We’re not big into Santa at our house. And that’s not because we don’t like that big bellied guy. Growing up our families never placed a huge emphasis on Santa or pretended gifts came from him. My husband and I decided to just see how it went with our kids. They are still young {6 & 3} and they believe to some extent that Santa comes on Christmas eve. We’ve neither encouraged or discouraged their belief. When they ask questions we usually respond, “Mommy and Daddy work together with Santa to bring you gifts for Christmas.” So far they are fine with our vague adoption of the man in the red suit.
Some day we may have more questions to answer and they may decide on their own whether or not they believe in him. As we continue to focus on Jesus and celebrate Advent leading up to the holiday, Santa tends to stay in the background and that’s fine with us. But it can get confusing to some children {shoot, it can be confusing to some adults}. In church we hear all about Jesus’ birthday. At the mall we’re inundated with talk of Santa. Politically correct parties share sentiments of love and family and giving back while leaving Jesus completely out of the equation.
So what’s Christmas supposed to be all about anyway?
If you’ve been around here at Grace for Moms any length of time, you know we are Christians who love God and walk daily with his son, Jesus. We focus on the true meaning of the holiday which actually encompasses all of the above. But when it comes to explaining how it all ties together to our children, it can be difficult.
Phil Vischer’s new book, Why Do We Call It Christmas? is such a great tool in sharing the meaning of all aspects of the holiday with children. Centered around the characters of the What’s In The Bible series, Phil explains Jesus’ birthday and Santa Claus {aka St. Nicholas} in a way that beautifully ties it all together. This book expresses exactly the balance we’ve been unintentionally presenting to our children. Now, we have something in print to back us up!
Enter to win our Christmas Joy Bundle Giveaway for your chance to grab this book!
Why Do We Call It Christmas? will not deflate a child’s belief in Santa nor will it encourage a belief you don’t want them to have. It focuses on actual history while leaving room for the enchantment of the season.
This is definitely a book you want to have in your family Christmas library. We’re giving away a copy this week as part of our biggest giveaway ever! Head on over to our Christmas Joy Bundle Giveaway page and enter to win. Or grab a copy now and it will arrive well in time for sharing this month!
Do you do Santa in your house? How have you approached the balance of the holiday with your children?
Enter to win our Christmas Joy Bundle Giveaway for your chance to grab this book!
We are not doing Santa at our house. My son is only 2 so it hasn’t been a major issue…yet. Just curious how other parents handle the no Santa thing. Specifically, what to say when ppl ask him “what’s Santa bringing you?” Or, how to keep him from breaking the news to friends and cousins who “believe in Santa”.