The Santa question
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- November
- 19
My girlfriend’s 3-year-old burst into tears this morning as I was about to take him to pre-K. When I asked him why he was crying, he said because he wanted Santa Claus to bring him presents. He knows Santa will show up while we’re all sleeping and deliver a bundle of toys for him to pay with. It’s just that, at his age, the notion that Christmas is still several weeks away is hazy, and he thought it would happen this morning and the next. I assured him Santa would come. But it reminded me of how beautiful that is for a child, and it struck me how he and my own son, who turns 10 on Saturday, are at such varying ends of the Santa myth.
I think it’s pretty obvious the cat is out of the hat for my son by now. He seems to be at the point where he knows the scoop on Santa, but figures he’d better not ‘fess up or there’ll be no presents. It’s sad to me, because nothing can ever replace the look on a child’s face on Christmas morning when the presents are “magically” there under the tree.
So I need to have the Santa Claus conversation with my son this weekend. First of all, I want to make sure he doesn’t ruin it for the younger boy. But I also want to bring my son up to speed on the whole Santa myth and its origins. Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, a benevolent 4th Century man of the cloth who shared his inheritance with the needy through anonymous gifts. Legend has it that after he died locals would put out food for the saint and straw for his donkey, which St. Nick would turn into toys and treats. That’s kinda cool in its own right, and a pretty good tradition.
Corny as it sounds, I like to think that there is still some magic involved, and there’s an inherent beauty in Christmas that, to me, overshadows the ridiculous marketing blitz that has become part of the holiday season. I remain fond of the legendary 1897 column by New York Sun writer Francis Pharcellus Church, famously titled, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and expect that the discussion with my son will start with a reading of it. We will talk about the “Dear Santa” letter we’ll be picking up from the post office, and discuss some charity work to aid the less fortunate.
So, the Santa myth will continue for my son, even if the secret is out. Then we can all sit back and marvel at the look of wonderment on the 3-year-old’s face, and the magic he believes in — for now. Let’s hope it lasts.
This entry was posted
on Monday, November 19th, 2007 at 1:08 pm by Jorge Fitz-Gibbon.
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Um. Its just not based off that Saint. Many cultures have a similar person of giving. SO make sure you research it thoroughly. Its the spirit of giving no matter the form or the persons name. But Santa is santa, a secular term, for a gift giver. Santa still exists for me because its the giving. and the act of selfless-ness. and there’s no ruining it, Santa is real. he takes all forms… good luck.. but keep it real have a happy and healthy!
Steve;
Thanks for the feedback. But, um. Lots of theories, lots of cultures. True. This is one among those relating to the origin of St. Nick. SO check out some of the research first. I assure you its out there—unless we’re splitting hairs and missing the point.
And selflessness is the point. It’s what I want my son to take away from the holidays.
Jorge,
It sounds as it you’re taking a great approach with your son. I think your point is to take him beyond the overly commercialized aspects of Christmas to the true spirit, and I commend you for doing that. It’s great to teach him as he gets older that it’s not about receiving, but about giving and being a light in other people’s lives.
BTW Jorge, you seem to have Steve confused with me. Your previous post refers to me, but the comment was made by Steve.
David;
Thank you for your reply. And, yes, I did address that to you rather than Steve. I apologize. I’ve edited the entry now so it is properly addressed to Steve.
Thanks to you both.