By Rashmi Bora Das
Special to CSMS Magazine
Come December and the holiday season, the man in the red suit is the talk of Planet Earth. I’m referring to Santa Claus, aka Father Christmas, who carries with him oodles of warmth, love, kindness, and generosity.
Legends present different versions of the origin of Santa. The most popular one is the story of the fourth-century saint by the name of Nicholas who secretly gifted the poor and needy. The common ground where all the tales meet is that Santa Claus is filled with the milk of human kindness.
Transcending cultural boundaries, this iconic figure embodies the holiday spirit around the globe. The cheerful man with the oversized sack is a symbol of joy, laughter, and a touch of magic, spreading delight wherever he goes. Beyond homes where gifts are exchanged in Santa’s name, many workplaces also embrace the tradition of Secret Santa—a playful practice where group members anonymously exchange gifts, keeping the holiday spirit alive in a unique way.
Being naughty or nice?
There is no iota of doubt that kids are Santa’s favorites. Those who draft out their wish lists for him think that their requests will be fulfilled only if they have been good and well-behaved throughout the year.
Beautiful holiday songs have been written on the theme of little ones making their innocent requests, such as Donald Gardner’s “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and John Rox’s “I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas”.
How long can parents play Santa?
Barely into the new year, my then six-year-old had walked into my room, his eyes sparkling like diamonds. “Guess what? I know my wish list for Santa for next Christmas,” he said.
For a change, his innocence did not melt my heart. I had not yet recovered from shopping for and packing his gifts just a few days ago. So I was not at all ready to even think about that tiring business!
After a few years of playing Santa, it is natural for us parents to get tired of staging that drama. The greatest challenge always is to secretly shop without the child accompanying you. The next part is to leave the wrapped gifts without being seen so that the child will think that it was Santa who had sneaked into the house.
Sometimes being honest really helps. It was easier when I told my son that Santa Claus really did not exist but that he didn’t have to feel sad because he would anyway get his presents. Thereafter, it was indeed a smooth affair. I would ask him for his wish list and get him the things that he wanted.
The only thing that is constant is change
With each passing Christmas, my child’s wish list grew shorter, until he was happy with whatever we gifted him. Yet, we’ve kept our family ritual alive: exchanging presents without the recipient knowing what awaits them. Beneath the Christmas tree, there’s always something for everyone.
Last week, while battling the flu, I mentioned to my son how sorry I felt for not starting my Christmas shopping yet. He smiled and said, “Don’t worry about it at all. Just focus on getting better—I don’t really need anything.”
His words moved me deeply. How the years have flown by in the blink of an eye! Is this the same boy who once buzzed with excitement, eagerly preparing his wish list?
Now, do I have a wish list? I do not.
The Santa/Santas in my home appear to have been rather inactive. I do not anticipate a high level of exciting morning activity on Christmas morning with presents being unwrapped. Let us see what is in store. Jokes apart, there is a truth that really needs to be acknowledged.
With the festive spirit in the air and retail therapy being practiced to the utmost degree, I reflected upon a quote that usually makes its rounds this time of the year. The saying goes: “As you grow older, your Christmas list gets smaller, and the things you really want for the holidays can’t be bought”.
Can anything be truer? In my mid-fifties now, if I were to make a wish list, I doubt whether any of those would be material possessions. I would definitely ask for good health and happiness for my loved ones and myself and would want them to stay safe. If I were to think about the world at large, I would wish for peace and stability and hope that people treat each other with dignity and respect.
As we get ready to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, may we wish for love to rule over hate and for the light of brotherhood and sisterhood to unite humanity in a warm embrace!
Here’s to wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2025!
Note: Rashmi Bora Das is a freelance writer settled in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA. She is the author of From Life’s Cove: Laughs, Musings, & More. You may visit her at www.rashmiwrites.com)
