Do YOU believe in Santa Claus?

[nickagneta]

I just got finished watching Miracle on 34th Street, the classic Maureen O'Hara and Natalie Woods version not the newer but equally entertaining Mara Wilson, Richard Attenborough version. As we all know, the main theme behind these movies is proving that there is a Santa Claus, creating a belief in Santa Claus.

So how about it, do you believe in Santa Claus?

No, not the jolly ole Saint Nick version living at the North Pole who brings gifts to all good, little boys and girls. But the idea, the concept, the theme, the idea of Santa Claus.

In today's fast paced, media franzied, instant access, much higher tech, cynical, selfish, ungiving, uncaring, harsh world, do you believe in what Santa Claus stands for? The goodness of the human spirit, the joy of giving, the happiness of the heart that comes from doing for others are all things that Santa Claus stands for. The spirit of community, of family, of friendship, of giving, of helping, of lending a hand, of being more than you usually are.

Often times giving of oneself, sacrificing one's time for nothing more than making other's lives better and happier is something that doesn't occur. It is no longer a common thing seen, especially in larger city areas where for many, they don't even know the full name of the neighbor who lives across the street or just next door or even the next apartment over.

Of course, it comes out every once in a while. Usually during times of disaster or great human suffering. During blizzards or floods or hurricanes often the after effect is one of a closer community, of giving, of lending a hand, of helping another and giving a little. It is during these times that the spirit of Santa Claus shows itself the most. And it is something we should remember and embrace and hold onto and never let go of because today, in these tough times, it is needed more than ever.

Santa Claus does exist. He just exists in the actions and hearts and minds of all of us and what we really need to remember is that all of our inner Santa Clauses need to be believed in, to be nutured, to be brought force not only in Christians but those of every religious belief and faith, of every color, size, and sex.

So take that leap of faith and believe in Santa Claus because Santa Claus does exist.

You just have to believe and then you just have to be the best Santa Claus you can for someone and know not to worry because there is someone out there that is your Santa Claus. And do so not only during the Christmas and holiday seasons but all year round. Volunteer, give a little, commit yourself to something that is nothing more than making others happier and their lives better off.

So remember, don't just believe in Santa Claus but also, be Sanata Claus and be the best Santa Claus you can.

[Redz]

I like the idea of Santa.  Do I believe in him, no.  Then again I didn't celebrate Christmas in my house until I was married.

I was asked by two kids at elementary school the other day if I was Santa!  Now, that was kind of funny (I'm big, jovial, and have a beard)...Of course I started laughing heartily at the notion, and the kids pointed at me and said "SEE".

My 6 year old was acting up the other day and I told her Santa and I were going to have a "conversation". My 3 year old logically, and with much concern, chimed in, "Do you have Santa's phone number."  Quick on my toes  I responded, "No, but he has ours."

Santa through kids eyes is Santa.

[housecall]

Ask this question after the Celtics vs Lakers game Xmas day then i will give you my answer.

[SShorefan 3.0]

Nick,

Incredible timing of this question, where as I just got back from taking my children to see Polar Express in 3D at Jordan's in Natick.  Simply put, it's a magical experience.

I very much do believe in Santa and the magic of giving at the holidays.  I am truly enamored with innocence and wholeness the story of Santa offers children.  The image of Santa, the spirit of Santa is the only spiritual figure I find myself taken with.  I am neither a religious sole, nor am a non religious sole, but I consider myself incredibly spiritual. 

I am also a bit conflicted with over commercialization of Santa, but from a sell - sell - sell stand point and a over marketing the story stand point; both of which I find a bit upsetting.  That being said, the pure admiration a child can have in such a pure figure, is really something quite special.

So yes, I do believe and I always will.  I will continue to smile when I see the red suit and will continue to marvel at the amazement in the children's eyes -- even after my kids grow past the ages of being able to hear the bell.

Thanks for asking.

[SShorefan 3.0]

Bono and the boys do too.

http://www.youtube.com/v/4jgswWMlUN8&hl=en&fs=1


(covering Greg Lake's masterpiece)

[BudweiserCeltic]

I'm so bad that Santa doesn't bring me any presents. I've noticed for the last 20 years that my parents are the ones to give me the presents themselves. [dang] you Santa!

[celticmaestro]

In a word, yes. I believe in the meaning of Santa Claus and what he represents. I don't believe he flies a reindeer and comes down people's chimneys (funny side note, I remember being younger and asking my mother "how will Santy get in if we have no chimney?" she said he'd come through the window. I love how I bought that, no more questions asked. And I was genuinely worried he wouldn't get in), but I do believe that the concept of Santa Claus is a truly magical one.

I love how this time of the year makes everyone better, I love how Santa saying "ho ho ho" is uplifting and enough to put a smile on anyone's face, no matter what age you are.

I believe you said it best, nick:

Santa Claus does exist. He just exists in the actions and hearts and minds of all of us and what we really need to remember is that all of our inner Santa Clauses need to be believed in, to be nutured, to be brought force not only in Christians but those of every religious belief and faith, of every color, size, and sex.

[indeedproceed]

I suppose I don't believe in Santa Claus, and Im not sure that I will tell my hypothetical kids that there is one. I probably will because its easier (all the other kids will believe).

However, im reading one of the Ender books (Orson Scott Card, best book ever: Ender's Game), War of Gifts, a short story...but its about a modern day puritain family that teaches Santa to be wrong, and equates him to Satan (Im not going to go into why, because this isn't the place for religion). Its a weird weird thought.

[Redz]

St. Nickagneta?

[SShorefan 3.0]

St. Nickagneta?

If you hadn't said it, I was going to.

[indeedproceed]

update: I finished the short story, the guy who compared santa to satan was a quack.

[hwangjini_1]

i find santa a lot more believable than most of what i see in politics. 

sure, why not since its almost christmas...i believe in santa...now pass me one more beer please.

[NicaraguanFan]

I believe Christmas time bring the best of everyone.  In this global world Santa idea has spread around the world, but when I was a kid in Nicaragua, the one who brought the gifts in Christmas was "El niño Dios" (baby Jesus).  I believed so much in it until I was seven or eight.   What a wonderful time when you are young and fully believe in the magic of Xmas time...

NF. 

[SShorefan 3.0]

update: I finished the short story, the guy who compared santa to satan was a quack.

this literally made me laugh out loud.  TP

[ACF]

Yes.

Just think about it:
He's the only person who
can say "ho" three times
in a row and get a positive
reaction from doing so!

In all seriousness, if people
were as nice to each other
every day of the year as they
are in December, the world
would be a better place.
It's so cliché but so true...