When it comes to Santa, what do you believe – and why? I’ve thought long and hard about that question. It led me to do a heap of research about him. My conclusion? I believe in the spirit of Santa. Why? I think the Santa Sprit embodies loving-kindness and both love and kindness are real.
Was he a real person? Sure – in fact, the Santa figure was created by morphing the positive attributes of many real persons! These included Thor, Odin, St. Nicholas, Father Winter, Lord Snow, Le Befana, Artemis, Jim Yellig, firefighters, Toys for Tots contributors, and countless people from around the world in the past – and in the present day.
Just as the joy and generosity that these people shared, we too can do things to increase the happiness of others. Every day we can see people stepping up to put other’s wellbeing ahead. Encouraging children, and adults, to think about others and to take action to make their lives better is an admirable thing. Adults role-model what they believe and value – and children are watching and then replicate what adults do. It is therefore of utmost importance that adults show how to share the Santa Spirit, not just in December, but every day.
