Is Santa Claus real? Yes, I’m 41 years old and I’m asking other adults if Santa Claus is real. Before you answer, consider this: How do you answer this question when your child (or any child, for that matter) looks at you with big eyes and asks an “honest” question, expecting an “honest” answer?
I was having this conversation with a mother of two teenagers, both of whom believed in Santa Claus until they were in 7th grade. As she giggled about it, she posed a question I’d never considered before: Do you want your child to believe in Santa or not? Of course, this immediately brought to mind the classic dilemma about culturally-sanctioned “white lies” and how to approach the challenge they present. Then I realized that, for me, my child is one year old and I have a few years to tackle that challenge. However there was a deeper question to address, and it wasn’t about the truth of Santa’s existence, but rather, what Santa will eventually mean to my child.
It dawned on me how much, and how easily, I can influence a little person’s reality. Regardless of your religious affiliation, or whether or not you’ve got children of your own, it is likely that, at some point in your life, a child will ask your opinion about the guy in the red suit. How you respond can have a profound effect on how a small person perceives what Santa Claus represents
So I thought I would ask you to put aside your personal beliefs and consider the following questions:
- How would you describe your feelings about Santa when you were a child?
- Who had the biggest influence on your opinion towards Santa when you were a kid?
- How are your opinions about Santa different now – years later?
- How does the story of St. Nicholas shape your opinion?
- How do images by Norman Rockwell influence your feelings?
- If a 3 year-old walked up to you right now, what are words you would use to describe Santa?
With a little “honest” reflection these questions may have slightly influenced your thoughts about St. Nick. You can use similar questions with other meaty topics such as religion, lying, politics– you name it– and you may notice a similar effect.
Just like these questions may have influenced your state of mind, it’s amazing how the things we say can shape the opinions and feelings of someone who knows and respects you– young people and adults alike. The challenge is once you realize you have that much influence, what do you want to do with it?
It’s my belief that we all have the power to positively influence the people in our lives–and if we’re mindful of how we use our words, images, and stories, we can create something that is very REAL.
It is my most sincere hope that through my words and actions my child connects Santa Clause with a person who represents charity, happiness, and peace towards others. And one day she will figure out that everyone can be Santa.
Happy Holidays!
