right into his parable about trees walking, anointing, and talking in Judges 9. Stories can still communicate truth, whether they are true or not. We must recognize the pretend and abstract level of stories and communication. Santa helps kids learn about metaphor and symbolism. This is why us adults still belief in the “spirit of Santa.” Our world is harsh, let kids be kids and belief in the fantasy of life as long as they can (1 Cor. 13:11).
- Finally, I would say it is a fun game. Don’t over think it. As long as it is kept in its place it will bless your family with wonderful memories and exciting times. There is something about the surprise and excitement that Santa provides.
Whatever your view of Santa, I hope you can be respectful of other Christians and not make this a test of faithfulness and dedication to God. Also, don’t try to spoil their fun by telling their kids!
Thanks for reading and HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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I am indebted to David Lipe and his thoughts on this subject at Polishing the Pulpit. Much of these principles came from him.
2 comments
Well written, Josh! Thank you.
Our family does not “do Santa.” However, we did. And, we do not judge others who still practice it. HOWEVER, our story is a bit different. As our family began to become more involved with missions and children from many backgrounds, we were faced with a big reality that… Not all kids experience Santa the same.
When we brought our son home from Ethiopia, he wanted to know if there was something wrong with him because Santa had NEVER come to see him. We took a hard look at the traditions we had and began to question. Everything. At first, we were afraid it would destroy the “magic” if we took this away. But, we soon became convicted that what could POSSIBLY be more magical than a virgin conceiving by the Holy Spirit a baby who would be our Savior and die just to rise again?!?
We still have some Santa figurines and the kids have an elf we bought 5-6 years ago and they love hiding it for each other just for kicks. But, we also gather to read an advent story and light the candles as we prepare our hearts and minds. What was a very hesitant (but convicted) decision for us has been one of the most amazing for our family. We have watched our children become more generous and compassionate. Because some big guy whose main job is gifts isn’t giving their gifts, they know and understand the sacrifice that goes into everything under the tree (not because we’ve conveyed that, but because they know where it comes from). And as much as we enjoy giving and getting gifts, even these young kiddo’s have developed such servants’ hearts. We ask them to name one item they’d really like and it’s always a simple request (one child asked for a bathrobe this year… Another, a sewing kit.). Next year, THEY asked if INSTEAD of getting gifts from us, if we could spend the money on others as gifts to Jesus and each kid could pick a different act of service or donation.
While I respect other families’ choices and don’t feel this is a matter of salvation , I do believe this choice has blessed our family in countless ways. –Ways I never expected! And, no worries– my children are under heavy threat to not tell other children, and to evade their questions with a smile and change of subject! But, as children from all walks of life come in and out of our home, we now do not have to worry about answering the question, “Was I so worthless/unloveable that Santa didn’t visit me /didn’t bring as much when I lived where I used to??” (We are foster, adoptive, and respite parents who also did missions in a very diverse area)❤️
Please know that as for my family, we love y’all and don’t explanation is needed from us for what you choose regarding this. Kinda like I really don’t care if you prefer China or good ol’ Corelle! …or paper plates!
God bless and Merry Christmas!