by Harry Burlington

Created on: November 24, 2010

Santa Claus' perception in children is he keeps tabs on their behavior throughout the year and bad behavior is not to be to accepted and they will not receive the toys they want on Christmas morning is a very long-standing tradition.  Is this idea or misconception that a person who flies around the entire world and delivering gifts, under each child's Christmas tree, by way of their chimney is totally absurd for an adult to grasp.  This may seem as very special to a child's imagination, hope, and belief in a higher power that is greater than themselves.  These character traits are very important to possess as an adult as well and this is just the reason why "perpetuating" a fictional character is necessary for good personal development.

The Christian belief is Santa Claus represents God's gift of baby Jesus being born by the Virgin Mary, as we should all in a Christian civilization, take his purpose in our lives never for granted.  The act of giving is what Jesus preached and practiced during his time on Earth, before being crucified for the sins of all who believed in his gospel.  The act of giving is what makes Christmas so special by not expecting gifts, but learning to give and be grateful that we have this ability to help others.  Teaching children that a fictitious man brings the ability to enlighten lives of children around the world is a method of saying to Jesus that we give "Thanks" for his sacrifices for our sins.

Does teaching children about Santa Claus cause them to have lasting trust issues with those who made Santa Claus a part of their childhood, on Jesus' birthday?  Evidence has rarely shown any trauma from this practice of "believing" in forgiving those who sinned against us and then providing them with a present, showing we thank them for living or being part of our life.  As a culture, especially in Europe and the western world, versions of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus are all a bit different.  Either the color of his outfit being green in some European countries to his height being of a small stature in others, the meaning or metaphor, Santa Claus' enlightenment and joy brought to millions of children has never failed or taught a wrong message that creating a person who lives where no other person could, 'the North Pole, and drives a sleigh of reindeer with odd names while spreading love and joy to the world has not ever been taken out of context purposely.

Foremost, Santa Claus' fictional ability to inspire children and adults, alike, every December of each year, is how we praise our loved ones and give thanks for their existence and their impacts made on our lives is what Christmas is about and should not ever be forgotten.  The believing in the world is full of good that outweighs how much bad is out their and each Christmas we let each of our higher powers (whoever this may be) know that good is a very powerful and spiritual tool of guidance.

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