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How can Christian families we keep Christ in the Christmas season when Santa is everywhere we look? Can we have fun with the Santa story? Or is that diluting the true meaning of Christmas for Christians? What’s a Christian parent to do?
I have good news. When it comes to Christmas, we really can have it all the shepherds, reindeer, the North Pole, Bethlehem, Santa and Jesus.All you need to do is use a straightforward word correctly: Pretend. Santa is pretending and symbolizes giving. Jesus is real and gives all the time every day. That’s it. Using the word 'pretend' lets our kids enjoy what Santa stands for which is giving from your heart without telling untruths about him. This is critical, especially for Christian households, because when kids get old enough to realize we didn't tell them the truth about Santa, they may start wondering if we told them the truth about Jesus. By celebrating the truth of the nativity regardless of the exact date and having fun with the pretend world of Santa Claus. You can enjoy the best of both at the holiday season, and as a Christian family, this teaches your children a valuable lesson. |
Talk about Jesus all year long. After all, Santa brings presents. Jesus offers forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is infinitely more significant, of course, but to a kid, gifts are the only thing they can wrap their little minds (and small hands) around. If the only time a family talks about Jesus is when he's sharing the bill with Santa, Jesus will lose. Jesus needs to be an everyday part of every family's life.
Only talk about Santa in December. When Santa starts showing up on TV, in posters, and in stores, let the kids have fun with him just like they do with their favorite cartoon character. No more, no less, but let them know Jesus is real. Talk about Jesus daily. Take them to church every week. But mostly, live your life as an example of Jesus to them. Parents need to stop acting like Santa for their kids and start living like Jesus with them. On Christmas day, read the nativity story from the bible or for fun have them act it out. Sing carols about Jesus. Show them Bethlehem on a map. Tell it to them as the exciting, life- and world-changing historical reality that it is. Santa and The Night Before Christmas can show up on Christmas, too. But in a secondary role. Make Jesus central and fun. |
