Santa Claus is a pretty well known Christmas tradition in America. Many Christmas movies do not fail to add their twist on old Saint Nicholas. Kids grow up watching and loving the joyful, belly full of jelly, Santa Claus! He’s a hopeful positive icon for kids. Going from house to house on Christmas Eve planting gifts under the tree and munching on the cookies the children happily set out. Perhaps it isn’t the figure himself, but the concept that some parents and even Adventists may not agree with. On the other side of things, Santa Claus is a fun tradition, but whether we like to admit it or not, it takes some deceiving from the parents to keep the tradition going. And once these bubbles burst, are there detrimental side effects on the children? As Adventists, are there specific concepts about Santa Claus that we might approach differently? While the story of Santa Claus may be harmless, are there other things that should be prioritized instead? Ultimately, the crux of the matter is: is Santa helpful or harmful? There are multiple upbringings and opinions on the subject, thus I asked people around campus to see their thoughts! Let’s see what they have to say:
Sam Namkung (Psychology, Senior):
Growing up my parents always joked that my sister and I should leave cookies out for “Santa”, but my sister and I were both well aware that the cookies were for our parents. My parents never really played into the idea of Santa. Perhaps they realized the idea of a stranger sneaking into our house was more alarming than fun. I don’t think there’s anything inherently incompatible with the idea of Santa Claus and Adventism. The tradition is fun. I say let the Adventist children believe in Santa. They’ll figure it out eventually. I do not not have a strong opinion on whether parents should tell their kids Santa is real or not. I guess it just depends on the parents. However, I do remember kids getting bullied in elementary school for advocating too strongly in favor of the existence of Santa–as a parent you should understand that’s also a risk. Yikes.
Colin Cha (Music, Junior):
My parents never convinced me Santa was real or anything, but I played along with it for a while because I thought it was a fun idea. I think Santa's probably not the best way to represent Christmas, just because it ruins the whole point of Christmas. Honestly, parents should do it for fun, but let their kids know relatively early on that it’s just for fun. The gift giving and all that is still a good transition to teach kids to give to others!
Corinna Bevier (English literature, Freshman):
I didn’t grow up believing in Santa Claus, but we would joke around like we did believe in him for fun, and do things like leave cookies and milk out on Christmas Eve. I don’t think that there is anything malicious about Santa Claus, but I do think that Adventist parents should consider that if they tell their kids Santa Claus is real and then admit he isn’t, that could have an effect on their children’s belief in God. I don’t think that parents should tell their kids that Santa is real because once kids find out Santa Claus isn’t real, it might make Christmas less enjoyable for them. Also, you shouldn’t lie to your children.
Priscila Ruth Orellana Campana (Speech Language Pathology, Sophomore)
I knew of him but he wasn’t a big part of my childhood. I just knew him as a story people made up for Christmas. I think that it should not go together because of what Santa Claus is and also because when telling your kids about it you are lying. Tell them it’s not real.
Bianca Loss (Elementary Education, Junior):
When I was a kid, we did have Santa for a bit. My parents kept it going until my brother and I asked if Santa was real. They let us know he wasn't and we didn't do it from then on. I personally don't think I would do Santa, but I don't want to make other people's decisions for them. I respect other people's ability to make the best decisions for their family. I think parents should make the best decision for their family. If your kids ask, I would recommend being honest. If you choose not to do Santa, I would recommend teaching your kids to respect others beliefs and not ruin the fun for other kids. Just let them know you don't personally believe.
Emanuel Rus (Music Performance, Freshman):
Yeah, we did have rare occasions when Santa Claus came with some gifts, but it wasn’t too often. The thought of Santa Claus as an elderly guy giving gifts to kids is nice, in my opinion. As far as Adventism goes, I don’t think it is bad in itself. It’s a matter of who you are focusing on. I don’t think it’s important to focus on Santa Claus. Yes, kids can know about him as a historical person, but I believe the simple fact of receiving and giving gifts is what’s more important.
All in all, while it is up to the parent to make the best decision for their child, Santa Claus may be a fun tradition to have, however not to lean on too often. Santa Claus shouldn’t be the only thing Christmas is about, but it isn't harmful to let the kids on a little bit. Teach the real meaning, keep the subtle enchantment of Santa Claus, and strike a balance that preserves the magic while fostering a deeper understanding of the holiday's true significance.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.