Santa Claus

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Michael85 said:
I personally think we should kick Santa out of Christmas and make it about Christ.
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And as usual the ones with most fervor for the faith demonstrate their capacity to generate false dichotomies.
 
Michael85 said:
Good on ya, mate!

Christmas has become increasingly about Santa. Last year I went to a Christian bookshop to get Christmas cards that were about Christ and His birth. Most of the Christmas cards you buy in regular shops feature Santa/presents/toys etc.

In many ways, Santa has taken over Christmas and made it all about him, rather than Christ. At my church, the priest asked the children what they were looking forward to the most at Christmas, and they said “toys” and “presents”.

I personally think we should kick Santa out of Christmas and make it about Christ.
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I might by chance go with your line of thinking but really seriously when one truly analyzes the entire secular facade of Christmas its far more of an corrupted and adulterated commercial Adult celebration than an exaggerated childhood fantasy with children under ten years old. Why blame a young innocent childhood fantasy on children?
Its Adults who remove the true religious aspect of Christmas in this world.
In fact its Adults who obscure the true meaning of Christmas even from their own children.
Not because of the childhood fantasy itself; but in everything else secular and adulterated Adults make this religious celebration to be anything else but the name sake of the real meaning of Christ-Mass to truly be.
 
jfmarm81 said:
When I was younger, I and my siblings believed in Santa. We believed in everything- the jolly man in the red suit, the reindeer, the elves, ect. Every Chrstmas morning we’d come down to see our presents left by Santa- complete with a letter. Those letters always contained the reminder that we should enjoy our gifts, but remember what Christmas is truly about. In our house, Santa delivered to us the good news every year that Jesus Christ was born that day, and we should rejoice in his birth. We were told that Jesus always watched us and loved us and we should strive to be our best.
Then one year, I watched the movie Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. When the movie ended I cornered my parents before bed and told them I was pretty sure Santa wasn’t real. They told me that that was correct; it was they who placed our gifts under the tree. I wasn’t even really saddened by this or cared all that much.
Over the years since that night, I have given thought to why it was those particular circumstances that led me to stop believing in Santa. I realized that Santa wasn’t truly a myth- Santa existed in all who gave presents at Christmas. When you buy presents for your children, obviously you’re playing Santa. When you drop some money into the Salvation Army kettle- you’re Santa. Those nice people who went around paying for strangers’ lay aways- they are Santa.
But it’s more than that. Santa is only one night a year. Those people aren’t just Santa Claus, they are also the love of Christ poured out to others. Santa exists for a night- Jesus exists forever. Santa is just one more manifestation of the love of Christ- a story to be sure, but when used properly, a wonderful learning tool for children to understand the love of Jesus. In our case, he actually taught us about Jesus. Santa may not have been real, but his words (more precisely, the words of my father) in his letters were very real. He taught us that he may bring us gifts, and we may give gifts to others, but that God gave us the greatest gift of all- His son. And God gives us that gift everyday, and we celebrate that gift every Christmas.
I have continued this tradition with my children- in fact, I even ask my dad to write Santa’s letters because his writing is so wonderful. So yes, there is a Santa. He exists for me. To my brother, sister, and myself, Santa was wonderful for a few years. But we didn’t just stop believing. We grew out of our belief of Santa because we grew into our faith in God and Jesus. I will believe in Santa until the day I die, because to me, he is more more example of love.
I am glad my parents let me believe, and I wouldn’t take the magic away from my children for anything. But that’s just my personal belief…
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That’s the kind of Santa I emphasize to my children- or did. The older ones don’t believe anymore. But I always talked about St. Nicholas and his evolution into the modern Santa Claus and spoke about the spirit of giving. I will continue that with my younger children.
 
jfmarm81 said:
When I was younger, I and my siblings believed in Santa. We believed in everything- the jolly man in the red suit, the reindeer, the elves, ect. Every Chrstmas morning we’d come down to see our presents left by Santa- complete with a letter. Those letters always contained the reminder that we should enjoy our gifts, but remember what Christmas is truly about. In our house, Santa delivered to us the good news every year that Jesus Christ was born that day, and we should rejoice in his birth. We were told that Jesus always watched us and loved us and we should strive to be our best.
Then one year, I watched the movie Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. When the movie ended I cornered my parents before bed and told them I was pretty sure Santa wasn’t real. They told me that that was correct; it was they who placed our gifts under the tree. I wasn’t even really saddened by this or cared all that much.
Over the years since that night, I have given thought to why it was those particular circumstances that led me to stop believing in Santa. I realized that Santa wasn’t truly a myth- Santa existed in all who gave presents at Christmas. When you buy presents for your children, obviously you’re playing Santa. When you drop some money into the Salvation Army kettle- you’re Santa. Those nice people who went around paying for strangers’ lay aways- they are Santa.
But it’s more than that. Santa is only one night a year. Those people aren’t just Santa Claus, they are also the love of Christ poured out to others. Santa exists for a night- Jesus exists forever. Santa is just one more manifestation of the love of Christ- a story to be sure, but when used properly, a wonderful learning tool for children to understand the love of Jesus. In our case, he actually taught us about Jesus. Santa may not have been real, but his words (more precisely, the words of my father) in his letters were very real. He taught us that he may bring us gifts, and we may give gifts to others, but that God gave us the greatest gift of all- His son. And God gives us that gift everyday, and we celebrate that gift every Christmas.
I have continued this tradition with my children- in fact, I even ask my dad to write Santa’s letters because his writing is so wonderful. So yes, there is a Santa. He exists for me. To my brother, sister, and myself, Santa was wonderful for a few years. But we didn’t just stop believing. We grew out of our belief of Santa because we grew into our faith in God and Jesus. I will believe in Santa until the day I die, because to me, he is more more example of love.
I am glad my parents let me believe, and I wouldn’t take the magic away from my children for anything. But that’s just my personal belief…
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What a beautifully written post.

