What is it about Santa that is so magical? Is it his mystical ability to bring out the child in everyone? His ability to fit down even the tightest of chimneys? His ability to move beyond time and space and in one short magical evening, visit the homes of children all over the world, delivering gifts and good cheer?
I believe it is the spirit of giving which makes him so special. In fact, you could say he is an ambassador of giving good will. I have seen children visiting with Santa at Christmas fairs; little munchkins bringing fresh baked cookies especially for Santa, hugging Santa, confiding in him, telling him all about what they would like, picturing and feeling with all their little hearts, demonstrating true and unfettered belief that Santa and his helpers would indeed deliver their hearts desire.
The very picture and image of Santa conjures up ideas of giving and cheer. His appearance is rich in symbology going back into the depths of time. As an old man he symbolizes the "Ancient of Days"; the eternal wisdom of the Supreme Being. His hat represents a bishop's mitre, or keeping the thoughts of the Creator as first and foremost on our minds. The red and white suit represents love and wisdom, goodness and truth married together. His "Ho, ho, ho's" represent amusement and laughter as the highest form of healing, and the merry twinkle in his eye is the childlike nature which is necessary to enter "the kingdom of heaven."
On a historical note, the story begins with Hagios Nikolaos, Bishop of Myra (in present day Turkey), also known as Nicholas of Myra, Santa Claus or Santa in America. Countless legends are told about this man within both Western and Eastern Churches. He was born in the city of Patara, and traveled to Palestine and Egypt when young. He was imprisoned during persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian but released later by Emperor Constantine. He attended the first council of Nicaea in 325 AD.
His fame spread rapidly in the Middle Ages and thousands of churches are dedicated to him. He has been the patron saint of Russia, Moscow, Greece, children, sailors, prisoners, bakers, pawnbrokers, shopkeepers and wolves. His gift-giving role in Christmas rites probably follows from his fame as the friend of children. The story also tells that he used to give anonymous donations of gold coins to persons in need. His fame spread in Europe and Christmas presents were distributed on December 6th when the pageant of St. Nicholas took place. In many countries this day is still the day of Christmas gift-giving.
So many people lose sight of the spirit of giving, due to the unbridled commercialism of the Holidays. I believe that Santa carries on the mission of the Supreme Being by keeping the spirit of giving, and the spirit of amusement, alive and well in each of us. The children will tell you this is true. Perhaps we all have need to remember that childlike innocence and belief in order to have a better new year. Perhaps when that innocence is blended with our life experience we might even become wise, have a twinkle in our own eyes, and say - "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas."
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