"I Believe in Santa Claus"

I just love this story, so I wanted to share it.  It's written by Diane Adamson.

I believe in Santa Claus.

Imagine Santa.

What is he like?

He wears red.

His hair is white.

He comes in the night.

He loves little children.

He wants us to be good.

And he brings gifts.

Now imagine Jesus.

What is He like?

He wears red.

His hair is white.

He comes in the night.

He loves little children.

He knows we are good.

And He brings gifts.

Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas.  The symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. 

The symbols of Christmas remind me of Christ.

So, I believe in Santa Claus.

- Diane Adamson

 

Then in the back of the book, it gives scriptures that support her words and then lists all the other symbols such as the wreath, candle, gifts, candy cane, star, etc. 

The reason that I've been thinking about this is that I have a few friends who, for whatever reason, feel that they are not being truthful to their children when they try to describe who Santa Claus is (or they're not sure how it relates to Christ, the true meaning of Christmas).  And I think this book does a fantastic job tying the two together.  As a child, I had a great experience being a believer.  I think my parents probably sat me down around age 9 or maybe even 10 - my brother was two years younger than me and they talked to us about it at the same time.  I had heard children at school telling me that he wasn't real, but I just thought that maybe it was because their parents didn't believe, so their kids didn't believe or something like that.  

 

Just one more excerpt from the back of that same book by Diane Adamson ... she says, 

"Psychologists have written of the healthful benefits of encouraging children to believe in a kind and generous Santa.  Strong beliefs in Santa Claus in the tender years are said to foster traits of goodness, helpfulness, and the desire to bring joy and happiness to others.  These are all attributes of the Savior and espousing these traits inour own lives not only contributes to healthful living but also helps us to become more Christlike.  Parents are counseled to connect the modernSanta Claus with the Christlike St. Nicholas who secretly gave gifts to the poor.  By keeping the notion of Santa alive in their family traditions, parents help children learn the spirit of giving to others. 

"During the Christmas season the spirit of Christ is evident in the cheerful way people greet each other, in the generous donations to the less fortunate, in the many hours of service given, and by the increased shopping as we select gifts for others.  There is a spirit of giving and sharingin the very air that comes with no other holiday.  Santa Claus represents giving and loving and thoughtfulness to others.

"All human beings have a basic need to love and be loved.  Fantasy is a helpful way for children to feel loved and comforted.  Believing in SantaClaus brings happy feelings of love.  Children are able to transfer these feelings to the Savior who loves them more than anyone.  "We love Him because He first loved us" (1John 4:19).

"When I see the light in my grandchildren's eyes at Christmas time, when I hear stories of past Christmases fondly remembered by my children and when I see family and friends doing act of kindness without being found out, then I am very thankful that I Believe in Santa Claus."

Our family believes!  

p.s.  Brandon sabotaged my sweet, little, innocent 2 year old into thinking she wants a full-size trampoline for Christmas from Santa.  And we're going to be in Utah for Thanksgiving.  Thanks, honey!