Some websites, such as Santa's page on Microsoft's Windows Live Spaces , however have used or still use " bots " to compose and send email replies, with occasional unfortunate results. In addition to providing holiday-themed entertainment, "Santa tracking" websites raise interest in space technology and exploration , [] serve to educate children in geography. Santa Claus has partial Christian roots in Saint Nicholas , particularly in the high church denominations that practice the veneration of him, in addition to other saints.
In light of this, the character has sometimes been the focus of controversy over the holiday and its meanings. Some Christians, particularly Calvinists and Puritans , disliked the idea of Santa Claus, as well as Christmas in general, believing that the lavish celebrations were not in accordance with their faith. Condemnation of Christmas was prevalent among the 17th-century English Puritans and Dutch Calvinists who banned the holiday as either pagan or Roman Catholic. The American colonies established by these groups reflected this view.
Tolerance for Christmas increased after the Restoration but the Puritan opposition to the holiday persisted in New England for almost two centuries. Reverend Paul Nedergaard, a clergyman in Copenhagen, Denmark , attracted controversy in when he declared Santa to be a "pagan goblin" translated from Danish after Santa's image was used on fundraising materials for a Danish welfare organization Clar, A number of denominations of Christians have varying concerns about Santa Claus, which range from acceptance to denouncement.
Mary Baker Eddy , the founder of the Christian Science movement, wrote: A deceit or falsehood is never wise. Too much cannot be done towards guarding and guiding well the germinating and inclining thought of childhood. To mould aright the first impressions of innocence, aids in perpetuating purity and in unfolding the immortal model, man in His image and likeness.
Under the Marxist—Leninist doctrine of state atheism in the Soviet Union after its foundation in , Christmas celebrations—along with other religious holidays—were prohibited as a result of the Soviet antireligious campaign. In his book Nicholas: At that time, sleighs were how you got about Manhattan. Writing in Mothering , writer Carol Jean-Swanson makes similar points, noting that the original figure of St.
Nicholas gave only to those who were needy and that today Santa Claus seems to be more about conspicuous consumption:. Our jolly old Saint Nicholas reflects our culture to a T, for he is fanciful, exuberant, bountiful, over-weight, and highly commercial. He also mirrors some of our highest ideals: What child has ever received a coal for Christmas? The problem is that, in the process, he has become burdened with some of society's greatest challenges: Here, Santa carries more in his baggage than toys alone! In the Czech Republic, a group of advertising professionals started a website against Santa Claus, a relatively recent phenomenon in that country.
I'm against Santa in my country only. In the United Kingdom, Father Christmas was historically depicted wearing a green cloak. School spokesman Sarah James said: A law in the U. The law came to attention when the beer brand Bud Light attempted to use its mascot Spuds MacKenzie in a Santa Claus outfit during a December ad campaign; Bud Light was forced to stop using the imagery.
Various psychologists and researchers have wrestled with the ways that parents collude to convince young children of the existence of Santa Claus, and have wondered whether children's abilities to critically weigh real-world evidence may be undermined by their belief in this or other imaginary figures. For example, University of Texas psychology professor Jacqueline Woolley helped conduct a study that found, to the contrary, that children seemed competent in their use of logic, evidence, and comparative reasoning even though they might conclude that Santa Claus or other fanciful creatures were real:.
The adults they count on to provide reliable information about the world introduce them to Santa. Then his existence is affirmed by friends, books, TV and movies.
It is also validated by hard evidence: In other words, children do a great job of scientifically evaluating Santa. And adults do a great job of duping them. Woolley posited that it is perhaps "kinship with the adult world" that causes children not to be angry that they were lied to for so long.
For instance, writer Austin Cline posed the question: Others, however, see no harm in the belief in Santa Claus. Psychologist Tamar Murachver said that because it is a cultural, not parental, lie, it does not undermine parental trust. Spokesperson Vicki Hyde said, "It would be a hard-hearted parent indeed who frowned upon the innocent joys of our children's cultural heritage.
We save our bah humbugs for the things that exploit the vulnerable. John Condry of Cornell University interviewed more than children for a study of the issue and found that not a single child was angry at his or her parents for telling them Santa Claus was real. Condry, "The most common response to finding out the truth was that they felt older and more mature.
