How Christmas teaches kids to share their faith
Photo canva.com, EPA, Piyal Adhikary
Christian Life
When your children attend public school in a big city, the Christmas season becomes a lesson in how to live as Christians in a secular world.
In our family, we do not follow the tradition of Santa Claus. We have chosen to teach our children that parents, grandparents, and friends give gifts to honour the greatest gift the world has ever received: the incarnation of Christ and His birth in a manger in Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago.
We are not overly strict about Santa Claus, but our children appreciate the story. For them, the image of a man dressed in red flying a sleigh to deliver presents is entertaining. They approach it with the same spirit they have for stories like Frozen or Spider-Man—with fascination, curiosity, and imagination but fully aware that these are fictional tales.
This isn't the case for everyone, though. At my daughter's school, some children have been encouraged by their families to believe that Santa Claus exists.
Moreover, the school, which is attended by families from diverse religious traditions, has decided to omit references to the Nativity from its Christmas celebrations. Instead, the staff focuses solely on decorations, gifts, and the general festive spirit.
As a result, the children have had many long conversations centred on presents and Santa Claus. At some point, my daughter insisted to her classmates, quite adamantly, that the idea of Santa Claus is just a story—a fantasy, something that isn't real.
One day after school, her teacher pulled me aside to talk. She asked why my daughter doesn't believe in Santa Claus and hinted that her assertions were causing discomfort in the class and upsetting the children who were convinced of his existence.
I wasn't immediately sure how to respond. My daughter is correct, after all, and the other children will eventually find out the truth. What is more, our children need to focus on a different miracle and a truly astonishing event: the coming of Jesus.
Ultimately, this situation allowed a longer conversation with my daughter. We talked about how, as Christians, it can be challenging to live in a world where others think differently. She will often encounter people who don't share her beliefs, who believe in things that seem absurd to her, and who might even try to undermine her faith.
We explained that it is better to share what she believes rather than focus on what she doesn't believe or what others shouldn't think. Respecting the beliefs of others is essential and fundamental.
It became a small discussion about religious freedom and freedom of thought. I hope this conversation will plant a seed in my daughter's life so that she can navigate diverse contexts while safeguarding her faith in Jesus.
Related Articles