Says it all, really.
 
Michael85 said:
Good on ya, mate!

Christmas has become increasingly about Santa. Last year I went to a Christian bookshop to get Christmas cards that were about Christ and His birth. Most of the Christmas cards you buy in regular shops feature Santa/presents/toys etc.

In many ways, Santa has taken over Christmas and made it all about him, rather than Christ. At my church, the priest asked the children what they were looking forward to the most at Christmas, and they said “toys” and “presents”.

I personally think we should kick Santa out of Christmas and make it about Christ.
Click to expand...
I agree. It reminds me of a “South Park” cartoon I saw as a teenager (this was long before I converted) where Santa was beating Jesus up. While such an image is awful, I think it accurately reflects what has happened in our culture.

And I think it all starts when we tell our children that Santa is real. It teaches them to want rather than to give. Guess how I know this.

When we teach our kids about Santa, we teach them to expect Santa to give them tons of presents. When we teach them about Jesus, we teach them to be giving like Jesus.
 
mathematoons said:
When we teach our kids about Santa, we teach them to expect Santa to give them tons of presents. When we teach them about Jesus, we teach them to be giving like Jesus.
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Actually, most if not all Santa Clause fiction taught me the complete opposite.
On the other end, I’ve seen religious folks treat the Rosary and praying to Jesus as if the former was a magical wish-granting spell and the latter is a genie. :rolleyes:
 
I see nothing against Santa. I don’t even buy into that garbage some Protestants still perpetuate that by rearranging the letters in his name, you get Satan. So what?:confused:🤷
 
Grew up Catholic, grew up with Santa. Never once did I think Santa was the only thing Christmas was all about. It was, and is, always Christ centered. Santa is extra.

At our house, Santa didn’t stop coming just because we aged up and discovered it was really mom and dad. Santa continued to come until we were all married with our own homes.
Doing the same with my children. They are 18 and 16 and they know mom and dad are really Santa, but he still comes and fills the stockings. Fun.

On another note, I know of a christian family who told their children from day one that Santa is not real. They told their children that they, mom and dad, ARE santa, and mom and dad fill the stockings and leave gifts on Christmas Eve. So, the kids still got stockings, but they knew mom and dad just did it afte rthe kids went to bed.

Their reason for doing this, they tell me, is because they don’t want to “lie” to their children. They were afraid that if they lied about Santa, and the kids later found out that Santa is not “real”, that the kids would then question the existence of God, wondering if their parents were lying about that as well.

Interesting point to ponder; however, I have never heard of this happening. When I look at how long Santa has been around, and how many millions of us around the world have enjoyed that childhood excitement of Santa Claus without any danger to our spiritual lives/faith, I don’t think it’s a problem.

I have never heard of someone saying that they are an athiest today because their parents “lied” to them about Santa Claus. Has anybody else?
 
Little_Mary said:
Grew up Catholic, grew up with Santa. Never once did I think Santa was the only thing Christmas was all about. It was, and is, always Christ centered. Santa is extra.

At our house, Santa didn’t stop coming just because we aged up and discovered it was really mom and dad. Santa continued to come until we were all married with our own homes.
Doing the same with my children. They are 18 and 16 and they know mom and dad are really Santa, but he still comes and fills the stockings. Fun.
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This is the first year I won’t have “to me, from Santa” presents. Mom and Dad have played Santa all of my life. I am over 40. They both passed away this year…

I have never thought that since Santa was Mom/Dad that Jesus isn’t real. Or that God doesn’t exist. 🤷

Those that don’t have Santa because it would be lying to your children, do you also ALWAYS tell the truth about everything? That means no letting them win a game. That means not allowing them to think their picture really is beautiful. No letting them think that everyone is interested in their story. That means the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
 
maryjk said:
This is the first year I won’t have “to me, from Santa” presents. Mom and Dad have played Santa all of my life. I am over 40. They both passed away this year…

