The Santa question looms over new parents. Should Christians do Santa Claus? Santa Claus, like so many other aspects of American culture, has deep Christian roots. Christmas, along with Santa, have morphed into a secular holiday based in commercialism–the downside of American culture. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be that way. We can give our children new Christmas traditions. Christians can do Santa Claus and honor Christ at the same time.
Is it OK to let kids believe in Santa?
When it comes to Christmas, the talk of believing is all about Santa Claus and Christmas magic. Oftentimes, our Christian vernacular is highjacked using words like “believer” and “Christmas miracle.” This can be confusing for young children.
Cartoons and Hallmark specials light up the season with warm stories of Christmas miracles and magic. Watching these as a family can be a wonderful family tradition. Our family watches the same Christmas movie every Christmas Eve.
For young children, there is a fine line between fantasy and reality. That’s why it’s important to always be truthful with our children as to what is real and what is pretend. Especially, when talking about abstract concepts they are not fully capable of understanding.
We can tell our children the truth about Santa, once they know the truth, they can enjoy the fantasy.
Is Santa Claus real yes or no?
History became legend. Legend became myth.
Yes. He absolutely was real.
Santa Claus is the evolution of the Dutch name Sinterklaas, which means Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was in fact a real man. Not only did he live, but he also followed his faith, just as his mother taught him as a young child.
Nicholas lived during a time of severe Christian persecution. This period has gone down in history known as the Great Persecution. His good works were in stark contrast to the world around him. And like the Apostle Paul, he spent part of his ministry in prison.
Parents no longer have to choose between celebrating the birth of the newborn king, and Santa.
The real Nicholas was a rugged, brave, man. The stories of his kindness and powerful prayers had spread throughout his small Mediterranean village, then spread throughout the world.
What is the role of Santa Claus in Christianity?
Christians can do Santa, by living our lives as he did.
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you…” Matthew 6:3-4
The joy of giving in secret, is one tradition we can give our children that will create lifelong memories. As parents and grandparents, we know there is a deeper joy in giving than anything we can unwrap.
At what age do kids stop believing in Santa?
At around 8 years old our children’s reasoning abilities are developing.
Christians Can do Santa, the Right Way
Whether or not to believe in Santa, is arguably the first time Christian children are confronted with the fantasy of our culture, and the faith of their family.
Commercialism in Christmas has concerned parents for generations. It’s hard to combat the onslaught of shiny new toys, the latest electronics, and the hope in a child’s eyes. Let’s be honest, it is our Christmas joy to give children gifts that make their faces light up. Nonetheless, when we base what we tell our kids in truth, we can create new traditions that are grounded in Scripture–the way the real Santa did.
