Some Christian parents follow the tradition of telling their children about
Santa Claus, "playing" Santa Claus, and doing things to promote his reality.
Their zeal for Santa's promotion may be as avid as the zeal for the true
Christmas story of Jesus.
Other Christian parents go to the other extreme-ruling out any mention of
Santa and/or any type of secular celebration of the Christmas holiday, teaching
their children to avoid any celebration that does not include mention of the Savior's birth.
While a third alternative is to avoid both extremes, it is also important not to put
Jesus and Santa on the same level. Putting these two figures on the same level
could be disastrous because when your children get old enough to doubt the reality
of one REAL Santa, they may question whether the story of Jesus also is a "thing for little kids."
There is, however, middle ground--a treatment of Santa Claus that puts him in his place,
alongside Mother Goose, Big Bird, and Superman, but never alongside Jesus Christ, the
Son of the living God.
My strong beliefs about the use of Santa Claus are based on my own experience as a child.
When I learned the truth, I felt devastated and betrayed, embarrassed I had believed. My
parents were Christian; they taught me about Jesus and certainly had good intentions
concerning Santa Claus.
I never actually believed Little Red Riding Hood went through the woods to her grandmother's
house. I never believed Goldilocks ate Baby Bear's porridge. These were stories just for fun. I
sincerely believed, however, in Santa Claus. I believed in him because my parents played the
part and encouraged me to believe.
I had a note that Santa Claus had little room on his sleigh and could bring only one doll carriage
for my sister and me. Therefore, it was important we share. I was old enough to understand
something about space, so I forgave Santa and shared as much as a five-year-old can.
I got no such notes from Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, or Little Boy Blue. If I asked
(and I don't remember doing so) about the reality of these characters, I'm sure my parents
explained there was no such person, but we could enjoy the stories anyway.
Most children identify with two figures at Christmas. One is reality. One is "just for fun." The
figure given the greater coverage will appear to be the more important, unless parents make a
special effort to teach about Jesus in a way that is superior to conversations about Santa Claus.
One problem is we see Santa Clause everywhere-at malls, grocery stores, day care, on billboards,
and television. We rarely see pictures of the Christ child outside church or home.
What can Christian parents do to help children know what is real? In talking with children, never talk
about Santa Claus and Jesus in the same sentence or even in the same paragraph.
When you discuss Christmas and baby Jesus, finish the story to the extent the child can understand.
This story is not stagnant. His life on earth is a part of history, but HE lives forever.
Even a toddler can enjoy the manger scene and understand about baby Jesus.
To the five-year-old who has shown an interest in baby Jesus, you can say He grew up to be a man
and did what God wanted Him to do. Some five-year-olds who have been to church can understand
the whole concept of what God wanted Him to do. If a child should express some doubt, explain
with your own conviction how you know Jesus lives today.
On the other hand, when a child expresses some doubt about how one Santa Claus gets around the
whole world, explain he is a fun part of our Christmas celebration, but just a part of our imagination-like
fairies and elves.
You don't have to stop "playing" Santa Claus just because your child knows the truth.
It can be just as
much fun to pretend.
Don't talk about Jesus and Santa Claus together, but if both subjects come up naturally, simply say,
"Santa Claus is just for fun. Jesus is real, and He is still our friend today."
Enjoy coloring books about Santa Claus and the reindeer and even about Rudolph's red nose if you
wish, but underlying the whole story will be the truth that it is just for fun.
When you have books and videos about Jesus, emphasize the truth and say you believe it. You can see
the difference, so emphasize it in a way your child can understand. Make the difference obvious.
By making a clear distinction in your teachings about Jesus versus what is said in your home about Santa
Claus, you are teaching your children that what you say is true, and, they can trust you.
The season is a wonderful format for witnessing to friends about the true meaning of Christmas. Relax.
Don't spend time debating the evils of excessive spending, Santa Claus, and commercialization. Use this
time and energy to make your own and your family's Christmas more Christ-like. It is the grown-up baby
Jesus who will make a difference in your child's life.~
Mrs. Regina G. has enjoyed being secretary, teacher, social worker, and
administrator; but her most enjoyable roles continue into retirement--wife,
mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother.
~Back to top~
