The holiday season brings with it many cherished traditions, several of which have become deeply embedded in contemporary culture. Among these is the widespread practice of teaching children about Santa Claus—a jolly figure who delivers gifts to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve. For many Orthodox Christian parents, the question arises: Should we let our children believe in Santa Claus? This blog post explores this topic through the lens of Orthodox theology, tradition, and pastoral wisdom.
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The roots of the Santa Claus tradition
The modern figure of Santa Claus is largely derived from St. Nicholas of Myra (in modern-day Turkey), a 4th-century Orthodox bishop. St. Nicholas was renowned for his generosity, compassion, and acts of secret gift-giving—most famously, providing dowries for impoverished girls so they could marry. Over time, stories of his kindness and miracles spread throughout the Christian world, and he became one of the most beloved saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity. His legacy as a secret gift-giver to the poor laid the foundation for the Santa Claus tradition.
As centuries passed, the tradition of honoring St. Nicholas evolved differently in various cultures. In much of Europe, children received gifts on St. Nicholas Day (December 6th). When Dutch settlers brought their “Sinterklaas” traditions to America in the 17th and 18th centuries, these customs mixed with British and other European folklore. By the 19th century in the United States, the figure of Sinterklaas gradually transformed into “Santa Claus”—a jolly, bearded man in red who brought gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Modern depictions of Santa Claus, popularized by 19th-century literature, 20th-century advertising, and media, emphasize merriment and generosity but often leave aside his Christian origins. Nevertheless, at the heart of Santa Claus lies the memory of St. Nicholas—a real Orthodox bishop whose life of selfless love and faith continues to inspire.
The dilemma faced by parents
The main concern Orthodox parents may have when it comes to Santa Claus is whether encouraging belief in him (or even in Saint Nicholas, bringing them gifts) is honest.
The Orthodox Christian tradition values truthfulness as a reflection of Christ, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). Some Orthodox theologians and priests caution against deceiving children, even with well-intentioned stories. They argue that trust between parents and children is sacred, and that deliberately fostering belief in a fictional character could undermine that trust once the truth is discovered.
On the other hand, the Church recognizes the value of wonder and imagination in a child’s spiritual and psychological development. Stories and symbols have always played a role in the Church’s pedagogy. We see this in the lives of the saints, in iconography, and in the celebration of feasts. Some Orthodox parents and clergy suggest that the Santa Claus story, when properly framed, can inspire children to acts of kindness, generosity, and joy.
Finding an Orthodox approach: Integrating St. Nicholas
If you want to maintain the tradition of gift-giving at Christmas, here are some ways you can integrate Saint Nicholas, his story, and his legacy of faithfulness, generosity, and prayer into the rhythm of the season.
1. Celebrate St. Nicholas Day (December 6th)
- Mark December 6th (according to your calendar) with special prayers, a family meal, or small gifts in honor of St. Nicholas’s feast day.
- Attend or organize a service at your parish if available, or pray the troparion and kontakion for St. Nicholas at home as a family.
2. Share the Life and Stories of St. Nicholas
- Read the story of St. Nicholas’s life to your children, emphasizing his acts of generosity, compassion, and faith.
- Discuss how the real St. Nicholas inspired the tradition of giving gifts and how he is different from the modern Santa Claus.
- Use age-appropriate Orthodox books or illustrated children’s stories about the saint.
3. Practice Acts of Generosity
- In the spirit of St. Nicholas, encourage your children to participate in charitable acts during the Nativity Fast and Christmas season—donating toys, clothes, or food to those in need.
- Make giving to others a family activity, explaining that this is how we follow St. Nicholas’s example.
4. Incorporate St. Nicholas Icons and Imagery
- Display an icon of St. Nicholas in your home, especially near your family’s prayer corner or where you celebrate Christmas.
- Use Orthodox Christmas cards or decorations featuring St. Nicholas instead of Santa Claus.
5. Give Gifts in Honor of St. Nicholas
- Consider giving gifts to your children or loved ones on St. Nicholas Day rather than Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, linking the tradition directly to the saint.
- When exchanging gifts at Christmas, remind your family that this tradition reflects the generosity of St. Nicholas, who gave because of his love for Christ.
6. Teach the Spiritual Meaning of Christmas
- Use the example of St. Nicholas to point your children toward the true joy of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ and the call to love God and neighbor.
- Explain how all our giving is a reflection of God’s greatest gift—His Son.
7. Participate in Parish Traditions
- Join in any St. Nicholas celebrations at your parish—many Orthodox communities have special events, plays, or pageants about the saint.
- Encourage your children to take part in these activities to connect with the wider Orthodox tradition.
By focusing on the real St. Nicholas, you help your children see Christmas through an Orthodox Christian lens, where the virtues of faith, love, and charity shine brighter than any secular story.
Pastoral wisdom and parental discernment
Ultimately, parents must decide whether to let children believe in Santa Claus with prayerful discernment, taking into account the unique needs and spiritual maturity of each child. If you struggle with this decision, consult your parish priest. He can offer guidance tailored specifically to your family’s context and dynamics.
What matters most is that children grow up with a clear understanding of the true meaning of Christmas: the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whether or not the Santa Claus story is part of a family’s traditions, we Orthodox Christian parents are called to nurture faith, love, and truth in the hearts of our children.
Conclusion
The question of Santa Claus is not one of dogma, but of pastoral wisdom. With care, honesty, and a focus on Christ, Orthodox families can navigate these traditions in a way that enriches the spiritual lives of their children while fostering joy, generosity, and wonder during the Nativity season.
Keep Reading: How to Survive the Nativity Fast When You Have Children