They now knew something that the younger kids did not". From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. For other uses, see Santa disambiguation. This article is about the legendary character. For other uses, see Santa Claus disambiguation. Sinterklaas and Saint Nicholas. This has usually been a very busy day with me, preparing for Christmas not only for my own tables, but for gifts for my servants.
No confectionary, cakes, or pies can I have. We are all sad; no loud, jovial laugh from our boys is heard. I have nothing even to put in 8-year-old daughter Sadai's stocking, which hangs so invitingly for Santa Claus.
How disappointed she will be in the morning, though I have explained to her why he cannot come. Why must the innocent suffer with the guilty? A classic American image of Santa Claus. The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with North America and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this article , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new article , as appropriate.
December Learn how and when to remove this template message. For the Muppet television film, see A Muppets Christmas: For the Polish film, see Letters to Santa film. Christmas portal Holidays portal Mythology portal. Retrieved December 25, Archived from the original on The real man behind the myth". Retrieved 27 December Retrieved 21 December The History of St.
Father Christmas with scarlet coat and cocked hat, stuck all over with presents for the guests Retrieved 20 December Retrieved 9 September Retrieved 25 December Dictionary of Norse Mythology and Legend , page Dictionary of Northern Mythology , pages — The Domestication of a White Myth", pages — As published in Studies in Symbolic Interaction: Volume 33 of Studies in Symbolic Interactions Series.
Discovering Christmas Customs and Folklore: Waldron's; where a great number of sons of the ancient saint the Sons of Saint Nicholas celebrated the day with great joy and festivity. Dolly Sumner Lunt Burge , orig. On the Trial of Anonymous New York: The New York Times. The phrase "Santa Claussville, N. Retrieved 28 October Retrieved 7 January Not The Real Thing! Retrieved 19 January The ultimate Santa school". Why Should We Believe in Santa?
We ask Kris Kringle, a. Retrieved 12 December Santa is really the only cultural icon we have who's male, does not carry a gun, and is all about peace Retrieved 25 February Retrieved 29 September The Book of Christmas Questions. Westminster John Knox Press, Archived from the original on 24 April Retrieved 29 November Retrieved 23 May Archived from the original on 20 July Archived from the original on 24 December Colby 3 December Dedham Square to be filled with song, shopping". Archived from the original on 21 July Retrieved 13 November City Santa takes suit seriously".
Santa Claus is coming to town. More accurately, he's from town—Cambridge that is. Jonathan Meath is the perfect fit for a Santa. San Diego Chapter of F. Archived from the original on 22 October Hello fellow Santas, Once again we had an informative and fun gathering. Ten Santas were in attendance and we were happy to welcome Karilyn Curran, the chair person of our up and coming Santa Luncheon for Analyzing Children's Requests to Santa Claus.
Retrieved 17 December Archived from the original on 28 November Retrieved 10 December Retrieved 25 November Archived from the original on 21 January Archived from the original on 8 April The story is written with such skill that it becomes plausible that Santa could have been there that night and this is how he began his yearly trips to good boys and girls. I have and this story finally explained in a way that makes sense.
The second is the amazing birth of baby Jesus. The traditional nativity story re-told in simple terms that most every child would understand. Still, the main story is how Santa Claus came to be. I really like this story. This story will become a part of your Christmas tradition; it is that good and that inspiring.
Review courtesy of Kid Lit Reviews. Dec 11, Stacie rated it it was amazing Shelves: The story begins "in the small town of Bethlehem, long, long ago" where Mary gave birth to a baby whom she wrapped in swaddling clothes.
High up in the sky a bright star filled the sky and lead the way for Kings and shepherds. But, far away in the North Pole an Angel named Santa Claus also saw the light and knew that God's child had been born. Santa was a toy maker and enjoyed making toys for all the children. Tonight he wanted to bring a special gift to the holy Child. Santa "traveled a long way, then ran out of snow, and wasn't sure how he'd be able to go. So he offered a prayer and he looked to the sky and suddenly his reindeer were able to fly! Children will be inspired by Santa's heartwarming and selfless gift.
