The Bible does not directly mention Santa Claus, as he is a modern fictional character. However, it does provide guidance for parents on related issues of truth telling and materialism. Here is a 9000 word exploration of what the Bible has to say to help parents decide what to tell their children about Santa.
The Importance of Truthfulness
The Bible emphasizes the importance of truthfulness. Exodus 20:16 states “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Ephesians 4:25 says “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Jesus declares in John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” God is pleased with truth in our inner self (Psalm 51:6), desires us to meditate on whatever is true (Philippians 4:8), and his Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
These verses underscore the importance of truthfulness before God. Honesty and integrity should characterize the lives of believers. This includes speaking accurately, not deceiving, and living authentically. Truth is valuable and sacred. It reflects the very nature of God.
In light of this, perpetuating the myth of Santa Claus involves actively deceiving children. Parents may see it as a fun tradition or harmless fiction, but to children it is presented as a reality. While adults know it is make-believe, kids believe what their trusted parents tell them. So maintaining the Santa myth requires parents to intentionally lie and bear false witness. This seems to violate the biblical emphasis on honesty.
The Danger of Materialism
The Christmas season often feeds materialism – the preoccupation with possessions and physical comforts. Advertisements, holiday deals, wish lists, and gifts shift focus towards acquiring more stuff. The story of Santa Claus adds fuel to materialistic fires. Children dream of the gifts Santa may bring them if they are good enough. Even well-meaning parents get caught up in providing the latest popular toy.
But Scripture warns against pursuing possessions as our highest aim. Jesus said, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). He warned us to be on guard against all kinds of greed (Luke 12:15). Believers are instructed to set their minds on things above rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:2). The love of money is a dangerous temptation that can lead people astray (1 Timothy 6:10). A desire for riches can choke out God’s word in our lives (Matthew 13:22).
The mythical Santa Claus figures into materialism by making gift-getting the focus of the season. The excessive wish lists, the anticipation of rewards, the disappointment when reality falls short of expectations – all reinforce an ungodly fixation on things. The Santa myth redirects attention from the priceless gift of Christ to the pursuit of possessions.
Emphasizing Christ at Christmas
Of course, gift-giving itself is not wrong. Exchanging gifts can be an expression of love, thankfulness, and generosity. But parents must be wary of allowing Santa Claus and materialism to overshadow Christ at Christmastime. Kids must not be led to believe that parties, presents, and mythical figures are the point of this season. The central figure to be celebrated is Jesus Christ.
Several Bible verses help summarize the Christmas story and why Jesus came. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15 notes “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Galatians 4:4-5 tells us “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
These verses remind us that Christmas centers on God sending His Son Jesus for a mission of salvation. His incarnation was the greatest gift ever given – the opportunity for redemption from sin and adoption into God’s family. This is the life-changing message behind Christmas. Santa Claus simply cannot compare with the eternal importance of honoring Christ at Christmastime.
Shifting Focus as Kids Grow
How parents handle the Santa Claus question will depend on the age and maturity of the children involved. Young kids naturally enjoy fantasy, make-believe, and imagination. For very young children, the myth of Santa Claus can be presented as a fun fairy tale. Just as they learn about Cinderella or superheroes, Santa can be introduced as a pretend story for the season. This allows parents to enjoy the cultural traditions without actively deceiving their kids.
As children grow older, the conversation can shift. Around ages 5-7, parents can start discussing the historical Saint Nicholas and the origin of Santa traditions. They can also talk more about giving gifts as acts of love and service. Slowly, the focus can turn from Santa to the story of Christ’s birth and its meaning. By ages 8+, kids are able to have deeper conversations about truth versus fantasy, the danger of materialism, and keeping priorities on the real reason for the season – Jesus.
In the tween and teen years, the Santa myth can be fully dismissed as parents help lead their kids to a more mature understanding. These older children are ready to wrestle with faith issues like what it means to follow Christ above cultural traditions. Their hearts and minds are primed for deeper study of biblical truth.
Differing Views on Santa
There are some differing views among Christians when it comes to Santa Claus. Here are 3 common perspectives:
View 1: Santa is completely unacceptable. This view holds that perpetuating the Santa myth is actively deceptive and harmful. Lying to children in any form should be avoided.
View 2: Use Santa but downplay it. This view says during the young childhood years Santa can be fun and magical. But he should not be as emphasized as Jesus. Parents can enjoy Santa activities while shifting the focus to Christ.
View 3: Santa is harmless fantasy. This view does not object to Santa at any age as long as parents make clear the difference between spiritual truth and cultural fantasy. Kids will eventually figure out what is real.
Which view is most biblical? There are good cases to be made on various sides. Perhaps parents can prayerfully consider their own family situations and convictions. The important thing is keeping Christ as the center of Christmas.
Helping Children Discern Fantasy Versus Reality
An aspect of the Santa Claus debate is whether perpetuating the story hampers children’s ability to discern fact from fiction. Critics argue that actively deceiving kids about Santa may undermine their trust or confuse them.
This is a valid concern. As kids grow cognitively, parents should help them develop discernment skills. 1 John 4:1 instructs us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says to test everything and hold fast to what is good.
Part of testing and proving what is true includes being able to identify what is false or fictitious. Healthy skepticism, critical thinking, and probing questions help children distinguish fantasy from reality. Parents can explain that while Santa is just pretend, Jesus is a real historical person who calls us to follow Him. Pointing kids to biblical truth is the best way to counter deception and discern truth from error.
Letting Kids Take the Lead
As children reach ages 7+, parents can allow them to take the lead in evaluating Santa stories for themselves. Based on the discernment skills they are developing, kids can decide whether the Santa myth holds any personal meaning or value to them.
Seeing Christmas through the eyes of children is part of what makes the holiday magical. Parents need not rob their kids of wonder and imagination. Letting children explore the meaning of Santa Claus for themselves gives them agency as they reason through complex issues. In the end, they may organically outgrow the myth on their own as Christ and Christian fellowship become more central to their celebration.
Keeping the Wonder and Joy of Christmas
A final consideration is how to keep the awe, magic, and joy of Christmastime without deceit. The Santa myth often adds a sense of wonder, particularly for kids. But the true wonder of Christmas is expressed in the glorious gift of Emmanuel – God Incarnate coming to dwell among us (Matthew 1:23).
There are many ways to infuse Christmas with joy and beauty without giving false credit to Santa. Parents can emphasize giving to others just as God gave us Christ. They can focus on expressing gratitude and generosity. Creating meaningful family traditions builds delightful memories. Carol singing, gathering with other believers, serving together, highlighting decor that symbolizes Christ – these all direct hearts toward God’s gift of Jesus. The lights, carols, gifts, and celebrations can all point children to Christ without the myth of Santa stealing the credit.
Conclusion
When deciding what to tell children about Santa Claus, parents must exercise wisdom and grace. They should avoid harshness when unwinding the cultural traditions of Santa, instead focusing on Jesus. Ultimately Christmas is not about Santa, but about God’s indescribable gift of salvation through His Son. Keeping Christ the center makes the Christmas season meaningful and glorious.