Is Santa real?

A question that to me seems to be asked more often each year.  A common theme accompanying that question is whether it’s fair to “lie” to our kids.

 

Our two youngest were so genuinely excited after receiving their personally addressed letters from Santa a few days ago.  Their excitement and reaction differed little to how our two older ones reacted when they were a similar age, whether sure they saw Rudolph and the sleigh in the early hours’ night sky, or the reindeer hoof prints leading to the house.  The older two made sure they did nothing to spoil the younger siblings’ wonder.

 

I don’t believe the same childhood experience of the two older children, or myself has had any detrimental effect on our upbringing, nor has it taken away our Christian identity or the true recognition of Christmas as celebrating the day of Jesus’ birth and all that symbolises for many.

 

Santa is probably a valid and powerful symbol inspiring the generosity of spirit that is also Christmas; that generosity is real and transcends all ages, and dare I say, all belief systems

 

If one believes in that generosity of spirit, then it’s not drawing such a long bow to also say that in that case, Santa is indeed “real”, and encouraging that is not “lie”.

 

Merry Christmas everyone!