Santa Claus
He’s a common Christmas theme for collectors and decorators alike. After all, doesn’t everyone look cuter in a Santa hat?
Its bright, cheerful colors–often accompanied by the soft tinkle of a jingle bell–have a way of making people smile.
In fact, just the thought of the Jolly Old Elf himself with his characteristic twinkling eyes is enough to put a little spring in one’s step.
While hurrying through the grocery store the other day, I witnessed it. With Santa Claus is Coming to Town playing over the loud speaker, everyone I passed was humming, tiny smiles teasing the corners of their mouths.
But when I passed two young teenagers–a brother and sister–walking behind their cart-pushing mother… well, the smiles were big and beautiful, the siblings quietly singing every word, totally unable to resist a little “wiggly” excitement.
And this gal who grew up believing in Santa Claus loved it!
A Santa Claus theme needs:
- Colorful red and white
- North Pole snowflakes
- Magical reindeer
- Creative elves
- Scrumptious cookies
- Hot chocolate – with marshmallows, of course
- A gift-laden sleigh
- A mile-long list of good little girls and boys
- and Toys There *must* be toys.
But a Santa Claus theme does not need Santa at the manger any more than an Easter theme needs the Easter Bunny at the cross. We can smile–or dance!–to Santa Claus is Coming to Town while at the same time sing Oh, Holy Night with complete awe and reverence and sincerity. It IS possible.
God isn’t threatened by our Santa-joy. He doesn’t need US to put HIS stamp of approval on our celebration by adding Santa to the nativity. May we who call ourselves Christians just admit: Yes, absolutely without question, “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and to lose focus of that must never happen.
But, if we’re honest with ourselves–and a watching world…
Sure, we can spin the whole (yes, I know it’s true) story of Saint Nicholas, the giver of gifts, but the bottom line for many of us is that we simply like Santa Claus. We like the sparkle he brings to the eyes of children–and grownups! We like his magical storytelling and the excitement of that wonderful “HO HO HO Merry Christmas!” vibrating in the air.
We love that children all over the world–and the child in us–know Santa holds a special place for each in his heart.
But I find it interesting that it wasn’t Santa who said…
It was the Baby born at Christmas who, when grown up, extended the ultimate gift of love to children all over the world–and to the child in each one of us.
Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s. And anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom’s gates.
Luke 18:17 (The Living Bible)
On this Christmas Eve, may we extend love to the children as well.
All of them.
Before you tuck in your own little ones on this magical night, why not gather them ’round and let them be Santa’s little helpers? Do something TODAY to make a difference in the life of a hopeless child.
Don’t know where to start? Check out these FIVE quick ways–for only $10 each.
Just think. You can share Hope faster than you can read
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”…
By the way… If you’re reading this AFTER Christmas, it’s still not too late!
This post is part of the Themes of Christmas series. Previous themes are listed HERE. We’ll keep adding themes through the end of the year, so sign up on the sidebar to get new ones via email!
My parents taught me that Santa was a fun way to allow people to share and give.
Great post.
Merry Christmas and thanks for all your prayers and support this year. Blessings to you and yours in the New Year! Hugs from Texas
It is heart breaking seeing some children with so much and others nothing. I wish I could give all the needy ones something. Great post.
I have always loved and BELIEVED in Santa…Santa comes in many, MANY forms. 🙂
I decorate in red and white for Christmas and have many Santas around, helping me.:)
xo bj