How should parents handle the issue of Santa Claus with their children?

TL;DR:

Santa Claus is not the reason for Christmas. Parents can share the historicity and generosity of Saint Nicholas but must keep Christ as central to the Christmas celebration.

Parents should handle the issue of Santa Claus with honesty and wisdom, ensuring they do not deceive their children but rather build trust while teaching biblical values (Proverbs 22:6; 1 Peter 3:10). They can share the historical story of Saint Nicholas as a generous gift-giver and emphasize the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:4; Matthew 1:18–2:12; Luke 1:26–2:20). While some parents may choose to play along with the Santa tradition, the focus should always remain on Christ and the spirit of giving. Parents must discern what approach best fits their family, always prioritizing truth and love. This kind of approach helps children appreciate generosity without losing sight of the gospel message.

from the old testament

While the Old Testament does not directly address modern customs like Santa Claus, it emphasizes honesty, integrity, and teaching children the ways of the Lord (e.g., Proverbs 22:6). Parents are called to model truthful speech and guide their children in wisdom, avoiding deception that could damage trust within the family.

from the new testament

The New Testament teaches the importance of honesty and sincerity in speech (1 Peter 3:10) and instructs parents to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). It encourages nurturing a child’s faith with truth while demonstrating love and grace.
Christians are also reminded to keep Christ central in all celebrations (Matthew 1:18–2:12; Luke 1:26–2:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31), including Christmas.

implications for today

Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century priest, is the historical figure behind the modern Santa Claus stories. Orphaned young, he inherited wealth from his parents and became known for anonymously giving gifts, sometimes leaving bags of money in people’s homes or even down chimneys to avoid recognition. His generosity inspired many legends about a secret gift-giver who cared deeply for those in need.

After Nicholas died in the mid-300s, his feast day became a tradition where children left food for him and straw for his donkey, believing the saint would visit from heaven to leave toys and treats for good children. Over time, this tradition evolved and mixed with various cultural customs, eventually developing into the Santa Claus stories popular today. Despite the mythical additions, the heart of these stories remains rooted in the generous spirit of Saint Nicholas.

When it comes to explaining Santa to children, parents face different choices. Some enjoy playing along with the North Pole tale, while others focus on sharing the true story of Saint Nicholas alongside gift-giving traditions. Some choose to celebrate St. Nicholas’ saint day, which is December 6. Many traditions go along with celebrating this day and focusing on generosity and love. Ultimately, parents must prioritize keeping Jesus as the center of our Christmas traditions. Approaching decisions regarding Santa in this way helps children appreciate both the spirit of generosity and the real reason for the season.

understand

Parents should handle the Santa Claus topic with honesty and wisdom, avoiding deception and building trust while teaching biblical values and the true meaning of Christmas centered on Jesus.
The historical Saint Nicholas was a generous gift-giver whose story inspired the Santa tradition.
Each family must discern the best approach to incorporating Santa into their family’s traditions.

reflect

How do you feel about telling children the story of Santa Claus, and how do you balance that with teaching them about Jesus as the true reason for Christmas?
How can you model honesty and integrity when discussing holiday traditions such as Santa with children?
How might focusing on the spirit of giving, inspired by Saint Nicholas’s generosity, help children grow in faith and love, especially during the Christmas season?

engage

What are some ways believers can navigate Santa Claus while keeping Christ central in Christmas celebrations?
What challenges or benefits are there to “playing along” with Santa?
How can parents support each other in making wise, honest decisions about holiday traditions that nurture faith and trust in their children?