1) Is Santa real?
This is usually the first question that pops up, and it can be a tough one for Christian parents.
We want to maintain the magic and joy of Christmas, but we also want to uphold our commitment to truth. It can feel like we’re walking a tightrope.
While some parents may choose to explain that Santa is ‘real’ in a sense – embodying the spirit of giving and kindness – others may opt for a more direct approach, explaining Santa as a character in a story that we tell at Christmas.
What’s important is responding in a way that aligns with your personal values and your child’s understanding.
Above all, reassure them that the joy of Christmas is about much more than one character – it’s about the birth of Jesus, family time, giving to others, and celebrating God’s love for us.
2) Why do some kids get more presents from Santa?
I remember my own daughter asking me this question when she was little, after a school friend received an extravagant gift from ‘Santa’.
It was a tough one to navigate. After all, how could I explain the socio-economic disparities that exist in our world to a six-year-old?
I chose to tell her that Santa has many children to give presents to around the world. And just like how parents have different rules and ways of doing things, Santa also varies his gift-giving.
I explained that the number or size of gifts doesn’t reflect how ‘good’ or ‘loved’ someone is.
We then had a wonderful conversation about the real meaning of Christmas, the joy in giving and not just receiving, and the importance of being grateful for what we have.
This approach may not work for every family, but it was a way for us to address a tough question while also reinforcing some key values we hold dear.
3) Why does Santa wear a red suit?
Santa’s red suit is synonymous with Christmas, but have you ever wondered why?
The story goes back to the 1930s, when The Coca-Cola Company decided to run a marketing campaign featuring Santa Claus.
They appointed an artist, Haddon Sundblom, to create images of Santa for their advertisements. Sundblom depicted Santa as a warm, friendly, pleasantly plump, and human character, wearing a red suit.
These images struck a chord with people and became so popular that they began to shape our modern interpretation of Santa.
So when your child asks about Santa’s red suit, you can share this little piece of history with them.
It’s also a great opportunity to discuss the influence of advertising and media on our perceptions.
4) How can Santa visit every house in one night?
This question often surfaces as children begin to grasp the concept of time and distance.
The idea of one man visiting millions of homes worldwide in a single night can seem unfathomable.
To address this, you could explain that the story of Santa Claus is a wonderful example of how stories can stretch our imagination.
Just like in the parables Jesus used in the Bible to teach important lessons, the story of Santa Claus is not about whether it’s literally true, but about the bigger message it conveys.
You might say:
“Santa’s journey is part of a magical story that helps us imagine a person so full of love and generosity that they want to bring joy to every child in the world. It’s not about the how, but about the why – spreading love and joy.”
This answer will help you maintain the wonder associated with Santa. But at the same time, you’ll be introducing your child to the idea of symbolic storytelling, a concept prevalent in Christian teachings.
5) If Santa is real, why don’t we see him?
This question tugs at the heartstrings.
The invisible nature of Santa can be puzzling for children, sparking a sense of curiosity and sometimes, doubt.
One way to respond is by drawing similarities with other things we believe in but don’t see – like love, kindness, or even God. Just because we can’t see these things, doesn’t mean they’re not real. They’re felt in our hearts and seen through our actions.
You could explain that Santa’s magic is felt in the joy of Christmas morning, the warmth of family gatherings, and the spirit of giving that fills the holiday season.
In this way, we reinforce the true essence of Christmas — we focus on the unseen but deeply felt elements that make this season so special.
6) Why does Santa give gifts?
When my son asked me this question, I had to pause.
It was a simple question, but it carried a depth that went beyond the surface.
I explained to him that Santa gives gifts as a way of spreading joy and kindness. It’s his way of showing love and bringing happiness to children around the world.
But then, I took it a step further. I told him about the wise men who visited baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Just like the wise men, Santa also brings gifts. But his gifts aren’t just the ones under the tree.
Santa’s greatest gift is teaching us the joy of giving and reminding us to be kind and generous, not just at Christmas but all year round.
This explanation not only answers the question but also reinforces core Christian values.
It allows you to shift the focus from receiving gifts to giving, aligning with the spirit of generosity associated with Christmas.
7) Why does Santa come down the chimney?
Have you ever wondered why, of all possible entrances, Santa is depicted as coming down the chimney?
This question might seem amusing, but it’s a common one among children.
The answer to this question lies in the origin of the Santa Claus story.
The tradition of Santa entering homes through the chimney comes from old European folklore. It’s part of the magic and mystery that surrounds Santa’s character.
You could explain to your child, “The chimney entrance is part of the magical story of Santa. It’s just a fun way to imagine how he delivers gifts without being seen.”
Little-known fact: The idea probably originated from an old Dutch legend about Saint Nicholas, who allegedly dropped a bag of gold down a poor man’s chimney, which landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry.
8) Who are Santa’s reindeer?
Children often show curiosity about Santa’s reindeer, the magical creatures that pull his sleigh.
This question provides an opportunity to engage in a fun conversation while subtly incorporating elements of your faith.
You can briefly share the names of Santa’s reindeer as mentioned in the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “The Night Before Christmas.”
The reindeer are:
- Dasher
- Dancer
- Prancer
- Vixen
- Comet
- Cupid
- Donner (or Dunder)
- Blitzen (or Blixem)
- Rudolph (added later in a different story)
You might add, “Just like the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, Santa’s reindeer help him spread the joy of Christmas around the world.”
This way, you can address your child’s curiosity while subtly tying it back to the biblical narrative of Christ’s birth.
9) Why does Santa live at the North Pole?
The North Pole, a place far removed from most human habitation, is traditionally depicted as Santa’s home.
Children often question why Santa lives in such a remote and cold place.
Growing up, I used to wonder about this too. Over time, I realized that this aspect of the Santa story emphasizes the magical and extraordinary nature of the character.
You can explain to your child that the North Pole is part of the enchanting tale about Santa. Its remoteness adds to the mystery and excitement surrounding Santa’s annual journey.
You could say thatSanta’s home at the North Pole is part of the magical story we tell about him. It’s a place far from everyday life, which helps make Santa’s tale feel even more special and unique.
Bottom line: It’s all about love
The essence of the Santa question, and indeed of Christmas itself, lies in a simple four-letter word: Love.
Amid the Santa Claus story and the joy of Christmas, there’s a profound truth that we can impart to our children – the power of love and kindness.
Santa, with his red suit and bag of gifts, embodies a spirit of generosity and joy. He’s a symbol of love in action – giving without expecting anything in return.
In the same way, the story of Jesus’ birth is also a story about love – God’s immense love for us that made Him send His son to earth.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
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