Every December, Christian parents ask the same questions:
- Should we do Santa with our kids?
- Is it lying?
- Does Santa distract from Jesus?
- Is it wrong… or harmless fun?
Some families are all in on Santa.
Some absolutely avoid him.
Most are somewhere in between, wondering what to do.
This isn’t just theoretical for me — it’s personal.
Our Story: How We Decided What to Do With Santa
Our firstborn was only three months old on her first Christmas. My wife and I both grew up with Santa as part of our Christmas traditions. As new parents, we weren’t sure whether we would carry that tradition into our own celebrations.
Lucky for us, that first year, Hayden was far too young to care.
But the decision stayed on the table for us.
We had our reasons for Santa — the wonder, excitement, the anticipation we remembered so vividly as kids.
But we also had reasons against Santa — we didn’t want anything overshadowing the miracle of the Incarnation.
And then, if I’m honest, one reason was selfish:
If anyone was going to get credit for the best gifts under the tree, I didn’t want it to be a fat man in a red suit.
But my hesitation ran deeper, too.
I remember being devastated when I found out Santa wasn’t real. Not because he wasn’t real, but because my parents had lied to me. That memory stayed with me.
Fast-forward to Hayden’s second Christmas.
She was terrified of Old Saint Nick.
On Christmas Eve, after we set out cookies, she asked if Santa would come inside to leave presents. I explained that he would have to.
That was the wrong answer.
She panicked.
She didn’t want a stranger in the house — gift-bringer or not.
To calm her fears, Steph and I explained gently:
“He’s not real. We have the gifts. We’ll put them out after you fall asleep.”
And that’s how Santa ended for us.
Today, our kids are 15, 13, 11, and 6 — and none of them have grown up with Santa as part of Christmas.
But please hear my heart:
I don’t care if you celebrate Christmas with Santa or without Santa.
What I deeply care about is that you celebrate Jesus.
And as you’ll see, there are ways for every Christian family to honor Jesus — Santa or no Santa.
1. Grace First, Not Guilt
Some Christians grew up loving Santa.
Others grew up hurt by Santa.
Some see Santa as harmless fun.
Others see him as distracting.
But Romans 14 gives the principle:
“Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”
Santa isn’t a salvation issue.
It’s a wisdom issue.
And God gives parents freedom in areas where Scripture is silent.
2. Santa Is Optional — Not Essential and Not Evil
You can honor Jesus with Santa.
You can honor Jesus without Santa.
He is a cultural character, not a religious one.
He is no more spiritual than:
- Narnia characters
- The Tooth Fairy
- Olaf
- Winnie the Pooh
- Dr. Seuss’s Grinch
Santa is as dangerous or harmless as the meaning you assign him.
3. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Whatever your choice, aim for this:
Build a Christmas season that draws your family into worship, wonder, and gratitude for the Incarnation.
You can do that with or without Santa:
- Read the Nativity story
- Do Advent prayers
- Practice generosity
- Sing Christmas hymns
- Serve as a family
- Put Christ-centered décor in your home
Santa doesn’t steal the spotlight unless we let him.
4. A Helpful Framework: “Santa Is Pretend, Jesus Is Real”
A straightforward approach many Christian parents use:
“Santa is a pretend story we enjoy together,
but Jesus is the real reason we celebrate Christmas.”
This keeps imagination alive and truth intact.
Kids live in imaginative worlds every day — dragons, princesses, superheroes, stuffed animals. They naturally understand the difference between pretend and real.
5. The St. Nicholas Option
This is a beautiful alternative for families who want the fun of Santa without pretending.
You can teach:
“Santa is a fun story inspired by a real Christian pastor named St. Nicholas, who loved Jesus and gave generously.”
The history of Nicholas points children toward Jesus, not away from Him.
6. If You Don’t Do Santa — Do It With Grace, Not Judgment
Skipping Santa is fine.
But don’t do it in a way that:
- shames other families
- mocks their traditions
- elevates your family above theirs
- makes Christmas about your stance
Instead, follow Romans 14:19:
“Pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.”
You can be “a no-Santa family” and still be a joyful, generous, worshipful family.
7. What About Lying?
Different families handle this differently.
Here are honest, biblical, healthy options:
Option A — “Santa is pretend.”
Simple, clear, honest.
Option B — “Santa is a fun game.”
Participate in the traditions without claiming Santa is a real person who enters houses.
Option C — “Santa is a story we pretend together.”
Like dress-up or pretend play.
The key is not avoiding Santa — the key is avoiding deception.
You want your children to trust you.
You want your word to be gold.
And you can maintain that trust with any of these approaches.
8. Teach Your Kids Not to Ruin Christmas for Others
Whether you do Santa or not, teach your kids:
“We don’t spoil other families’ traditions.”
This is love in action.
This protects unity.
This honors Christ.
9. Santa Isn’t Your Enemy — Sin Is
The most significant threats to Christmas are not:
- Santa
- elves
- reindeer
- cookies
- gifts
The real threats are:
- materialism
- pride
- greed
- distraction
- comparison
- family tension
- idolatry of stuff
Santa doesn’t create those problems.
Our hearts do.
But Jesus redeems our hearts — and our holidays.
You May Like: A Chrismas Family Devotion – Our Forever Home
10. Practical Ways to Include Santa Without Losing Jesus
If you choose to keep Santa:
- Let him symbolize generosity
- Keep Jesus central in Advent traditions
- Let parents give the biggest gifts
- Use Santa stories to talk about kindness
- Tell your kids Santa celebrates Jesus as well
Santa becomes a servant to your celebration, not the centerpiece.
11. Practical Ways to Skip Santa Without Killing the Joy
If you don’t do Santa:
- Make Christmas deeply meaningful
- Light Advent candles
- Have a birthday cake for Jesus
- Serve the needy as a family
- Make Scripture and worship the main event
- Tell your story with gentleness
You don’t need Santa to have a magical Christmas.
Final Word: Freedom, Wisdom & Christ-Centered Joy
Whether your family includes Santa or not…
Jesus is Lord of Christmas.
Christ is the center of the story.
Your family can honor Him with or without Santa.
The point of the season isn’t a tradition — it’s a Person.
What will your kids remember most?
- The joy in your home
- The worship you modeled
- The love you shared
- The gospel you lived
- The Savior you celebrated
Santa may enter through the chimney, but Jesus enters through the heart.
And He is what Christmas — and parenting — are all about.
Leave a Reply