What About Santa is Real?

I struggled years ago to explain to my daughter that Santa is not real and is real at the same time. I believe in the “Santa spirit” we encounter around Christmas.

Santa is Not Real

I do not profess that there is a man dressed in red who delivers presents worldwide on Christmas Eve. I certainly do not believe in the very lengthy “naughty or nice” list portrayed in “The Santa Clause.” The North Pole, elves, descending via the chimney, and those types of things are fun aspects of the Santa story.

Why do we encourage young children to believe in Santa? I think there is something real about Santa.

Santa is Real

There are annual calls to put Christ back into Christmas. There is something very Christ-like in the image of Santa.

Jesus loves children and Christmas is a holy day that centers on children. At Christmas, people focus on the infant Jesus rather than his teachings and miracles as an adult. The most powerful human being ever is born in poverty to everyday parents.

The Santa Spirit is evident when I see people’s generosity towards those who are less fortunate than they are.  Some people give to charities in the name of their loved ones or friends. Others pack baskets and deliver Christmas trees to families who might need extra support. Police officers go shopping at Target with selected children, often paying for the child’s gift as well as well as some items for the family. People “adopt” families and purchase clothes, toiletries, and other items for the parents and children.

St. Nicholas of Myra

Because St. Nicholas lived in the third and fourth centuries, it is difficult to get specifics about him. Those who study the saints place him in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. Legend says that Nicholas was born into a wealthy family but when his parents died, he gave all of their money away and was an impoverished orphan.

His own experiences of need possibly shaped his practice as a bishop of sharing his resources with those who were struggling to survive. St. Nicholas often gave small sums of money to children and orphans. Stories say that St. Nicholas once tossed a small bundle of money for a family, aiming for the window. The buncle fell instead into a stocking out drying. Another says he tossed a bundle down the chimney of a house. Stockings and chimneys?

St. Nicholas is a saint because he models Jesus whose heart regularly went out to those in need, especially those who needed healing.

The Spirit of Santa Today

Does it really matter if people are generous at Christmas time is because of Jesus’ birth or the legends associated with Santa? I do not think so.

Jesus’ birth and life on earth is a gift of himself to humanity. Human redemption is another gift. Many are generous this time of year because of what I think of as “the Santa Spirit,” which is built on the “Jesus Spirit.”

I see Americans, at least, step up at Christmas. Some may do it for Jesus. Others do it because they know that some kids and their families may not receive as much as others when Santa arrives. I believe that the “Santa spirit” is real and leads to people’s increased generosity at this time of year.