St. Nicholas

IT happens again and again: An uppity brat coached in supposed realism by his parents or an older sibling comes into his kindergarten class a few weeks before Christmas. He tells his classmates the brutal truth: Santa Claus does not exist.

Tears, panic and existential shock ensue.

Children return home to interrogate their parents. The parents are put in a difficult spot. They themselves believe Santa isn’t real. So they are forced to lie or to puncture the most beautiful of fairy tales.

It happens over and over again. Sensitive children feel betrayed. Brats rejoice in their power over the mystery and enchantment of Christmas.

A solution to this reoccurring scenario is all too obvious. We must tell children the truth. The truth is, Santa Claus does exist. Here is his story:

His name is St. Nicholas. On earth, he lived in the fourth century in a town near the Aegean Sea, in what is today Turkey. He became an orphan when very young. From an early age, he loved the Christ Child deeply. So great was his love, he wanted to help the poor and suffering always. His parents had been well off and he distributed the money he inherited to people in want. He wanted to give gifts more than anything else. He liked to give gifts at night when no one could see him because he was humble and did not want to receive any credit or fame for what he did.

Once he was on a ship in a storm and his prayers, it is believed, kept the ship from sinking. To this day, he is honored by sailors. He was so holy and good. He became a priest and then a bishop. The people rejoiced in his care for them.

He was thrown in prison under the Roman Emperor Diocletian because he loved God (and little children) so much. He was later released. After he died, many miracles occurred near his tomb.

St. Nicholas is alive in heaven today. He is Santa Claus and he will never cease to exist.

He is surrounded by beautiful angels who sing and praise God without pause. His birthday is celebrated every December 6th. At Christmastime, without fail, he makes sure abundant gifts appear under the Christmas tree. Even the poorest children receive something special. Santa Claus has miraculous powers and his desire to give and delight never ends.

Santa is a golden-hearted father who cherishes children everywhere. You don’t have to be perfect to deserve his love.

Please see The Christmas Book, by Francis X. Weiser for a longer version of this account for children. People who believe Santa is fake are not to be taken seriously. Let them say what they will. We know the truth.

P.S. Mrs. Santa Claus is a myth. She is not real and never existed.

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