Why We Don't Do Santa

Every December, we get the question. Sometimes it's genuine curiosity, sometimes it's thinly veiled criticism. "You really don't do Santa?"

No, we don't. And before you roll your eyes, hear me out.

I'm not out to judge your family's Christmas traditions. But for us, it came down to something simple: I won't lie to my children, not even for fun.

As a father, I spent their whole lives teaching them that Daddy tells the truth, that when I make a promise I keep it, that I'm trustworthy. Now I'm supposed to fabricate an elaborate story about a magic man who sees them when they're sleeping? I don't think so! And when they eventually discover the truth, I'm supposed to expect them to believe me about an invisible God they've never seen?

Some say it's just innocent fun. I disagree. If my son were to ask me if Santa is real, and I look him in the eye and say yes – I don't categorize that as fun. That's a lie. I don't care if it's a "culturally acceptable lie"—it's still a lie.

Our kids have more gifts, things, and possessions than they need. All of thost things came from God. And they're NOT deprived—they have joy. They have wonder. They have imagination. They have creativity. They have anticipation. They just don't have deception.

The lie of the magic-fat-man in a red suit is the greatest deception of idolatry our nation has ever known. Children have fallen in love with and stand in awe and wonder of a false pagan-troll named Santa Claus.

The greatest true wonder in this world was God Himself becoming flesh and dwelling among us. The greatest wonder is in a Father who loved us enough to send His only begotten Son. That's the wonder we want them to remember during every "season".

Psalm 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

You do what you believe is right for your home. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. We'll take truth over tradition every time. Our children will have plenty of reasons to doubt our faith in this world. I'm not handing them one myself.