Come December and the holiday season, the man in the red suit is the talk of Planet Earth. I’m referring to Santa Claus, aka Father Christmas, who carries with him oodles of warmth, love, kindness, and generosity.
Legends present different versions of the origin of Santa. The most popular one is the story of the fourth-century saint by the name of Nicholas who secretly gifted the poor and needy. The common ground where all the tales meet is that Santa Claus is filled with the milk of human kindness.
Transcending cultural differences, this iconic figure is tied with holiday spirit across the world. Cheer, laughter, and magic are what the adorable man carrying the huge sack is supposed to bring to mankind! Besides homes where gifts are circulated in the name of Santa, some workplaces too have the tradition of the Secret Santa. The concept revolves around participants in a group anonymously exchanging gifts.
Being naughty or nice?
There is no iota of doubt that kids are Santa’s favorites. Those who draft out their wish lists for him think that their requests will be fulfilled only if they have been good and well-behaved throughout the year.
Beautiful holiday songs have been written on the theme of little ones making their innocent requests, such as Donald Gardner’s “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and John Rox’s “I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas”.
How long can parents play Santa?
Barely into the new year, my then six-year-old had walked into my room, his eyes sparkling like diamonds. “Guess what? I know my wish list for Santa for next Christmas,” he said.
For a change, his innocence did not melt my heart. I had not yet recovered from shopping for and packing his gifts just a few days ago. So I was not at all ready to even think about that tiring business!
After a few years of playing Santa, it is natural for us parents to get tired of staging that drama. The greatest challenge always is to secretly shop without the child accompanying you. The next part is to leave the wrapped gifts without being seen so that the child will think that it was Santa who had sneaked into the house.
Sometimes being honest really helps. It was easier when I told my son that Santa Claus really did not exist but that he didn’t have to feel sad because he would anyway get his presents. Thereafter, it was indeed a smooth affair. I would ask him for his wish list and get him the things that he wanted.
The only thing that is constant is change
With every Christmas, the number of items my child would wish for kept dwindling, and he was happy with anything that we gifted. We have continued with the ritual in our family, getting stuff for each other with the recipient not knowing what their presents are. There is something for everyone under the Christmas tree.
Down with a flu, I remarked to my son a week ago that I was feeling sorry that I had not yet done any Christmas shopping. “Don’t you worry about it at all. Get better soon, and I don’t really need anything”, he said.
The words touched me immensely. The years have indeed flown by in the blink of an eye. Is this the same boy who was so excited to prepare a wish list once upon a time?
Now, do I have a wish list? I do not.
The Santa/Santas in my home appear to have been rather inactive. I do not anticipate a high level of exciting morning activity on Christmas morning with presents being unwrapped. Let us see what is in store. Jokes apart, there is a truth that really needs to be acknowledged.
With the festive spirit in the air and retail therapy being practiced to the utmost degree, I reflected upon a quote that usually makes its rounds this time of the year. The saying goes: “As you grow older, your Christmas list gets smaller, and the things you really want for the holidays can’t be bought”.
Can anything be truer? In my mid fifties now, if I were to make a wish list, I doubt whether any of those would be material possessions. I would definitely ask for good health and happiness for my loved ones and myself and would want them to stay safe. If I were to think about the world at large, I would wish for peace and stability and hope that people treat each other with dignity and respect.
As we get ready to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, may we wish for love to rule over hate and for the light of brotherhood and sisterhood to unite humanity in a warm embrace!
Here’s to wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2025!
(This article was also published in CSMS Magazine )
rashmi writes 