S-A-N-T-A: Yay or nay?

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There has been a bit of discussion over on Facebook about the Santa thing. Namely, do you or don't you? If not, why not? If so, why?

I wrote about this many moons ago (2 years ago, can you believe it?!) when I first started my old blog. In our family, we choose not to promote Santa because:

• We do not want to distract or confuse our kids about the true message of Christmas (Jesus' birth)
• We choose to be truthful with our children (in an age appropriate way). For us, this means making clear what is fact and what is fiction. No matter how nice or "magical" the concept of Santa is, it is still fiction.
• Santa, as promoted in the Christmas songs, is all about giving gifts to those who are nice and not to those who are naughty e.g. we earn the favour of Santa. Santa is anti-grace. This flies in the face of how Jesus operates - His ultimate gift is not earned. 
• Santa (in the mind of a child) has limitless resources. We do not.
• We want credit for the gifts we give our children! Why should their appreciation be directed at a fictional character? We are expressing our love and care by giving good gifts to our kids.

Please note: this is the conviction that my husband and I have come to, based on the above. I am not saying that everyone should agree, or that every Christian needs to do away with Santa, or... This is what sits right (and works) for us.

Having said all of the above, we do not live under a rock. Our children (well, the 2 eldest anyway) know who Santa is. They know that Santa is associated with Christmas. They know that other families (and shops) have Santa decorations. But, we personally don't have Santa decorations or anything promoting Santa at our house. We don't have our photos taken with Santa. Our children don't receive presents from Santa, or leave food out for Santa. When Santa comes up in conversation (e.g. when we see Santa at the shops), we simply finish the conversation with; "but who is Christmas really about?"

Shopping at Aldi a couple of weeks ago, Miss 3 was attracted to some Santa-shaped chocolates in the centre aisle. After admiring them for a while, she turned to me and said "We won't buy those ones mummy, because we know Christmas isn't really about Santa". (I'm sure she was hoping to see some "Jesus" chocolates after that. She is quite a fan of chocolate - just like her mummy).

A fellow shopper overheard Miss 3 and her "not about Santa" talk. She did not say anything, but turned to give me a disapproving look. (The people-pleaser inside me was mortified!) This reminded me of the strong negative reaction of my (usually very tolerant) mother-in-law when we told her we were not promoting Santa with our children. I must admit, I find it a bit bemusing that society is happy to do away with Jesus, but clings so tightly to a "magical" fictional character. (Okay, I know he is based on St. Nicholas... loosely).

I'd love to hear what you do. Santa, or no Santa?
(Please feel free to comment if you disagree with me. I'd love to also hear the other perspective too (and I won't shoot you down!)

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