By Cynthia L. Simmons

Q: Amid the Christmas traditions of Santa Claus, trees, and presents, how can Christians celebrate while staying true to the holiday’s deeper spiritual meaning?
A: The modern Santa Claus is actually a fascinating transformation of a remarkable historical figure.
Rooted in St. Nicholas, the 4th-century Bishop of Myra, this beloved character began as a symbol of Christian generosity and faith.
Dutch immigrants brought St. Nicholas traditions to America, but it was Thomas Nast’s 1863 illustration for Harper’s Weekly that truly shaped the Santa we know today.
Coca-Cola’s advertisements in the 1930s further cemented the image of a jolly, rotund figure in a red suit.
The True Story of St. Nicholas
Beyond the commercial facade, St. Nicholas offers a powerful testimony of Christian virtue. He endured imprisonment under Roman Emperor Diocletian, refusing to compromise his faith. His legendary generosity is equally compelling—traditional accounts tell of him providing dowries for girls, protecting them from potential exploitation. This narrative transforms Santa from a mere gift-giver to a symbol of radical compassion and steadfast belief.
Reflections of Sacrifice
In an age of instant gratification and Amazon deliveries, Christmas gift-giving can become mindless consumption. However, we can reframe this tradition by reflecting on God’s ultimate gift—Jesus Christ.
Consider the profound sacrifice: a holy God entering a sinful world, enduring human limitations, and ultimately giving His life for humanity’s redemption. Each gift we exchange can become a reminder of this incomprehensible love.
Behind All the Trimmings Even seemingly secular decorations hold deep spiritual significance:
Christmas Trees: Originating in medieval times, evergreen trees symbolized eternal life. Martin Luther’s innovation of adding candles represented Christ as the world’s light.
Lights: More than festive decoration, lights can point to God as the ultimate source of illumination and hope.
Redeeming Traditions

Christians need not fear or reject Christmas traditions. Instead, we can redeem them, using familiar symbols as bridges to share the profound story of Christ’s love. Each decoration, each gift, each tradition can become an opportunity to communicate the deeper meaning of Christmas. As followers of Christ, we can add even deeper spiritual applications to our celebration:
• Share the historical background of Christmas symbols with family and friends.
• Use gift-giving as a moment to reflect on God’s ultimate gift.
• See decorations as conversation starters about faith and hope.
• Celebrate with joy, knowing that cultural traditions can coexist with spiritual truth.
Christmas is not about avoiding all secular influences but maintaining a heart focused on the miraculous story of God’s incarnation. Enjoy the season, celebrate generously, and let your faith shine brightly.
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