Santa Hats 2022

Every year I try and take some pics of the grands in Santa hats. Honestly, I’ve never understood why people take exception to Santa.

He’s not real. I’m not going to lie to my kids. Believing in Santa will traumatize them later. They will feel betrayed.

I call Bulls#!++.

The original inspiration for Santa was a real person. His name was St. Nicholas, a Christian monk who lived during the third century. As a bishop, he became known for his generosity to those in need and his love for children and those who sailed the seas. He was respected as protector and helper of the poor and downtrodden. Is there a better human role model for children?

Father Christmas further personified Santa in the 1800s. He originated as far back as the 17th century but didn’t bring gifts to children until the Victorian era’s priorities moved to more family-centered celebrations.  While he took on many different appearances through the centuries, he became known as a bringer of good cheer during Christmas time.

Kris Kringle originated in Germany in the 1500s during the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther believed praying to the saints was against Scripture and wanted to discourage praying to St. Nicholas. “Christkind” (German for “Christ-child”) was invented and would secretly come on Christmas Eve to bring presents. Christkind/Christindl was modified to Kriss Kringle in the mid 19th century and became a popular nickname Santa Claus. It was further made popular in the movie, Miracle on 34th Street. In China, he is called Shengdan Laoren; in England, his name is Father Christmas; In France, he’s called Pere Noel; in Italy, he is Babbo Natale; in Morocco, he is known as Black Peter; in Spain, he is Papa Noel. There are many more, but you get the picture. One purpose, many different names.

The modern version of Santa Claus in the United States came in 1882 when a minister named Clement Clarke Moore wrote a poem for his daughters titled An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas. That poem is known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas. And, with that, the current personification of Santa was born.

Whatever he’s called, his spirit brings families together and encourages a child’s imagination and sense of wonder. Santa is part of a shared worldwide cultural image of benevolence and kindness. Who would want to undermine that? Children will soon learn how ruthless and cruel this world can be. Why not foster the positive characteristics of kindness before we release them to the world?

What about the religious contradiction? Since Santa’s origins stemmed from Christianity, modeling Santa to bless the poor, and give gifts to the people we love is surely not a contradiction of God’s love and generosity. After all, St. Nicholas was a believer in the Christ Child and gave gifts out of his love for Jesus. The spirit of Christmas is that God gave his son as a gift to the world, and so, in turn, we give/receive gifts too. Can this concept be hijacked and used for commercialism, greed and selfishness? Of course. As can anything that originally has been designed for good. It’s all in the focus you bring to the myth.

Twix found out about Santa this year. Did it traumatize her? It did not. She said she had a pretty good idea he wasn’t real but it was fun to believe. Does she hate us for lying to her. She does not. She thinks it’s very cool to be considered grown up enough to be part of the “secret keepers” to bring joy to those who still believe and wonder. And therein lies the magic of Christmas.

Peanut was “too cool” last year for Santa hat pics so I have zero pics in 2021 of her in the elf hat. This year she agreed to a few snaps….but not many. On the other hand, Twix was an absolute ham in front of the camera.

And, Cabo will put up with just about anything if it involves the possibility of a treat!

I wish for you a Christmas season filled with all the magic, wonder, love and kindness the season represents.

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