Do Not Teach Your Children About Santa Claus

[@stavrouladeessegloria]

Saint Nicholas the womderworker of Myra, pray to God for us☦️

[@HubertofLiege]

Saint Nicholas slapped up Arias at the council of Nicaea. Better be good, kid. No heretics.

[@howitzer3342]

I never liked the idea of lying to children, especially the idea of keeping it going until they figure it out. I always thought it was awful, and heartbreaking for kids. Then they get to understand that their parents knowingly lied to them for so many years all because it was "cute" to their selfish parents. Truly terrible. Hard pass on the Santa lie, it stops with my family.

[@ZBielski]

But I'm the bad guy for not wanting to lie to and manipulate my children.

[@florida5236]

Also makes them start questioning other things they were told. Plenty of atheists out there that started doubting Christianity when they found out their parents lied about the easter bunny and santa.

[@0live0wire0]

@@florida5236 questioning what they've been told is a good thing. Those atheists became such because their faith didn't have a strong foundation and no one could adequately address their doubt. Atheism is not about skepticism, it's about willful rejection of the Truth because of lack of humility, pride, vanity and spiritual delusion. Atheism is inevitably irrational and leads to nihilism and absurdity (The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."). So it's a moral failing above all. If they were truly skeptics, they would extend their unbelief to sweeping claims made by the scientismos about the origin of life, the Earth and the universe. As if anyone has any kind of evidence about something happening 300000 million years ago.

[@I.Am.Will.]

Same here.

[@johnsambo9379]

I don't think Santa corrupts kids. Parents lie all the time about things to kids.

[@benwiegold5051]

I vividly remember being 6 years old and realizing Santa was fake, and I immediately began wondering if Jesus was fake too.

[@BentleyPearson-hl2yh]

That hit me like a truck, lies have the wrong kind of power.

[@danielramirez-el6zp]

jesus is fake.

[@dealarr]

"Jesus" was important and real enough for the whole world to mark our year after Him. santa claus was attached to Christ from the Roman Catholic Church to propagate further idolatry. If one just look at the Catholic Church, and study the teachings of Iesu (Aka Jesus), one can see clearly this Catholic church had gone off the rails.

[@danielramirez-el6zp]

@@dealarr the whole world really....or after white people?

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

You were not that bright

[@Cp6uja]

Today is St. Nicholas’ feast day in the Julian calendar. My family celebrates this day as he is our patron saint. Serbian families each have a patron saint and on their main feast day we go to church, pray and have family and friends over to celebrate the saint and their protection over us.

[@hugomiranda5424]

I started attending the Serbian church a few months ago and am invited to a Slava today 🕊️ Glory to God!

[@lazarplavsic202]

Srećna slava!

[@keiganthetennessean1796]

Happy Feast! Our ROCOR parish had a Great Vigil last night and Divine Liturgy this morning. My voice is about gone lol

[@SM-iw3ku]

Srećna slava. Macedonian families also have a patron saint and celebrate feast days too. Much love to my Serbian brothers and sisters.

[@snart20]

We chose to tell them that Santa is a nice story inspired by StNicholas.

[@alexeios]

@@snart20 it’s literally that simple

[@ivanz6368]

And what is actually nice in that story?

[@cerebrummaximus3762]

Correct approach, it's literally that simple. You can even incorporate the Santa tradition, and use it as an opportunity to teach the kids in a fun way about the real person who inspired the Santa tradition: St Nicholas, and how this general association of Christmas with gift-giving (NOT gift-getting) links and is a reference to Christ incarnate being a gift from God, as well as the tradition stemming from the Magi honouring the Lord. Don't tell them that Santa is a real guy who visits your house each year, but rather it's a fun tradition between parents and kids in the west, a secret gift giving, inspired by holy Christ-honouring people, like St Nicholas. This way you have a lot of opportunity to teach your children things, Christmas becomes Christ-focused again, gifts become only a secondary aspect, etc.

