HTT - Santa Edition

M-ware made a festive suggestion for the Hot Topic today, and considering it's the last HTT before Christmas Day, I want to oblige. I'm only hesitant because the issue got hashed out a bit last year on Leslie's blog, and while I found it all very fascinating, I was also surprised to learn that some of my real and blogosphere friends had very different views. So with an agreement to disagree, let's commence:

Santa Claus. Papa Noel. Saint Nick. The jolly guy who shouldn't be smoking a pipe, but - hey! - it's Christmas. Whatever you call him, he's (shhh ... spoiler alert!) a mythical character who parents use to elicit better behavior from their kids throughout the year and to generate awe during the Christmas season. And, let me tell you, I love the guy!

Now, apparently, some people take issue with the fact that parents are, in essence, lying to their children. Also, that his presents-down-the-chimney charisma and/or jellylike belly eclipse the true meaning of Christmas, which is, of course, Jesus Christ's birth and life. And I get their concern. The rampant materialism that has overtaken Christmas over the centuries and even in my lifetime is a bit worrisome. People put on huge gift-giving productions and many are more stressed by Christmas than they enjoy it. (Much less in tune with the Spirit and peace.)

Here's how we deal with that at our house: Every night as I put Miss Dub to sleep I tell her the story of Jesus, how excited people were that he was born, how he lived a great life and died for us. Then, I talked about how people are still so happy about Jesus that they celebrate him every year at Christmas. And that one of the people happiest about Jesus' birth is a man called Santa Claus, who delivers presents to children to help them feel the joy of the special season. Just like that, but with more hand motions and basic vocabulary.

And one day, when she looks skeptically at me, we'll have a hushed conversation about how Santa Claus, as she probably has figured out, is just a story but a great one that helps children feel the magic of Christmas before they can recognize the Spirit for themselves. And then she'll sign a contract that promises she'll never reveal the secret to younger siblings or all Christmas presents that year will be revoked. Or she'll get a hug. I haven't quite decided yet.

But I'm going to go along with the Santa Claus conspiracy until then, just like parents have been doing for centuries. It's a cultural rite of passage, and one of few that our nation has left. Not to go Carl Jung on you all, but I truly believe that Santa Claus is an inherent part of children's imagination. For example, before I'd ever explained the concept, I bought Miss Dub a cheap board book about Santa and she instantly starting kissing the cover and laughing. And she hasn't stopped gawking at anything Santa-esque in stores. Same goes for any pictures of Jesus or nativity scenes.

Sorry to ramble, but I just want to be clear on my viewpoint. As I said, each to her own, but I just don't want there to be an anti-Santa revolution. Not only because small children WILL spoil the secret for other children, but because I think Santa isn't a materialistic, deceptive creation but an inspired character who represents the wonder, awe and true meaning of Christmas.

So don't be haters, even if you're not believers.

And don't be surprised if you find a lump of coal in your stocking this year.

Just kidding, of course.

But, seriously, let us know where you stand. I'm curious to better understand why some people don't do the Santa thing and others embrace it to the nth degree, complete with fake footsteps in the snow.


Happy Holidays!