As we were decorating today, Stirling says, “Momma… why does everyone keep talking about Santa? I mean, he was a good guy. But was just a guy. They SHOULD be talking about baby Jesus. That’s what it’s really about.”
By Santa, he was referring to Saint Nicholas. We told him last year of the historical Saint Nicholas and how this person was now turned into the holiday tale.
Wow. Out of the mouth of babes, right?
Now let me also clarify, by mainstream Christmas, I mean telling our children about Santa Claus as a real person, with elves, reindeer, and an endless supply of gift-giving abilities.
My husband and I don’t have any issues with the Christmas tree and decorations or giving of gifts in moderation. (Although in recent years we have chosen to go towards reducing excess waste and focus on more sustainable options.) We choose to focus more on memories made, warm nights snuggled together, and enjoying teaching our children about the birth of Jesus.
We’ve gotten a ton of ridicule over our choice to not incorporate Santa in our Christmas celebration over the last few years.
I’ve heard everything from:
“You’re a terrible parent.”
To:
“It’s not a lie if it’s about Santa.”
And even:
“You’ve got to let your kids have a REAL childhood.”
Oh, contraire –
I quite fully encourage active imaginations and will actively join the boys in a quest to search for a dragon, or rescue the princess from the castle. And we do often enjoy movie nights in November and December with the jolly old man as the spotlight.
However, I do have a serious issue with telling lies to my children. (And I’m sorry, no matter how it’s justified – Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus are all lies.) No matter how good-natured or frivolous they may seem. I know the sting too well uncovered lies in families can hold, and do not want to foster an atmosphere of distrust in my own.
We also make sure to discuss the differences between our faith, fiction, and what we can physically see.
As Christians, we want to do our best to stay focused on Christ in all things. When I notice I’m wavering in an area, I want to be diligent in removing it as swiftly as possible. One of the biggest convictions for me is lying – what’s more – being untruthful. I cannot allow someone else to try and convince my children to believe in Santa, either, just to suite their own desires.
When I am reading the Bible to my children or telling them about my faith, I want them to know that it is truly something I believe wholeheartedly. Not just another made up tale to get them to behave.
I would never choose to judge or look down on how other families choose to celebrate the holidays and I hope that other’s will feel the same with our choices.
We all want what’s best for our children – and it doesn’t always have to look the same.
Where we have chosen to draw lines in the sand in this area, I’m sure there are dozens of examples where we haven’t.
I suppose this post is a wee bit of a warning to all of our close friends and family who do incorporate Santa Claus into Christmas. We fully understand if we don’t see or hear much from you until after New Years (as there’s a good chance Stirling may spill the beans!)