Before diving into the legitimacy of Santa, we must understand his history and how he came to be.
In the third century AD, there was a town called Para around modern day Turkey. In this town, a boy named Nicholas was born. He was born into a wealthy family who raised him as a devout and serious Christian. His family sadly died in an epidemic around this time, leaving Nicholas alone with an inheritance. Even with his family gone, he focused on Jesus’s teachings and became the Bishop of Myra. Nicholas remembered a specific teaching: to give back to his brothers and sisters, especially those of less fortune than him. With this in mind, he did something unheard of that would be sure to make Jesus and his family proud. He gave every cent of his inheritance back to the poor, sick, young, and old, becoming known throughout his town for his kindness and generosity.
During this time, the Romans still persecuted Christians. Nicholas had to go through suffrage for his faith, being exiled, imprisoned, and beaten. But, this never stopped him. When released, he returned to his teachings even while still under persecution and discrimination. He ended up passing away in 343 AD on December 6th. Even after death, he is still remembered and celebrated today for his kind heart and selfless deeds through stories, holidays, and celebrations.
Here are the results from the Google Form sent to EPHS students asking if they believe in Santa. Red = no; blue = yes; the other colors = other.
Here are the results from the Google Form sent to EPHS students asking if they’ve ever seen Santa deliver gifts. Red = no; blue = yes; the other colors = other.
Students of EPHS were asked if they believe in Santa, and more than 50% said they did! Other responses varied, such as “not really”, “I used to”, or even that they “don’t celebrate Christmas”. Students were also asked if they’ve ever seen Santa, and most said they have not seen him or caught him delivering gifts or falling down a chimney. At EPHS, most students are over 14 and have been told Santa isn’t real, that Santa is your parents, or that Santa isn’t something to believe in.
So, with this in mind, of course we have to ask, well, does he exist? And to that I say he does, but, he comes in different forms. Santa could be the one who gives you presents. Maybe he’s the one who is kindest to you. Maybe he is your parents. I believe Santa is someone or something who brings you the most joy and acts as a positive belief or thought during the holiday season to help you be the best version of yourself. Whether this person or idea gives you presents or not does not matter. Santa, in some form or another, is real and isn’t someone or something that can be proven. He’s just somebody who brings out the good in you, somebody who cares for you and knows who you are. So, whether he’s real or not, not everything has to be proven. You just have to believe.
Work cited:
- Cooper, Michael T. “Who Is St. Nicholas? – St. Nicholas Center.” St. Nicholas Center, 2019, www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas.
