Why I Like Santa Claus,
Santa Claus has been part of the American landscape for a very long time. In 1773 a New York newspaper described a group of Dutch immigrants who were celebrating the feast day of Saint Nicholas. The shortened name in Dutch is Sinter Klaas which was further Anglicized to Santa Claus. Much later Clement Clark Moore, an Anglican minister wrote the poem "A “Visit from Saint Nicholas” more popularly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas” that is the source for the present image of Santa Claus. The cartoonist, Thomas Nast gave us the vision of Santa with a red suit trimmed in white fur based on his artistic interpretation of Moore’s poem. The original St. Nicholas was a third century bishop from what is now Turkey. He was known for his kindness and generosity to the poor and oppressed. Renowned for his gentleness, he became the patron saint of children and of sailors. My children knew part of this story from an early age, but we still found delight in “Tis the Night Before Christmas”. At our house we continue to find gifts from Santa under our tree. That the image of Santa has evolved from that gentle follower of Jesus to the more modern jolly old elf does not trouble me. The joyous act of giving spread around the world, at least in our imaginations, is the kind of image I want paired with the holy child in the manger, God’s gift to all humanity. A little excuse to celebrate that great gift by giving gifts to each other seems justified to me. So as far as I am concerned, wrap it up in tinsel and bright paper. Set out the favorite dishes. Festoon the house with glitter. Play games, watch football, eat too many cookies and give thanks for family, for each other, for Jesus and bless the God who is over all. Peace on earth and goodwill to all humankind.