Santa Claus

The arrival of Santa Claus in the early hours of the 25th of December is the next and probably the most important winter celebration. The jovial old man with a big white beard, red and white clothes, also known as Father Christmas, arrives thru the chimney, and then leaves gifts under the Christmas tree.

It is obviously wonderful to perpetuate the belief in the mythical figure that is Santa Claus. Nevertheless, his creation is based on the Saint we’ve discussed before, Saint Nicholas of Myra. So, if you every have had doubts regarding whether you should tell your child that Santa is real or not, think about the fact that childhood is the time when magic and the inexplicable seem real and believable. Your children will be more open to the wonders of life if you preserve the illusion of existence of Santa Claus. They will, however, be old enough to figure out that he doesn’t exist at one point, but even if they are disappointed, soon they will learn to appreciate the innocence and magic of that time when they truly believed in Santa.

As the writer Frank Church once wrote, Santa Claus “exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy”. Make of the this celebration something more than just a day of receiving gifts, make it a day for being generous to others too. This should be a day when they can share with other children less fortunate and a time of reflection on their behavior, a time to practice good deeds for a few days and weeks.

Teach your children that even if they learn that Santa Claus is just a figment of imagination they wouldn’t be mean and spoil the magic for other kids or for smaller siblings who still believe in him.

The existence of Santa Claus is a fantastic tradition to keep whether you are rich or poor because, ultimately, it is not about giving expensive gifts, but only about the simple act of giving something, be it small or symbolic. That is also a reason why, you could practice with your children, once they are old enough, donating clothes or meals to the people who are less fortunate instead of Christmas gifts. Teach them that they can also be Santa Claus.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Kids and Saint Nicholas

On 6th of December Saint Nicholas Day marks the beginning of the winter celebrations. It’s the time when children all over the world wait impatiently for the Saint’s nightly visit to receive the presents.

Saint Nicholas's celebration is, in fact, all about giving. This celebration is meant to teach and remind children about the generous and giving Saint, a Turkish, third century, Christian bishop, who was known to give presents in secret, especially to those in need.

Your kids should know as well if they are good, well behaved and kind, they will “secretly” receive cookies, candies, oranges or apples in their boots from the Saint. If not, all they'll get is, depending on the different traditions, either a lump of coal or a rod. Also, remember that Saint Nick’s day is not about offering costly or impressive gifts, but rather a way of appreciating your children’s good deeds in a symbolic manner. Teach them to be equally generous with those in need, as that is the essence of this celebration. So, whatever they get in their boots they should share with their peers.

Depending on the country where this day is celebrated, children wait for the arrival of the Saint leaving hay, water, carrots or turnips, wine and a sugar lump for the Saint’s horse (in some countries Saint Nick is depicted being carried by a horse) by their doors. Also, in other countries children and their parents or teachers go from house to house and sing Saint Nicholas carols. They carry wicker baskets for fruits, nuts, eggs and sausages which the neighbours give in return.

Yet, though each culture has different traditions, this celebration’s main characteristic is the fact that people and children should offer gifts to those who are less fortunate. Giving is a virtue that you should instill to your kids and Saint Nicholas day is one of the best ways you can demonstrate this.

Happy Winter Holidays!

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