That Santa Thing

When I was a kid, going to see Santa was a Really Big Deal. He appeared in the short space of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas and could only be found at the mall. There always seemed to be a line and the wait made it all the more special. Then there was that polaroid picture with Santa. As I grew older I dreamed of sharing this experience with my own children.

No longer.

Oh, I’m not saying that Santa can’t be fun. But if I must say, I’m really over it. As in, seeing the signs of Santa with the caption “Believe in the Spirit of Christmas” being put up in October. Or seeing five Santas before the start of Advent and hearing that peppy Christmas music, or should I say, “holiday music”?

Taken on their own all of these things are fun. And I personally have no problems saying “Happy Holidays” or the idea that non-Christians want to celebrate in a part of Christmas. Who wants to be left out of a good party?

But here’s the thing: Santa is in no way “the Spirit of Christmas”. One might debate the existence of God or if Jesus is the Savior. I can respect that. But any debate about the existence of Santa should be well over by the age of 7. So why are there pictures of Santa everywhere? I can only guess that they have been put up by the same people who find Nativity Scenes and crosses offensive. After all, who wants religion “shoved down your throat”? Indeed.

This year I told my son that there is no Santa and that mommy and daddy are the ones who bring the gifts. We will continue to celebrate St. Nicholas day (December 6) but Santa will no longer be stopping at our house. (For the record, my son appreciated the honesty). It is just as well because my girls won’t go near enough to Santa for a decent picture anyway.

Do I mean to be a Grinch? Not at all. I love my memories of Christmas morning. And my children will also have them. They are free to visit Santa at the mall and even send Christmas lists to Santa with their friends. But there will be no doubt that mommy and daddy brought the gifts. Is it ok to like Santa? You bet. But I will not participate in the Cult of Santa. Or worship at the altar of mindless consumerism. And I will not allow my faith to be watered down by somebody who just wants my money.

This Advent is going to be a great deal of fun. It will be full of baking gingerbread man cookies and singing “Rudolf the Red Nosed-Reindeer (Reindeer!)” at the top of our voices in the kitchen. I look forward to seeing my girls in their new, matching “Frozen” jammies. My son will get his Lego sets. They just won’t be under the illusion that they can get Santa to bring contraband toys. They’ll have to rely on their aunts and uncles for that.