As a parent I have noticed quite the division between Christians regarding Jesus or Santa at Christmastime. I kind of understand both sides, and it is definitely a family's personal choice. But I guess my thought is why does it have to be an either/or argument. Why can't we enjoy Santa and celebrate Jesus at Christmas. To me, Santa Claus is a fun fantasy. Yes, I know it is based on the legend of good ole St. Nick. But in our day and time, it is just a really fun story that has been passed on for years. I think it is important for kids to engage in fantasy. It encourages their imagination and strengthens their innocence. And most importantly, because it is FUN! We are doing the whole Elf on the Shelf thing again this year and my daughter wakes up everyday with delight trying to find her elf, Baxter. I think deep down she knows that the elf is just a toy but her innocent faith allows her to enjoy the tradition.
Don't get me wrong here, I have no desire to make Christmas all about greed and presents and selfishness either. I want my children to understand the true Christmas Story and celebrate Jesus' birthday too! We blend it all together. Hailey's favorite decoration is her Little People Nativity, she sings both christian and secular carols, and we read both christian and secular Christmas books.
I don't know many Christian adults whose faith was hurt by believing in Santa as a child, do you? :) The point is that you have to do what you feel is right for your family. For us Santa is okay. For others it may not be. However you do it, hope you are having an awesome Christmas season!!
I agree that it's a personal choice. As long as we all understand that Christmas is about Jesus, then I think it's ok. It sounds like you are making some fun Christmas memories with your family.
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings,
Lisa
I agree with Lisa it is a personal choice and as long as the real focus is on Jesus it's fine. My husband has said the very same thing you said about not being scarred by believing in Santa and then finding out that he wasn't real and I wasn't either. The issue I have heard from Christians is that we are trying to get our kids to believe in Jesus who you can't see and Santa who you can't see, but Santa isn't real and one day they'll find that out that he's not real and will that make them question Jesus. I see that, however, I've had a recent revelation that that we celebrate Jesus ALL year long and Santa is around for a short season. We study Jesus and God's Word non-stop... that will be way more impacting than Santa ever could be. So, all that said... I do exactly what you do :) Great topic to discuss!
ReplyDeleteHeidi
I like both of your points. I think that the reason I don't think Santa is a big deal is because I give as much attention as I do the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy. Those are fairy tales too but also fun and silly. And like Heidi said, you only talk about Santa one month a year whereas Jesus is a daily part of our life. In fact the other night my daughter was singing in the back of the car "Jesus is God" to the tune of Jingle Bells and it cracked me up.
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ReplyDeleteYou know I am a History buff so we do St. Nick, the priest who gave toys to children. Since we moved to Germany, we have learned that their is a day dedicated to him called St. Nikolas day which is celebrated on the 6th of December. My kids got presents from him which were found on our door step (our neighbors spoil them).
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the way Germans split the days up so they have a day for each, St. Nick and Jesus. Cool huh?
I will bring this 'new' tradition back to CA with me.
As for Santa... I do not feel lead to celebrate him. It is fun to do research on Santa. I had my History students do this and they loved the project.
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI think that is really cool how they separate the two days! That sounds like a really fun tradition!