[@JohnFDonovan-by1nt]

@@cerebrummaximus3762 As RCs this is similar to how we handled Santa. We never told our children that Santa was not real because Saint Nicholas is very real. Let's be honest it doesn't take long for them to figure that one out his worldly remake is not. One of my more observant sons once said, but Dad if he is a Saint then what about the suit the reindeer etc. My answer was this is only way the Protestants would allow him into the house. In a sense this is true because the secularization of Santa is actually the work of Clement Moore's "The Night before Christmas" and Moore as everyone knows, taught theology at a Protestant seminary! Parents who go to Mass on Christmas day and Sundays during the year and make Christ the center of their celebration have nothing to fear from the jolly old man. While Father Peter is "right" there are ways and ways of being right and still show some compassion and understanding about how unenlightened, shallow society often tries to seek religious truth. Lines need to be drawn, when and where and how is always the question.

[@chrisalan11rus]

We do the same

[@lenorabearer5764]

Amen! Focus on Nativity and St Nicholas, not gift-giving.

[@seangomez2331]

Gift giving is ingrained in our nature. The point is to put meaning into the gift not money into covetous & godless corporations that destroy human dignity and God's creation. Paint a picture, whittle a toy, go to a second hand store,.make jewelry, write a poem, buy a children's bible even. And the center of focus should be on Christ not on the toys but in salvation, truth, and love.

[@cerebrummaximus3762]

Excellent comment, sister, but let me correct you there a bit: *gift-getting. Gift-giving is an essential part of Christmas, relating to Christ incarnate being the Lord's gift for us, presents stemming from the Magi who honoured Christ, and St Nicholas, the Christ loving wonderworker of Myrha. Gift giving also helps teach your kids essential Christian skills (yes, teach your kids to participate in the gift-giving as well, don't do it for them only, they'll get spoilt), a sense of charity (but: teach them tradition, pass down family recipes, humbleness, etc - ensure that physical gifts aren't the only gifts given), etc. The problem comes in when gift-getting, and the focus on "Me, Me, Me" becomes central, when the focus should be on Christ and the values He has given us.

[@dellchica2373]

Sorry, hard pass on this one for me. When my 10 y.o stops believing in Santa, that's the end of that. He already knows about a few saints and the birth of Jesus. I grew up believing in Santa and i live in the hot tropics!!! and it did not distract from my faith as a grown up. So many evil, wrong things in the world , let the children be children.

[@Jiyoad]

This guy should converse with Jonathan Pageau on this topic. Folktales and myths crop up all the time, Santa, I believe points to st Nicholas for those who do not understand his role in Christianity.

[@W-SS]

Just celebrate the gift of Christ and His birth along with St Nicholas.

[@jayr.7209]

Christ wasn't even born in December

[@Thomas_Roland]

​@@jayr.7209Yes he was. Merry Christmas 🎅

[@AndonisG2G]

@@jayr.7209 i think Orthodoxy knows the Old/New calendar dates my friend. Old calendar is Jan 7th and New calendar is Dec 25th.

[@AndonisG2G]

@@jayr.7209 Christ wasnt born in 0/1 A.D yet we still say its the year 2024 right? Christ was born in 3 B.C. so if u wanna speak technicality then u should add those 3 years to the A.D years and say its 2027. do u get the point?

[@Cobruh_Commander]

​@@jayr.7209Lol yes He was, you have no proof otherwise

[@JohnKlimakos]

I work as a supply teacher and sometimes am called into some very progressive/woke schools (pride flags etc). A couple of days ago I went to one such school and brought my Santa suit. I had to argue with the admin to put it on during dismissal, and in the end they agreed. This was the only symbol of Christmas that these kids were exposed to. So while I understand Fr. Peter's argument, sometimes we must use whatever means we have to evangelize to those who have lost their way.

[@aterrt8523]

You sound like one of my old Protestant pastors. 😂

[@AlyoshaBosha]

Here in the Netherlands we have Sinterklaas (Sint Nicholaas). He is actually based on saint Nicholas, you can look him up. It is a strangely deformed Catholic tradition where he used to have black servants (now because of "racism" they got a new color). Coca Cola was inspired by this, so now we have Sinterklaas ánd santa claus one month later. Sinterklaas is celebrated on the 5th of december here, and he comes on a steamboat from Spain, and brings the naughty children in a burlap sack back to Spain.

