In this age of transparency and vulnerability, when questioned as to whether you believe in Santa or not, you might experience some consternation or dissidence. What do you say without lying or compromising the trust little ones place in you?
Recently my youngest granddaughter confessed she was very concerned that “the Bigs” (meaning the older kids) were telling “the Littles” (the younger kids) that Santa wasn’t real.
Me, the Granny, “Oh, tell me what you believe?”
Granddaughter, “Granny, I don’t have it all figured out yet …. I just think if we keep believin’ then Santa will keep showing up!”
My heart melted. She went on to plead, “Let’s let the Littles believe a little longer!”
As for me, “I choose to believe.”
Santa is more than just a legendary, mythical, folkloric character, depicted as a portly, white-bearded man, with spectacles. According to hagiography (the study of saints) there was a bishop named Nicholas, known for his generous anonymous gifts to the poor. Three impoverished young girls without dowries came to his attention during the month of December centuries ago. So, Bishop Nicholas left gifts for them on their doorstep just before dawn. He became known as Saint Nicholas, venerated each December for decades. Often his noble deeds were duplicated on Christmas Eve throughout Italy by leaving gifts or tokens of appreciation on the doorsteps of family and friends. This tradition has made its way around the world, yet most may have known of its origins.
Saint means ‘Holy’; Nicholas translates to ‘victory for the people’ or ‘caring for others’.
Let’s examine S.A.N.T.A as we approach the Eve of this long celebrated holiday:
Shhhhh! Slow down and consider what you’re going to say to the impressionable. You might tell the story of Saint Nicholas now that you know it! Or, offer open ended, optimistic and honest responses such as:
- Legend has it …
- It’s fun to believe in the magic of the holidays, isn’t it?
- Oh gosh, wish I knew for sure. Just like you, I have lots of questions too.
As a dear friend of mine says, “It’s all about how you ‘wrap and pack’ your answers. It’s always best to say it with a big jolly smile.”
ALLOW for a bit of magic and mystery. One of the oldest and most popular poems ever, commonly referred to as "T ’was The Night Before Christmas" written in the early 19th century, tells of children nestled all snug in their beds, with visions of sugarplums dancin’ in their heads. The poet was referring to the innocent way children imagine when they feel safe, happy and anticipatory.
World-renowned teacher, somatic therapist, best-selling author, and advanced yoga teacher, Anodea Judith, Ph.D., teaches that our 6th chakra (located in our brow, sometimes referred to as the 3rd eye) opens with child-like magic around 3 years, staying open as long as imagination and creativity is encouraged; it closes when children are closed down and boxed into rigid ways of thinking. Christmas is a highly charged time when memories are codified as positive experiences or encoded as a time of shame and shut down. Take great care to ensure ‘dancing sugarplums’ images verses dampening the joy of the season and risk closing down the 3rd eye chakra housing creativity, intuition and self-expression.
NOTICE the metaphoric or symbolism between Santa and the Wise Men from the traditional Christmas story. The story tells of the wise men, often depicted in royal robes, especially red, adorned with crowns and hats, appearing in the night, bearing gifts. The legend, or metaphor, of Santa is of a wise, jolly man, robed in red, arriving during the night delivering gifts. Metaphors, like the art of storytelling itself, have been around for ages for the purpose of teaching and inviting imagination. Santa is a perfect example of a well-crafted metaphor — some historical facts intertwined with a bit of fantasy.
TRUSTED TOUCH. On a very serious note, there are great teaching moments with Santa and the idea children should sit on his lap to pose for pictures. Coming from a trauma aware perspective, it’s a good time to teach children the power of choice and allowing them to establish their own boundaries. If the opportunity presents itself, rather than assuming a child wants to sit on Santa’s lap, ask:
- Would you like your picture taken with Santa?
- Would you prefer to sit on his lap or stand beside him?
- What would help you feel safe?
Helping children to voice their preferences and honoring their wishes for safety establishes a firm foundation for self-autonomy — which is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
ASK yourself WWSD? What would Santa do?
- SAY sweet things to one another, especially to “the Littles”
- ALLOW for as much magic as possible
- NOTICE all the ways you can be Santa’s Helper
- TELL stories and legends to invoke the imagination
- And, ALWAYS, ALWAYS believe!
What would Santa say: “Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! And to all, a good night!”
Many blessings to all of our students, instructors and staff here at SWIHA. Happy Holidays! Whatever your tradition, we honor you and hold you and yours in the Light.
Please note: There are no classes at SWIHA or SWINA from December 17, 2022 through January 3, 2023. The SWINA Student Clinic is closed as well; the SWIHA Massage Clinic will be open limited hours, staffed by Licensed Massage Therapists. Spirit of Yoga will be open offering yoga studio classes. Please check the Mind-Body app for yoga class times.
