By: Deacon Marques Silva

This time of year tends to present a quandary for parents concerning Santa Claus. The issue at hand is what do we tell our kids? Many struggle with the notion that they are lying to their children if they tell them that Santa brought some of their Christmas presents.

I thought I would provide a different perspective as a parent and deacon. The fact is that to be a Catholic in good standing you must believe in Santa Claus – and by the end of this article, I think you’ll agree. I would first suggest that the American version we see on the street is more catechetically accurate than the icon above. No need to call the Bishop yet… read further.

Some insist on calling him Saint Nicholas while others prefer Santa Claus. At the end of the day, we really are talking about the same person. There is no difference except by way of semantics because of language translations. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the reason. It is done in the hopes of separating a secular notion from the saintly Metropolitan Bishop of happy memory. But I don’t understand why.

Concerning his vesture, many prefer to only see St. Nicholas in a tall miter and cassock to show his true ecclesial standing, but in doing so, we lose the catechetical moment that secular society has provided us. Evangelization is taking what is handed to us and showing its place in revealing the love of the Father. We do need to honor St. Nicholas as he truly is but without brushing aside the insights that society has provided us.

We all know that St. Nicholas of Myra is a historical figure who lived in the fourth century. Secular history records that he was present at the Council of Nicea and earned a night in jail after punching Arius’ lights out. Secular historical records also indicate that Emperor Constantine sent a letter to Bishop Nicholas warning him never to threaten him after pleading – by threatening the emperor’s life – a stay of execution for three of his soldiers (even if it was in a dream). We also know that his connection with the youth is attributable to giving away his wealth by tossing bags of gold through windows to pay for dowries. Ecclesial history shares that His Excellency was a Metropolitan Archbishop of Myra (Modern day Demre in southern Turkey). For a more complete treatment that also includes the legends, Catholic Online does a good job.

The Man, the Myth, the Saint

Let’s really get to the crux of it. The American image of Santa we have come to know and love was created by Haddon Sundblom in 1931. This began a thirty-five year Coca-Cola Santa advertising campaign that forever established Santa’s “look and feel” for the commercial culture. Interestingly enough, Mr. Sundblom was Eastern Orthodox, which clearly influenced his artistry as we will soon discover.

Much of the legend of the American Santa is pulled from several sources, but most particularly the 1822 English poem, A Visit from Saint Nicholas (otherwise popularly known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) by Clement Clarke Moore. From this point forward I would like to demonstrate how the “secular” Santa is a Catholic catechesis waiting to happen.

Dress for Success

What we wear says a great deal about us. Santa Claus’ “uniform” is no different. Let’s take a closer look.

We find Santa in his fur-trimmed red jacket and pants. This would be quite appropriate and accurate. Amaranth Red is the color for Bishops. In antiquity, the ermine (or fur trim) also demonstrated the metropolitan rank. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was known to use this ancient vesture by using the simple red, fur-trimmed cape. History also teaches us that St. Nicholas was a hermit and spent much time in solitude even as a Bishop. It was tradition, at the time, that clergy (who at times were also hermits or monks) when they worked out in the fields, would set aside their cassocks for more appropriate attire… say…pants. Additionally, who could forget that monster belt. Even today, as with the Augustinians and Dominicans, the leather belt is a sign that the individual is a mendicant, penitent or hermit. A buckle was part and parcel of a Bishop’s ceremonial dress on their shoes until set aside after the Second Vatican Council. It was a symbol of their duty to be a guardian of the truth.

Then there is the cap which warrants a short discussion. The secular version is the fur-trimmed cap that comes to a point with a pom-pom on the end. As you know, Western miters are tall and come to a point. Seems that the artist forgot the cardboard. But what do we do with the pom-pom? In the Eastern tradition, many of the miters are caps or crowns. Some even have a pom-pom on top (though a cross is far more common). The Western church also uses the pom-pom but with the biretta. Could it be that Mr. Sundblom leaned a bit upon his Eastern liturgical tradition? I would like to believe that it was intentional to combine the East and the West, but I am content with providence.

Heaven a Winter Wonderland?

The sleigh and the reindeer come from the 1821 publication of the first lithographed book in America, the Children’s Friend. Suddenly, St. Nicholas comes from the North in a sleigh with flying reindeer. And really, what is so unbelievable about this? We have no problem believing that St. Joseph Cupertino flew around while holding steeples in his hand or St. Ignatius flying from the entrance of a Church to the tabernacle. What about all those other flying saints: Sts. Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, Padre Pio, Francis of Assisi, etc.

Considering Santa’s address, Scripture says that God dwells in the North and since he is a saint – I see no problem here:

“Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with terrible majesty.” (Job 37:22) “I stirred up one from the north, and he has come, from the rising of the sun, and he shall call on my name; he shall trample on rulers as on mortar, as the potter treads clay.” (Isaiah 41:25)

Snow is also a Scriptural symbol. Isaiah and the Psalmist use snow to describe the redemptive grace the Father offers through forgiveness:

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7)

Frankly, he has to travel somehow. With all that snow, a sleigh just seems logical. Turns out that in early-European history, a reindeer and a sleigh were given to dignitaries. Granted, Myra was a rocky mess and a sleigh would not be useful. The reindeer on the other hand (with a side of mint) especially during a famine, might….nah, never mind (don’t tell the kids).

