I Believe In Santa Claus

Santa Claus: The personification of the spirit of Christmas, usually represented as a jolly fat old man with a white beard and a red suit, who brings gifts to good children on Christmas Eve.  2: The legendary patron saint of children, commonly identified with Saint Nicholas, who brings presents to children on Christmas Eve or, in some European countries, on Saint Nicholas' Day.  Often shortened to Santa, also called: Father Christmas

                These are the definitions I found online of what Santa Claus is to us in this day and age.  I, personally, have a firm belief in Santa Claus, even as an adult.

                Now, before you think I’m a really weird crazy person, just hear me out (or read).  I was told a long time ago, although I don’t remember actually being told that Santa Claus isn’t real.  Over the years I’ve known that he isn’t a real person, but what he represents and what he stands for are very real.  And they are very important.

                Santa Claus is a symbol.  He helps us to remember what is good and what we ought to be doing in this life.  We should be helping people, and he specifically helps children.  He gives them something, if they are good, because it is very important for children to have something to strive towards.  Not that they always need that kind of incentive their whole lives, but he also is teaching them to do the same for other people, less fortunate than themselves.  We are teaching Michael that even by going through his toys and giving some away that he doesn’t really play with anymore is helping someone else, and may mean a lot to them to get something they wouldn’t otherwise have had, due to any number of circumstances.  He also does this because it isn’t necessarily that they got something they really wanted, it’s the fact that someone took the time to listen to them, and to show they care by showing that they listened. 
              I love the song that is on the movie "A Year Without a Santa Claus".  He says, I believe in Santa Claus like I believe in Love.  That's basically what believing in Santa Claus is, it's remembering the reason for the season, it's remembering the love that God had for us, that He sent His Only Begotten to live.  And because He lived, so can we.

                There is a movie that my parents watched with us when I was little.  It’s called “The Stingiest Man in Town.”  It is another version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  It is amazing the things I’ve learned from that show, and one of the things is about the personage of Santa Claus.  It is a musical version of the story, and these are the lyrics to one of the songs that perfectly describes my feelings of Santa Claus.

 YES, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS

There is a spirit in the world of generosity,

That brings good things to all of us whoever we may be.

So, I believe in Santa Claus for it can't be denied

That he is generosity personified

Yes, There is a Santa Claus for children everywhere

Though you may watch the chimney tops and never see him there

People say his magic sleigh flies in the sky above,

But you might find it anywhere you find unselfish love.

Oh yes, he really does exist, and Santa Claus will live,

As long as hearts can realize how good it feels to give.

So when you are feeling blue, keep up your hope because,

If there is kindness in this world, there is a Santa Claus.

Yes there is a Santa Claus.

REPRISE

Martha and Tiny Tim: Yes, there is a Santa Claus.

Tiny Tim: Yes, there is a Santa Claus for children everywhere.

Martha, Peter, Belinda and Tiny Tim: Though you may watch the chimney tops and never see him there

Chorus: people say his magic sleigh flies in the sky above,

But you may find it anywhere you'll find unselfish love.

So when you are feeling blue, keep up your hope because, if there in kindness in this world, there is a Santa Claus!

Yes there is a Santa Claus.

 He exists in the sentiment of the season.  He exists in the way we treat others, and how we choose to live our lives.  In the movie, “Miracle on 24^th Street”, there is a quote given by Santa about what he really and truly is.

"I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor.

You know, I'm a symbol.

I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives."

"If . . . you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith . . .

 . . . then you are doomed for a life dominated by doubt."

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”

I teach my children that there is a Santa Claus.  Even when they stop believing in the person, they will believe in what he stands for.  They will believe in helping others and to give love and faith and hope.  They will know a little better how to be Christlike and to remember to give and love others, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality or anything.