Some Christians object to the modern celebration of Christmas, believing it to be too grounded in pagan rituals and secular mythmaking to be of any use to modern believers. While some of the influences surrounding Christmas were indeed pagan, that is no reason that followers of Jesus can’t enjoy the season. As long as we give glory to God in appreciating His work in the Incarnation, we can enjoy the secondary parts of Christmas. Santa Claus is one example.
By Mark Harris
Christians know that the coming of Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas. We know that Santa Claus is the American version of a generous and jolly character, an amalgamation of Father Christmas (England), the Christkind (Germany, known in America as Kris Kringle), Pere Noel (France), and others. We also understand that the modern Santa is based on a very real Christian leader in Rome, Saint Nicolas (270-343). Santa Claus existed, though much differently than the modern stories. Lastly, we know that Saint Nicolas is a servant of God in Jesus Christ.
Christians can enjoy the traditions around Santa Claus. We can track Santa’s location on Christmas Eve on a Santa tracker. The USPS takes letters from children who want something and matches these letters with people who volunteer to buy the requested present and send the gift to the child. Or you can go all in and become a Santa.
Resource Links
- How to be Santa Schools – Charles W Howard Santa Claus School, International University of Santa Claus, Northern Lights Santa Academy, Worldwide Santa Claus Network,
- Operation Santa (Christmas Gifts for Children) – US Postal Service
- Santa Tracker – North American Air Defense Command (NORAD)
- Santa Tracker – Flight Radar 24
- Santa Tracker – Google