Santa and Quantum Physics

And then there is delivering everything in one night. Parents, no need to panic! See, society just needs a class in Theology 101. As you know, saints are in heaven. Therefore, since heaven (and all its citizens) is outside of space and time, there is not an issue with making sure every gift is delivered on time. There is also that long-forgotten quality of agility that we gain back once we have our resurrected bodies.

Angelic Elves

I am sure you are saying by now, “Well, what about the elves?” What about them? Easier to explain them than an angelic being to a two year old. Try explaining how angels fight or even move material objects when they themselves do not have material bodies. Tolkien, through the Lord of the Rings, presented a thoroughly Catholic worldview and no one ever complained. I’m sticking with the elves because I believe in the Catholic imagination that has always been used for us to begin to understand mysteries.

The Mrs. Claus

One societal aberration I would like to correct: Mrs. Claus. Sorry, Tim Allen, there is no Mrs. Claus. Why? Even in the Eastern Rites that allow for married clergy, this privilege does not extend to Bishops. In fact, Bishops are only chosen from among those priests who have never been married. However, it was customary that a family member would live with the Bishop to assist in the “rectory” upkeep. I guess there could be a Mrs. Claus on his paternal side if you like.

Reading the Signs of the Times

All of this has a very catechetical purpose. Catholicism uses signs, symbols, and yes, even her saints to communicate important truths. And to kids, that is not easy. We have to find ways to teach complex truths with noble simplicity.

For instance, we ask our kids to write a list to Santa which can be a first step to understanding prayers of petition. And when they receive a grace or gift, we may begin to teach the intercession of the saints. It also teaches them to ask for whatever they want – with guidance of course. Does not our Lord encourage this?

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37:4-5)

We shouldn’t fear that they do not get everything they want. I certainly do not get everything I pray for either.

A fat, jolly Santa is what Catholic theology demands. We teach our kids that heaven is eternal happiness and a huge feast. Rotund does not equal gluttony and Santa is always jolly (Would it be easier if we called it evangelical joy?):

He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly…

And then the gifts. Are they not just tangible answers to prayer? Do we not say that the saints and angels deliver the graces that come from the hand of God? This is plain and simple good Catholic catechesis.

What Do They say about Santa? He Delivers!

In my house, we have a HUGE devotion to Santa. You pass his icon as you enter our house. I have parents ask me all the time, “Which one of your kids still believe?” All of them. Seriously, all of them and my oldest is 18. A few though have matured in their understanding of this mystery and it is all the more glorious. Their faith now has depth that started with a simple belief in Santa.

Practicum

The majority of my married life, I have never been able to afford Christmas. I’m not talking about a huge Christmas but a simple celebration with the family. A few gifts here and there. That being said, as is our custom, my wife and I start praying to St. Nicholas in November for wisdom and something to provide for Christmas. A few years ago, he assisted us in ways that I could not imagine.

After 9/11, many non-profits went belly-up. The one I was working for was no different. I woke up on December 6th with no job, a full tank of gas, and $40 in the bank account. My wife and I had made a promise to buy a Christmas tree with the kids and we intended to keep our promise. As is our tradition on the Feast of St. Nicholas, we went out to cut down the tree.

When we returned, my best friend was helping me carry it into the house. We decided to cut more of the trunk off so we dragged the tree back out on the front porch. I noticed a white envelope on the porch and asked him to pick up what he had dropped. He said it wasn’t his. I opened it up and there was $1,500 in cash. The next morning I came out to get in my car (I now could afford groceries and gas) and there was another envelope with an additional $1,500 in cash. The following day, I received a letter from a friend who said he had been praying for me and was prompted to send the enclosed: $10,000. And lastly, my Pastor sent an $1,800 check because he knew we were struggling. Thankfully, three months later, I started a new job. The money that just appeared paid my monthly rent, school loans, house bills, food, gas, and gave my family a beautiful Christmas –with $10 left over.

Keeping it Real

I know we need to teach our children that there is more to Christmas than what society offers. In the case of Santa, this is best done by using the raw material that the Church, and ironically society, has provided. If we continue to deepen the understanding of who he is and what he does, we will continue to catechize our kids and develop an authentic Catholic spirituality. It is your job to keep everything in perspective. With society’s idea being twisted, we need to persevere ensuring that dual holy days and holidays do not toss out our theology on prayer, communion of saints, ecclesiology, etc. We need to untwist the idea not rip it to shreds.

Santa Claus is not a legend. He is quite real and visits our house every Christmas Eve and sometimes more frequently. Your children are starving for sacramental mystery and truth. On a day that celebrates the birth of our Lord, isn’t it interesting that he has an evangelist in St. Nicholas who comes to teach us joy and charity? Lastly, why do we feel that our Lord is dishonored by asking to provide a nice Christmas? He desires to give us not only what we need, but like any parent, what we desire – within reason of course. Let’s be honest. Like my wife and I, you too pray just as hard for how you might provide a simple Christmas in these tough economic times. So, tell them the truth: To be Catholic is to believe in Santa…

Here is a short PowerPoint below to help fill in the gaps.

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