May the spirit of Santa Claus remain alive in your life

By Sister Chirya —

When we look closely at the story of Santa Claus we can see why each year this story continues to grow. The history and magical, magnetic values behind this story complement the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus. In the United States, Santa goes by several names, including Kriss Kringle from the German Christkindl, meaning Christ Child. Both France and Turkey use the name which translates into “Father Christmas.”

The story of Santa Claus dates back to 1765, and is associated with Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Children. The popularity of Santa continues to grow. Leading up to Christmas, his red-cheeked and cheery visage is seen in all the media, stores, and homes across the United States and in several Western world countries.

In the story/poem “The Night Before Christmas,” St. Nick acquired his bushy beard and magical flying reindeer. However, his appearance was not that of a Dutch bishop – instead, he was “a right jolly old elf” with “clothes all tarnished with ashes and soot,” twinkling eyes, merry dimples, and a beard “as white as snow.”

The reindeer and their names symbolize the virtues and powers of the soul: knowledge, love, lightness, courage, and godly protection.

“Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid!, On Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

Rudolph joined the team late, yet is best known from the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” published in 1823. Rudolph, having a bright red, shining nose, made him become self-conscious and insecure. It was only on a foggy Christmas night when Santa needed Rudolph’s glowing nose to guide the sleigh that the other reindeer stopped teasing him, and he became an accepted member of the team.       

Dasher, another of Santa’s reindeer, loves speed. He is the fastest of Santa’s reindeer, flying right behind Rudolph, and ensures all the presents are delivered on time. Dancer loves to dance. He is good company, friendly and outgoing. His hoofbeats can be heard on the roof on Christmas Eve as he is always dancing.

Prancer is graceful and gentle. She is well-groomed and high-spirited, often entertaining the elves and other reindeer with her singing and dancing.

Vixen has the ability to adapt and fit in. She is always trying new things, probably the most intelligent of the reindeer as she helps Santa plan the Christmas Eve route according to the list, ensuring all good children receive a gift.

Comet teaches the young reindeer how to fly and pull a sleigh. He is strong and confident.

Cupid is friendly and kind. He cares for his friends and always makes sure that everyone is happy and getting along.

Donner means to give and is the first one called when others need help.

Blitzen means lightning. He is the true leader of the team, the most confident and grounded of Santa’s reindeer. He is Santa’s go-to reindeer to solve a problem as he never panics and handles any situation calmly and efficiently, known for being playful, a cheerleader, full of joy, and strong.

So, with this amazing team, Santa flies throughout the world, parks on the rooftop, jumps out of the sleigh and down the chimney, never gets burned, fills the stockings, distributes the remaining presents under the tree, enjoys the cookies and milk, goes back up the chimney into the sleigh, and flies on to the next house, all in one night.

Santa has always been one of my heroes. We enjoy the details remembered fondly from our childhood, the jolly giver of gifts with his long flowing beard, the shining smile on his face, the sparkle of love in his eyes, the magic of his North Pole workshop, and the joy he brings to children’s lives all around the world. He’s got that relentless positive attitude and a contagious Ho, Ho, Ho laugh.

Sure, I know you can get coal in your stocking, but Santa’s main focus is not what you did wrong; it’s what you did right. He represents the spiritual joy of giving. It’s better to give than to get. Santa’s joy comes from making other people happy and not expecting anything in return.

Santa is a metaphor for the energy we use to bring joy into the world. To say there is no Santa is to ignore or deny the speciality of a season of kindness and giving. Santa, his elves, and even his reindeer are not literally out there; they figuratively represent all of us! Jolly old St. Nick embodies the compassionate essence of the ‘Great Spirit,’ nurturing the soul of every individual and encouraging us to share the goodness in our hearts through gifts exchanged with those we love.

May the spirit of Santa remain alive in your life. Continue to fly and make others fly, and have a very Merry Christmas!

(Contact bkchirya@gmail.com, or chirya.risely@peacevillageretreat.org. For ongoing classes and retreats, call [518] 589-5000.)