[@cbasallie]

I never had an issue with my three children. I used to just say “Santa is like Barney, its make believe that people play”

[@keithcarpenter979]

Nice approach - that’s very different from teaching it as mythology

[@jamesmoore464]

We’re just teaching our kids that Santa is a Christmas character based on St. Nicholas.

[@TheRadChadDad]

We never lied to our children about Santa Claus, even when we were Protestants and before becoming Orthodox. I don’t understand why other parents think this is good to do.

[@Inhocsignovinces42]

Because it did not scar me or my wife and we had good memories of Santa. I didn't take the lying to heart, I've never let things like that bother me. Its fun and it is silly. God is still at the center of our house even with a little make believe Santa thrown in once a year. But that is just us and why we think it is a good idea. :)

[@smokeyb71]

Because most of the world does, so they would rather follow the herd than stand out and be different. That is the problem with most things in life, most people won't stand up for what they believe in or do things different because they don't want to be shamed for it, so they instead follow the rest of the sheep.

[@ImperatorOrca]

Before becoming Orthodox, my wife and I weren't going to teach our daughter about Santa either. I understand that some people like the "wholesome" aspect of it, but it's ultimately a lie. We should not be lying to our kids.

[@apo.7898]

@@Inhocsignovinces42 I don't like that the rich kid gets more than the poor kid. If they poor kid believes 'Santa' is real they would have to assume the rich kid who gets whatever they want is ethically better (less 'naughty'). Also they don't get to appreciate the effort their parents make to get them anything at all. That's why I would be in favor of a gift exchange tradition within the family that involves having the kids create gifts for the parents too (the gift can be just a drawing).

[@keithcarpenter979]

Good for you - I don’t get how Christians dismiss lying as silly, fun, so the message is lying is ok as long as the end justifles the sinful means. One reason or evidence why the Western Church is so weak and compromised.

[@dino575]

What a powerful teaching and lecture it was from Fr Peter last night! He was so strong clear and determined with his message! A must see for sure! I am still thinking of it all today - thank you! +++ And blessed Christmas to all the Orthodox Ethos family +++

[@russianbot2630]

As a brand new father and a convert, I have wondered about this subject myself. Thank you Father Peter for your wisdom.

[@BaikalTii]

1:26 lol the word you're looking for is "Grinch"

[@Barreta72]

Teach them about St Nicholas, not Santa Claus, and let them know Jesus the Christ is why we exchange gifts. I would teach them about St Nicholas and that Jesus the Christ provided for the gifts we exchange for Christmas in his name. We all lived in the world, but now it is time to separate from the world again. Just because we travel through the world does not mean we have to be as the world is.

[@stuckmannen3876]

As an Orthodox Christian, I do 100% understand the senitment to resist the reducing of Santa to a comercial product, but the rest I respectfully disagree with. And Santa Claus exist he btw. What is mythical does not equate to not real.

[@JamieEstevez]

I think your take is a little too Puritan for my tastes. Christmas is a fun time for kids. We never told our kids Santa Claus isn't real. Their friends did. We're they crushed by it? No. Not at all. In fact they play along now. It's part of the fun. God forbid that Christians have any fun. Yes Christmas is Christ's Mass. It's the Nativity. It's the Virgin Birth. Yes Saint Nicholas was a real man and a real Saint. Us humans have always had myths and legends we told each other and our children for various reasons, culture and tradition being very important ones. Santa Claus would be on the very lighthearted end of such myths and legends. He embodies the spirit of giving. He embodies the joyful spirit of the Feast (you know like Father Christmas?). This is a time we break bread with our families here in America and it's a magical time for parents and children to bond together and build memories to last into adulthood. This is a time when we sing old songs and hymns about the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ with our children. Before I converted to Orthodoxy I was a Roman Catholic. Midnight Mass was a huge part of Christmas as was children retelling the story of the Nativity (and adults getting teary eyed about it and I still do to this very day). Yeah I think you're looking at this from the incorrect perspective Father Peter. This is my favorite time of year. This is Christmas. A time for Faith, Family and the Feast and the myth and legend of Santa Claus is definitely part of the fun and joy of this Feast.

