This is a touchy subject in churches today. As a children’s worker, I have heard before that we shouldn’t tell the children that Santa Claus isn’t real. If their parents want them to believe that, then that is up to them. And I agree. But at the same time, I am not going to stand there and tell the child that Santa is real because I won’t be dishonest with the kid.
I came up with 3 logical reasons why I won’t tell my children Santa Claus is real.
- Promoting that Santa is real is a DISTRACTION from the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ. There are many different things that can distract us from celebrating the real person of Christmas, why do we need to add Santa to that. Telling a kid that Santa is real will distract them from focusing on the birth of Jesus Christ. That child goes to sleep on Christmas Eve and all they are thinking about is what is Santa bringing me. Celebrating the birth of Christ doesn’t even cross their mind. You say, ‘Oh but they are just kids, let them believe in Santa.’ Children are sponges when it comes to what they are being taught, whether we realize it or not. So teach them that Jesus Christ is why we celebrate Christmas, don’t even add another distraction in the form of Santa Claus.
- Promoting that Santa is real may leave DOUBT in their mind about everything you say after they find out the truth. I want my children to trust me as they grow up. I want them to have faith in the Word of God, in Jesus Christ. But if they believe in Santa and they find out he is just a fictional character, how will they think about Jesus Christ and the Christian faith and serving the Lord. I haven’t seen Jesus Christ, but I believe He is real and one day I will meet Him, but I won’t ever meet the real Santa Claus who delivers presents to every house in 24 hours. We can hurt our children’s beliefs by teaching them to believe in something that isn’t real just because we think it’s cute. What faith do they have in you when you tell them about Jesus and Heaven and Hell or will they doubt what you say because you lied to them about Santa Claus. Just think about it!
- Santa Claus is a fictional character that DENIES the existence of God. You may be thinking “That’s a bold statement, Caleb!” Well let me explain, I already said that it is a distraction from Christ. Let’s talk about that song, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
Let’s start with, “He’s making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out who’s
Naughty and nice.” Reminds me of a list that God said He has, the Book of Life.
The Book of Life has all who accepted Christ as their Saviour written down in it,
whether you have been ‘naughty or nice.’ You shouldn’t be worried about about
Santa’s list but whether your name is in the Book of Life or not. And as a parent, you should be praying for your child that they would get that settled as early as they can in life.
Next thing is “He sees you when you’re sleeping, He knows when you’re awake, He knows if you’ve been bad or good, So be good for goodness sake!” God is an omniscient or all-knowing God. He is the only one who knows everything about everyone all the time. This Santa Claus is saying He is all-knowing also, sounds like he is trying to take the place of God.
So in my opinion, Santa isn’t only used to distract us from Christ, but in a sense saying that He is like God. Makes me think of another character from the Bible who wanted to be like God, his name was Lucifer, more commonly referred to as Satan. Satan wanted to be like God, He wanted to take the place of God and in result he was kicked out of Heaven. Now Satan walks to and fro throughout the earth, this reminds me of Santa. Satan can’t be everywhere at once, neither can Santa. Satan doesn’t know your thoughts, but he can see what you are doing, whether it is bad or good, reminds me of Santa.
And what is Satan’s number one goal? It is to distract us from Christ, deny Christ, denounce Christ anyway he can. I don’t think it is no coincidence that you can spell Santa and Satan with the same letters. Just some food for thought.
So I will not ever tell my children that Santa Claus is real. I will tell them he is fake, he doesn’t bring them presents, none of that mess. I am not trying to ruin their childhood. I just want them to understand that Jesus Christ is why we celebrate Christmas and everything we do is centered around Him.
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I thought it was a good point when it was said: “Promoting that Santa is real is a DISTRACTION from the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ.” I feel a distraction even as an adult! I got in my car today to run an errand and realized how I’ve barely had time (in the midst of daily life + holiday errands and events) to let it sink it that I’m celebrating the birth of the eternal God arriving on a temporary planet! I’ve set time aside with the Lord tonight and feel so much more…normal! We adults need to pull aside in the midst of the distraction (and encourage our believing children to do the same) to draw near the One we’re celebrating so that we don’t get lost in the commotion of the season.
I’m having difficulty seeing how the character of Santa Claus would automatically create a denial of God’s existence, but there is definitely unhealthy infringement, like the way Santa echoes being all-knowing and able to perform, basically, miracles. Its additionally worth noting that the mindset behind “naughty or nice” promotes more of a O. T. Covenant mindset (get what you deserve, good or bad) and waters down the reality of good vs. evil, rather than helping children build a N. T. Covenant perspective on life: how God asks us to understand and relate to Him today, according to the covenant He offers us through Christ, which is “better” (because its based on what God did through Christ rather than what [limited] things we can do); plus a New Covenant perspective keeps intact the reality of right vs. wrong (and gives the reason behind the reason for the season: Christ saving us from our sins).
Parents do need to take into account how not everything related to holidays is healthy for kids – a few years ago, I was taken back at a church Christmas party when “Let It Go” was loudly celebrated. As I listened, I heard the lyrics: “No right, no wrongs, no rules for me!” These are definitely ideas that we don’t want molding the hearts or minds of our children. If we promote these kinds of songs / ideas / entertainment “just because”, then – at best – we are asking the children to not discern / disregard critical thinking skills.
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