Most Americans know that the Santa Claus legend began with a third century monk named Nicholas. His renowned piety and kindness in a time of severe poverty and hopelessness elevated Nicholas to sainthood in the early Christian Church. He is alleged to have given away all of his inherited wealth as he wandered about the countryside serving the poor and sick--especially the children. But what is especially noteworthy about his selfless lifestyle is that he gave away his wealth anonymously. He was a devout monk serving poor souls during the day and a philanthropic phantom at night. Apparently he was also a master of disguise posing as a beggar or itinerant journeyman when performing his philanthropic missions.
Legend has it that he would be invited to stay with a family overnight. There he would learn of their most pressing needs. Before departing in the early morning, he would hide a gift--perhaps a gold coin--in a place where they were unlikely to find it until he was long gone.
Although, like most legends, his character has been impinged by turning a humble monk into an icon of consumerism, Santa Claus still offers us a hidden value that has nothing to do with presents or false joviality. That value lies in the faith, hope, and love that belief in Santa Claus brings to little children. When you think about it, the Americanized version of Santa Claus gives us a practical lesson on First Amendment rights.
Some children inherit their belief in Santa Claus from parents or grandparents who promote the "better be good or Santa will not leave any presents" legend. Other children are led to believe that Santa is the Grand Distributor of Wish List entries. A small number of children are taught to be Santa's helpers. They forgo their own wish lists and become Angels of love to those less fortunate.
Regardless of what American children come to believe about Santa, the cardinal rule among parents, grandparents, older siblings, and anyone else who works with children during the Holiday Season is never to disparage a child's innocent belief in Santa Claus.
As young children mature they begin to realize the improbability of Santa coming down the chimney, or delivering gifts around the world using nothing but a sleigh pulled by reindeer. In most cases, it is their peers who enlighten them or reinforce their innocent beliefs. But in all cases the cardinal rule, like the First Amendment, ensures that they are allowed to believe or not believe in Santa Claus as their personal wisdom dictates. That is the hidden value Santa Claus offers to 21st Century America.
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