The figure most representative of Christmas is
that of Santa Claus, the kindly little old man with the long white beard who
comes in his sleigh to distribute presents to the children – the
personification of goodness and happiness. During the rest of the year, jolly
old St. Nick spends his time in his house somewhere up in the sky, making toys
that the children have requested. On the night of December 24, down he comes to
Earth in his sleigh full of presents, and entering each house through the
chimney, leaves the gifts under the Christmas tree.
This night, the most wondrous night of the year
for children, is filled with an atmosphere of joy and suspense. Many little
ones wake during the night in hopes of catching a glimpse of Santa.
However, we ask ourselves, should we encourage
our children to believe in this magical, fanciful idea, inasmuch as this “jolly
old elf” does not actually exist? Can this lovely idea with its message of
happiness actually be harmful?
Fantasy as such is harmful, since
it is a person’s fanciful ideas and attitudes that lead him or her to become
psychotic, neurotic and full of problems. Analytical Trilogy demonstrates that
reality is far richer and comforting than anything that exists solely in our
heads.
This point of view differs from that of Bruno
Bettelheim, who says in his book,
The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and
Importance of Fairy Tales
, that the adolescent takes drugs because he has
been obliged to face reality too early in life – implying that fantasy is
important and necessary for a child’s sanity. Many other specialists are
likewise of the opinion that reality is only for adults.
The idea stems from the belief that reality is
painful and wearing, whereas fantasy is the true source of pleasure and
comfort. This was Freud’s belief also, for his theory regarding the principle
of reality states that reality must be accepted
even though it is distressing– a clearly inverted view of reality.
But if fantasy is harmful for the adult, is it
not then also harmful for the child? In fact, what is beneficial for adults is
equally beneficial for children, for we all exist within the same context,
which is life. Thus, if fantasy is harmful for children, does it follow that
the idea of Santa Claus can cause them harm?
To answer this question, we must consider what
Christmas signifies. As all of us know, Christmas represents the birth of
Christ, the day on which Christ’s birthday is celebrated. The figure of Santa
Claus is notably similar to the figure of Christ: both live “somewhere up
there” and both dedicate their lives to brining happiness to human beings.
Santa is an old man, for we are commemorating the passing of countless years
since his birth; and his attitude toward children is very special because
children represent purity and joy of spirit. The gifts St. Nicholas brings each
year represent the affection and consequent love for human beings that Christ has
continued to offer us since his birth.
If we point out this analogy to children, they
will come to understand Jesus Christ and we will be helping them to cultivate
their inherent love of God. The conclusion we reach, then, is that Santa Claus
is not a fantasy as such, but something real and concrete in the lives of all
of us – demonstrated in a figurative way to enable children to more fully
comprehend who Jesus Christ is.
SUELY KEPPE