Let's Talk S.A.N.T.A

As a part of my advent study, I've done some research on Santa Claus. Whether or not to 'do' Santa Claus with our children seems to be a hot topic for a lot of people. Do a google search and you will find a LOT of very passionate opinions-- most about why Christians shouldn't allow Santa in their homes. I've been caught off guard by folks asking me why we do Santa Claus..... and the answer is -- there is NO biblical reason why we do Santa.

Most of us know where Santa came from......and if you don't, go here to read all about it. The man, Saint Nicholas was a Christian man and did some very good things,. He offers us a great lesson, I think, on generosity and taking care of the poor if we allow it. After researching and thinking and praying -- I have to say that I don't think that doing Santa is a big deal. IF -- and this is a big IF --

IF we see Santa as just another tradition not unlike wreaths, holly and the Christmas tree.

IF we aren't substituting Santa for celebrating Jesus' birthday.

IF the majority of what we do during this Christmas season is about celebrating the birth of our saviour and not just about getting toys from a man in a red suit.

I would also like to add here that I am still thinking and pondering this whole subject. Here are some of the things I've been thinking about......

**Did believing in Santa as a child change (in any way) my belief in God and Jesus once I knew the truth? I don't think so...... what do you think?

**If we give up doing Santa, then shouldn't we also give up all the other 'traditions' of Christmas which aren't biblical anyway? Not to mention giving up the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and every other fairy tale our children hear and believe in? My children love and think Cinderella is real.....Is it wrong? I personally don't think so, as long as my children are also being taught the Gospel of Jesus and that is the most important thing. Belief in princesses and fairy tales WILL come to an end soon enough. Do we detract from our children's faith by allowing them to do believe in these things? I think if they are worshipping these things -- that is where we have to put an end to it.....but I don't think my children are worshipping Cinderella. Don't we all want to be a princess? And isn't there a lesson there somewhere about being God's princess? Maybe.

**Should we, instead, tell our children the harsh reality of it all and not allow them the imagination that God gave them? Without imagination there would be no Chronicles of Narnia, either.....

I think, personally, that once my children come to the point where they know there is no Santa Claus, I will take the time to tell them about Saint Nickolas and why he became a part of the tradition of Christmas. Until then, as of now, unless something changes -- we will do Santa.

We do have our boundaries about Santa. Our children are allowed to ask for 3 gifts......because, you know -- the Wise men brought three gifts for Jesus. Santa IS NOT the most important part, the most celebrated part of Christmas. Matter of fact -- I am making a concerted effort to make him the least important, least talked about and Jesus' birthday the most important, most talked about....there are many, many ways to do that. I will be posting on that later in the week.

I would love to hear your thoughts. It is such a huge debate. Please don't turn this into a blood bath! I am just interested in hearing why you do -- or why you don't do "Santa Claus".

Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta get back to my 'to do list" -- because that list I shared with ya'll yesterday -- it isn't much shorter. Matter of fact -- even though some things have gotten done - I've added more to the list -- so I think it is even longer now. Have a great Tuesday.