They will also enjoy the delightful illustrations that visually reinforce the message within the story. Santa's Birthday Gift is a touching story that is sure to become a Christmas tradition. I recommend picking up a copy. Nov 30, Linda Clarke rated it it was amazing. It begins with the birth of the Savior, the visit of three kings and angels spreading the news to the shepherds.
You can feel the love of Mary as she cradles her newborn baby in her arms. She held Him and rocked Him and gave Him her love, For she knew that her baby was sent from above; And our Christ who would help all the world to believe, Was asleep in a manger that first Christmas Eve. I was impressed with how delicately she brings out the legend of Santa and incorporates it into the story.
She helps young children realize that Santa wants to celebrate the birth of Christ by giving to others. In this small way, he is presenting his own personal gift to our Savior. I know for a fact that children love to listen to rhyme. It seems to stimulate their senses.
I would recommend this book to any child who wonders why Santa comes into the picture. Jan 02, Laura rated it it was amazing. Santa's Birthday Gift by author Sherrill S. Cannon is a book I wish my kids could have had as children. Two Christmas stories are combined in one beautiful little book that is sure to become a traditional read at Christmas time for many families.
The author has created a delightful story that is both poignant and magical, keeping the real meaning of Christmas alive and answering the questions, who is Santa Claus and what does he have to do with the real meaning of Christmas? This rhyming book takes Santa on an adventure from a simple toymaker to a star follower. He follows the star right into Bethlehem where he meets the baby Jesus. When he sees that gifts are being given to Jesus, he wants to give his most precious gifts too - toys! When he discovers something magical about his Christmas sack, he vows to bring toys to every child in the world in honour of the newborn King.
This book is a Reader's Favorite Winner and an Indie Excellent Finalist and one you are sure to enjoy with your children this each and every Christmas!
Apr 19, Mymcbooks rated it really liked it. Nicholas and the spirit of giving. I was surprised to turn the pages after reading about how the wise men knelt down and presented their gifts to baby Jesus to find the second part of the story talking about how an angel named Santa Claus woke to the starlight and knew that a Savior was born. He packed up his toys and travel to see baby Jesus. He arrived at the manger a My Review: Children will learn that Christmas is not only about receiving gifts but about the birth of Jesus. As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
If your child or grandchild has ever wondered where Santa fits in with the traditional Christmas story, now you can read them Santa's Birthday Gift. Finally, a book. If your child or grandchild has ever wondered where Santa fits in with the traditional Christmas story, now you can read them Santa's Birthday.
I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. May 04, Cheryl rated it really liked it. I struggled with my rating of this book. I absolutely love instilling the idea in children that Santa gives gifts on Christmas to celebrate Jesus' birthday. That message is presented beautifully here.
I struggled a bit with the way he shows up at the nativity, even though the author herself prepared me for this. Perhaps I just don't want to confuse children that he was really there. Maybe if it had been part of a child's dream I might have been more comfortable with it. Still, the story is very I struggled with my rating of this book. Still, the story is very sweet and a great way to teach children.
As long as I read it with my child explaining my views about the first Christmas, I think this story is a great tool to teach with. It gives us a great deal to think about and starts a great discussion with children about Christmas and how we celebrate it. I received an eBook in exchange for and honest review of this book. Oct 31, LAWonder10 rated it it was amazing. Delight your young ones with this delectable tale of Santa's gift to baby Jesus. Sherrill brings a sensational perspective of the connection between Christ's Birth and Santa's giving.
She does it all through profound rhyming. This is a great way for all Christian families to implement the importance of Christ's birth without removing the tradition of Santa Claus out of the equation. The book cover says it all! They found a small stable to help them stay warm On that holy night, when Baby Jesus was born. And high up above, there appeared a great light, A glorious star that lit up the night.
These Wise Men knelt down with the gifts they did bring: Home Explore Santa's Birthday Gift. Santa's Birthday Gift Published by. If your child or grandchild has ever wondered where Santa fits in with the traditional Christmas story, now you can read them Santa's Birthday Gift.