Santa Claus was introduced to America in 1823 when Clement
Moore put a fresh image of giving on the face of Christmas. In A Visit from St. Nicholas also known as,
The Night before Christmas, Moore
created a story for his children based on a man named Nicholas, born around
A.D. 280 in the small town of Patara (Turkey). As a believer in the Bible,
Nicholas showed great compassion for others. He gave so much to so many that
legends spread about him. Eventually, Saint Nicholas became an icon of
generosity.
Growing up, my family celebrated the birth of Jesus by
reading the Christmas story and attending church services. The stereo played
Perry Como’s rendition of the holiday hymns. Mom positioned a crèche on the
mantel and one year we even had a live nativity on our porch. So I knew that
Christmas honored Jesus birth. On the other hand, I remember my delight when I
found packages that appeared on Christmas morning from “Santa”. The magic and
wonder that surrounded the mystery gift giver added a sparkle of fun to the day.
When my children were old enough to understand the
traditions of Christmas, I puzzled over whether to introduce Santa Claus into
the gift giving. I wanted them to know that Christmas centered on the birth of
Jesus, but I also wanted them to be acquainted with the kind, caring legend of
Saint Nicholas.
So much of the modern version of this December holiday
centers on retail sales. Rather than focus on receiving gifts from Santa, I
taught my daughters about his giving spirit.
We read the story of how he gave gold to the daughters of a widower in
the middle of the night and how he cared more about others than himself. We
also shared the story of Jesus’ nativity and talked about why we set aside
Christmas to observe his birth.
I wanted my daughters to recognize that giving was more
important than receiving. St. Nick’s story offers hope in mankind, Jesus story
offers hope for mankind. Joy fills my heart as I hear my children teaching
their children about the spirit of giving and the wonder of the season. What a blessing to share the joy of Jesus and
the legend of Santa.
I struggled with this when my boys were little. Then I read that St. Nicholas was actually a missionary (of sorts, a Bishop and devote Christian) and I felt more comfortable allowing "Santa" into our home.
ReplyDeleteYes, he has an interesting story. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWe did the same. The first child really embraced the concept and comprehended. The second, she is insisting on emphasizing the Santa, no matter how many times I say St. Nick.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Penny!
Thanks, Julie. I love Saint Nicholas's story. My girls all related to it differently, but it has become a part of their tradition, too.
DeleteYes, I've been doing a lot of reading about Santa over the last few years. My son is seven, and I don't really make a big deal of Santa. Since I grew up Jehovah's Witness, we never really celebrated Christmas very much, so, since I never believed in Santa as a child, the magic of Christmas was pretty much lost in our household.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great idea to show children that Santa was really sort of a missionary.
I think Saint Nicholas's story encourages generosity. It is a good one to share with the little ones. I hope you enjoy reading about him.
DeleteWhen I had my first grandchild 7 1/2 years ago I wanted her to know the magic of Christmas. I wanted it to be bright and festive, so I focused on a Santa theme for our home. I never felt Santa took the place of Jesus, just added a bit of frivolity. So,my 9 ft. tree is decorated entirely, yes entirely, with Santas - some representing family members: a fishing Santa for Grandpa; a surfing Santa for one uncle & a computering Santa for another; a baseball and golfing Santa for the kids' dad; even dog and cat Santas for the pets. My entire house is decorated with Santas, even Santas representing the colleges we all attended.
ReplyDeleteBlessedly, my grandchildren attend Sunday school and I talk with them often about Jesus and His birth. Their parents and I have beautiful Nativity scenes in our homes. Perhaps when the three 4 year olds and the 2 year old get a bit older, I will retire my Santas and decorate only with Nativity scenes (harder to find, though). Or, I may unwrap the family ornaments and use them. NTL, I'm not sorry I decorate with Santas. I've talked with God about this, and I think He's okay with it. He knows my heart.
I have six grandchildren now. God has truly blessed me. And, it's so exciting to see their faces light up seeing all the red Santas on the tree and the others in my house. I want them to remember Grammy's house as the Santa house. Then, I will remind them about Jesus' birth and the true story of Christmas. Santa is just fun, Jesus is what life on this earth is all about. Yet, both are givers of gifts. One the silly, fun gifts, the Other the gift of precious life.
I love the idea of a Santa tree. How fun! Sounds like you have a great time with your grandchildren. We have seven, and I love sharing the holidays with them, especially the joy of Jesus.
DeleteVery good solution, Penny. I like that. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteOh, Penny, I'm going to follow you; I'd love it if you'd do the same for my blog, but no obligation!
ReplyDeleteI just signed up for your blog.
DeleteLove you, mom
ReplyDeleteThank you! love you, too.
Delete