Tips for Not Being a Grinch
Don’t make a big deal about it
Focus on the things you DO believe, rather than the ones you don’t. And draw the line wherever you like, we don’t have to treat Santa like Satan. If you want to, wear Santa hats, collect Santa decorations, go to the event with Santa, wave to him at the shops. Act as if it’s no big deal, and work hard in your home to teach the things we believe: that God turned up as a baby to save the world from their sin.
Some children will be adamant that Santa is real no matter what you say, and I think, it’s o.k not to be on the defensive! “He delivers gifts to everyone in one night? How on earth would he do that?!”, “He comes down a chimney? We don’t even have a chimney!”, “He has magical powers? I thought only God could know everything!”
I wonder if we fight back saying things like “but he’s not real! Johnny is wrong!” it actually gives Santa more power than we intend. Treat him like a non issue and continue to teach what you know to be true. Kids come around eventually and the beliefs of a 4 year old will not determine the beliefs of your 12, 18, or 30 year old. When they’re ready to listen, they will.
Talk about the Story of St. Nicholas
The legend of St. Nicholas is about an orphan boy who loved Jesus and used his wealth to help the poor and sick. This story evolved into the story of Santa we have today. What a great example for us! To be generous with what we have. We give because God first gave to us, his son.
When your children know this story, and you see Santa at the shops, you could simply say, “oh look! A man dressed up as St. Nicholas! We are being reminded to be generous.”
There is also a story about how he slapped someone in the face for preaching heresy at the Council of Nicea, but I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether to tell that part or not.
Come up with a quick response to those who question your decisions
People WILL inevitably say, “You don’t do Santa?! But every child should have some magic at Christmas!” and then they look at your in horror as if they’re questioning their very association with you.
It would be easy to simply respond with “I don’t want to lie,” or “it’s not that important.” But do we have an opportunity to share the gospel here? How can we make this little decision into an opportunity?
Here’s a couple of quick line’s I came up with so I can be prepared:
“We teach our kids some unbelievable things, like the God of the universe died and then rose from the dead 3 days later. We don’t want to tell them made up stories because they trust what we say.”
“Santa comes to give gifts to kids who are nice, but we believe God gives us the gift of forgiveness even though we’re naughty. We don’t want to confuse them into thinking they have to do anything to be loved.”
“We believe Jesus is a real, historical man and we’re concerned it’ll be confusing if we also teach them about a fictitious one. Kids find it so hard to tell the difference between what is real and what isn’t.”
“God turned up on earth as a man to bring salvation to the world. Everything else just doesn’t seem so exciting compared to that.”
If it’s a Christian who is genuinely interested, share some blogs or articles you’ve found helpful. You never know, they might be convicted themselves.
And if you know a fellow Christian who is being particularly facetious, you could always just say, “What is it about the miraculous birth of the Saviour of the world that isn’t exciting to you?” But maybe that’s just being mean.
Make it fun!
There are SO many fun things to do around Christmas time that don’t involve confusing our kids. I personally have no issue with decorations and holiday ‘things’ because I don’t think it gets in the way of what we’re trying to achieve. (Let me have my gingerbread frappuccino, o.k!) I think there is still plenty to do without Santa that either doesn’t get in the way, or helps enhance the real reason for Christmas:
Bake Jesus a Birthday Cake - you can even sing to him!
Count down the days using an Advent Calendar
Make your Bible Time’s fun and a chance to engage with each other
Do fun holiday themes activities like decorate the tree, watch Christmas movies in your pj’s with popcorn, go looking at lights etc
Spend time serving others at church, and by donating your time and things
Enjoy time with your immediate and extended family - what things could you do that you normally don’t get to?
Christmas time doesn’t have to be downer just because you’re not doing Santa, in fact, it can be even better.