The Anti-Claus: A New Perspective

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Nothing irked me more this season than when while waiting in numerous retail lines, some random stranger would bend down to my kids' level and ask what they wanted from Santa Claus or whether they've been "naughty or nice". It irked me so much and sometimes I would "share" that we don't do Santa. 

And rightly so, because it bothers me that people all over the country and some other parts of the world were giving God's glory to a mystical entity that was supposedly omniscient, knowing if kids were good or bad all year, and able to create the best of the best toys and contraptions to be delivered magically on Christmas morning. Aside for the fact that so many fail to recognize the Birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, parents would stand by and allow their kids to believe this and profusely thank Santa for all the good things, not them: but even worse, not God.

So when my 4 year old son asked me about Santa, I responded harshly that he doesn't exist and that he is a silly lie! But leave it to Dad to open up my perspective.

See Santa Claus was initially known as St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek Christian Bishop who would give generous gifts to the poor. St. Nicolas was a good and caring man. He decide to secretly give gifts to people who needed them. Ultimately, those people had their needs met but they didn't look to St. Nicholas to say thanks. Essentially, St Nicholas forewent the applause. He gave for the sake of giving, served to be a blessing and cared enough to see needs met. He was a good man.

So when the Christmas Party last night had a visit from old St. Nick, I took a moment to share those facts with MM. I shared with him that St. Nicholas taught us all the power in giving, not for recognition or a prize, but to help and serve others.

So for the first time, I was open to posing with the guy! Looking at the shots I see that MM has a lot to learn from St. Nicolas as he develops a caring heart, and there's more and more to teach 'Siah as a result.

Thank you Santa Claus! Though we give ALL glory to God for what we receive, we appreciate you for showing us the importance of giving selflessly.

MM and I hope to make it to the A Friend to the Homeless' Outreach on Christmas Eve.

If you're in the Baltimore area, please join us!

All Is Well Inspire    A Friend To The Homeless

Sincerely,

-tia

Lyrics by tia 12/20/13