By Susan Govern
A short history lesson follows, and I do mean short. Back in 1897 a little girl named Virginia wrote a letter to the newspaper (The New York Sun) and asked “…is there a Santa Claus?” An editor of the paper wrote his answer to her as a column in that newspaper. His answer to her was “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”
Now some may say that Christians should emphasize that Christmas is to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. True for those who believe, but what harm is there in allowing a child (or anyone for that matter) a little indulgence in the “magic of Christmas”? So I say here and now that even though I am an adult, I do believe in Santa, and I have proof.
As you read this you may be thinking – “Sure she can say there is a Santa Claus because of the way little kids believe; it’s an imagination thing.”
That’s just a small part of it.
There’s a special tug at the heart when you see the wide-eyed look of a little child as they see Santa in a Christmas Parade or at a Christmas party. Who wouldn’t feel touched by a little magic of the season when you witness the way they just become so excited to see a gift under the tree on Christmas morning and it turns out to be exactly what they asked Santa to bring. Very special moments indeed!
But why do I believe and where’s my proof? I believe partly because I think everyone needs to have a little magic in their life. Also, I have seen “Santa” – not just at Christmas, but many times during the year.
Time for another short history lesson – Santa Claus came to be in popular culture from Saint Nicholas and his tradition of secret gift-giving.
To me, the proof there is a Santa Claus is in that part of it – the gift giving, but I’m not talking about the gifts you find under the tree or in a Christmas stocking. My proof is in the gifts I see people giving at anytime of the year.
Follow me down this path and you’ll see what I mean.
Recently in the newspaper I read a story of a mother who lost her son in a tragic accident. Even in her deepest grief she made a loving decision and donated his organs and tissue. Several people received the gift of new life. Two people received his kidneys, one his heart and one burn victim actually received his face. The gifts to these people came straight from that mom’s heart. She was “Santa” to them. When they awoke after their surgeries – it had to feel like Christmas morning…the incredible joy each must have felt at getting a second chance at life!
But not all gifts have to be this momentous. I have read or heard about other signs that “Santa” is out there. In a story I saw of a little boy shaving his head because his school mate had lost his hair to Cancer and he didn’t want this friend to feel alone or strange; that little boy showing such thoughtfulness was “Santa” to his friend.
Then there are the stories of children who set up Lemonade stands to raise money for a cause – like helping a family that has lost everything in a fire, or to help pay for medical expenses because a classmate’s mom (or dad) is in the hospital; there’s the spirit of “Santa” in all of them.
Not long ago I read of a woman…a senior citizen who had made a point of being at an airport to hug every soldier being deployed and to welcome them back. She gave something so simple, a gift of love through a simple touch. I am sure her “gifts” meant the world to each one.
I have friends who are actively involved in rescuing animals and doing what they can to prevent animal cruelty. Their loving hearts toward some of the least of God’s creatures show a spirit of giving all year long.
Need more examples…ok…how about people you may know who go to Soup Kitchens to help feed the homeless, or give to food-banks, or what about those donations you (and others) make during the year to help Veterans or Children’s Hospitals? Would it really be that far-fetched to say that these actions are “Santa”-like?
Think back to times in your life where you may have done a good deed without expecting a favor in return. A driveway shoveled for an elderly neighbor…or perhaps you took the time to pick up groceries or cook a meal for someone who just lost a loved one. You were “Santa” at that moment.
Yes, there is a Santa Claus and I have seen him many times in my life…I have seen him many times other than at Christmas. All I have to do is read a story of someone giving a gift from their heart or listen to a story of an anonymous act of kindness to believe in the existence of Santa Claus.
So, I say to all of you, the next time you feel there is no Christmas Spirit or you begin to say you don’t believe in Santa Claus…stop and take the time to think long and hard about what good is still out there in the world.
There is wonderful proof that Santa comes in all ages, genders, colors, and sizes doing “Santa Claus” things all year long.
To quote that editor of The New York Sun – “He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist,…”
