Santa Claus does indeed have magic. How else would he and his team be able to race around the world on Christmas to deliver gifts to billions of kids in one night? No, not by the power of drones but by the power of your small child’s imagination.
Kids have a vivid imagination. The Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and mystical Santa Claus are as real as the dog in their lap. Telling stories and creating are important parts of their development and mental health. Kids use their imagination to see and consider possibilities and realities. That, in turn, leads to problem-solving skills and to mastering intellectual and mental challenges later.
Before becoming the holiday icon, Santa Claus, bishop San Nicholas, was a real person in the third century. He cared for the poor, the sick, and especially for children with giving, love, and compassion. Today, he is synonymous with Christmas.
As such, Santa Claus is part of our cultural heritage. It makes the merry, giving portly fellow and his magical mode of transportation real. The intent of doing good and of giving. As an icon and an idea, Santa Claus is as real as the Santa letters kids write. Or as the occasional letters from Santa kids might receive.
The parents of today give gifts in the spirit of San Nicholas. They embody his kindly tradition. In that sense, Santa Claus lives within them. But Santa also lives on any digital device. Inspire your kids to learn about Santa on just about any of them. It will improve their imagination and understanding. Ultimately, they will detect and understand the truth about Santa on their own without resentment.
And if you really want to spark that imagination this holiday season, consider ordering a letter from Santa to be sent from them. Check out Daily Inter Lake's Letters From Santa site for more information.
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