I have never thought that since Santa was Mom/Dad that Jesus isn’t real. Or that God doesn’t exist. 🤷

Those that don’t have Santa because it would be lying to your children, do you also ALWAYS tell the truth about everything? That means no letting them win a game. That means not allowing them to think their picture really is beautiful. No letting them think that everyone is interested in their story. That means the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God.
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Wow what a year you’ve had. I will make it a point to remember you in my prayers this Christmas.
:hug1:

Good question about the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…👍
 
Lost_Wanderer said:
No but I’d sure now like to. 😃

Then again, it pretty much resembles all the others I’ve read. Nice, sweet, and all about the spirit of giving…

Wait a minute, upon further reflection…
That does not sound natural coming from a Halloween freak like me. >_>;;;
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lol well i do like Halloween to. mainly giving candy.
So it does sound like me

there are three titles that I know of in this series. this book was the first, then there was a book speaking about mrs. Claus and the Puritan war against Christmas in England, and finally The Great Santa Search, where those of modern ideals eventually learn about Santa’s true heritage.
 
Little_Mary said:
Grew up Catholic, grew up with Santa. Never once did I think Santa was the only thing Christmas was all about. It was, and is, always Christ centered. Santa is extra.

At our house, Santa didn’t stop coming just because we aged up and discovered it was really mom and dad. Santa continued to come until we were all married with our own homes.
Doing the same with my children. They are 18 and 16 and they know mom and dad are really Santa, but he still comes and fills the stockings. Fun.

On another note, I know of a christian family who told their children from day one that Santa is not real. They told their children that they, mom and dad, ARE santa, and mom and dad fill the stockings and leave gifts on Christmas Eve. So, the kids still got stockings, but they knew mom and dad just did it afte rthe kids went to bed.

Their reason for doing this, they tell me, is because they don’t want to “lie” to their children. They were afraid that if they lied about Santa, and the kids later found out that Santa is not “real”, that the kids would then question the existence of God, wondering if their parents were lying about that as well.

Interesting point to ponder; however, I have never heard of this happening. When I look at how long Santa has been around, and how many millions of us around the world have enjoyed that childhood excitement of Santa Claus without any danger to our spiritual lives/faith, I don’t think it’s a problem.

I have never heard of someone saying that they are an athiest today because their parents “lied” to them about Santa Claus. Has anybody else?
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Amen to all of that, and NO I have never heard that from an Atheist either.
 
Why Jesus Is Better than Santa Claus

Santa lives at the North Pole …
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh …
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year …
JESUS is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies …
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited …
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your
heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa …
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap …
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name; all he can say to the little
boy or girl is, “What’s your name?” …
JESUS knew your name before you did. Not only does He know
your name, He also knows your address. He knows your history
and future and He even knows how many hairs are on your
head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly …
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO …
JESUS offers health, help, and hope.

Santa says, “You better not cry” …
JESUS says, “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys …
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken
homes, and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle, but …
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree …
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to
remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ
back in CHRISTmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus >>

Received from DGJPARSONS.
 
Pfaffenhoffen said:
It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to
remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ
back in CHRISTmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus >>

Received from DGJPARSONS.
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No one ever said there was a comparison. 🤷

Christ is better than everything. 👍

That doesn’t mean we can’t also have Santa.
 
maryjk said:
No one ever said there was a comparison. 🤷

Christ is better than everything. 👍

That doesn’t mean we can’t also have Santa.
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Agreed. The arguments against Santa are truly laughable. A strange mixture of Puritanical protestant/ atheist skeptic mindset.

First we have the denial of the possibility of
Allegorical truths. aver en have the absurd hypothesis that kids will turn away from the belief in God when they find out santa Is not real. Next, we are told that Santa is somehow responsible for the secularization of Christmas ( yea, doing away with Santa is going to fix that problem).

And now we are given a list reasons Jesus is better than Santa. Well, that cannot be denied; but if we use that as a reason to jettison Santa, we must carry the logic forward: time to jettison Mary and the Saints and the Church. Certainly a logic that has been tried before.
 
For those who think it is horribly wrong to let kids believe in Santa Claus: in one form or another Santa, St Nick, Father Christmas, have been around a long time. I think maybe a really long time. This phenomenon could not have gone unnoticed by the Church all these centuries. If we parents have been committing the sin of lying all these centuries, and this sin has been so prevalent, then surely there has been a pope or bishop who has stepped up to the plate and exercised their teaching authority at some point on this critical issue of moral theology. Surely a Papal Bull, Encyclical, council anathema, or something exists on the matter of Santa. After all, we have been told this is very dangerous behavior, likely to drive children away from the faith.
A quick reference please!!!
 
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