[@mikem8650]

Agree!👍🏻☦️

[@russianbot2630]

I see the wisdom of it. At a bare minimum we can at least agree as parents to make Christ the center of Christmas for our children, rather than this secular character. Even if we disagree on how much fantasy we should indulge our children.

[@Foxmusicden1]

Agree

[@Orthosaur7532]

This.

[@EvansEasyJapanese]

PLEASE HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN PAGEAU!! PLEASE!! You, Fr. Stephen De Young, and Jonathan Pageau need to discuss this! PLEEEEAAAASSSSEEEEE

[@katherinegeorge2400]

Why??

[@letruweldonothsa2622]

​@@katherinegeorge2400 because Pageau has the opposite view. Which, after hearing his, i feel there's no argument to be made for this kind of strange, puritanical position.

[@squealta2739]

I agree Christmas should be about Christ and not gifts my mom's atheist and she only wants gifts and asks me why I don't just want gifts for Christmas because its the birth of our Lord not secular gift-giving delusion.

[@JordanX767]

But I wouldn’t go as far as some people do in these comments and essentially slander parents who do want to give gifts as if they’re evil for doing so. And to suggest giving even one small gift is bad is ridiculous. An act of kindness and charity goes a long way. Even if it’s a simple clothing item.

[@ZBielski]

I remember being crushed when i found out santa wasnt real. I didnt care about him at all it was the fact i couldnt trust my parents. Which was a trend into adulthood sadly.

[@harvestcrops3983]

Really? 😂

[@johnsambo9379]

You sound like a snowflake.

[@mikem8650]

Wow!

[@EvansEasyJapanese]

Jonathan Pageau has entered the chat.

[@stuckmannen3876]

My thoughts exactly... santa claus is real and there is no way around it kzbin.info/www/bejne/nInRlplogdmeosksi=2V1RtZf84RqmW0IF

[@cerebrummaximus3762]

As far as it relies on me, I am going to teach Santa for what he is: a western tradition. This would be a great opportunity to teach you kids about the true Santa, St Nicholas, then you can teach them about the history of Santa, and how the deeds of the actual person St Nicholas, got carried into folk, then when sent westward, combined into the modern idea of Santa, then you can link this how to be God-loving figure as is St Nicholas, and draw the Santa gift-giving aspect to St Nicholas (teaching the kids that Christmas is about giving, not getting), then describe why we give presents of Christmas at all (the incarnate Christ being a gift to the world from God; the Magi giving gifts to the Christ child), thus linking St Nicholas then Santa to actual Christmas. I'd teach my kids, this is a tradition developed in the west, which although shifted a lot, is based on an actual person and saint. When I was younger, I'd go on websites like "Why Christmas" and find interesting traditions from how different countries celebrate Christmas and "adopt", so I intend teaching Santa in a similar manner. Not in a "he's an actual person who comes round our house" sort of way, not in a "he's fake, people lie to their kids" sort of way, but "Santa is a tradition that developed in the west where parents by kids presents, and then tell them they're from Santa, in reference to an actual saint and Holy person who saved girls of a poor father via giving gifts". We can then incorporate the tradition of Santa, with a greater focus on Christ and the gift-giving Magi, and how they've inspired people like St Nicholas, who's been the inspiration for today's Santa, making I clear that there isn't a guy coming to the house delivering presents, but this is how the saint-inspired tradition goes, and have this educating aspect of Christmas, whilst keeping the "magic", and having a far greater focus on Christ and His Nativity. Whilst I'm sure if you have better adulting skills, you can play it better another way, but I feel like removing Santa entirely but keeping the gift getting, the kids will start associating Christmas = gift-getting, if you keep modern Santa entirely, the Christmas becomes gift-getting focused once again, but if you keep Santa, but have him for what he actually is, a fun Christmas tradition developed in the west in based on Christ and the Magi, and in reference to Christ-focused saint, and have the greater focus on Christmas directly on Christ (whilst Santa has become indirect focus on Christ, as in my model you teach your kids the Christian history of Santa) and presents becomes a secondary thing, the children will be raised viewing Christmas as it should be! (Ps: I am not sure where the links in the video take us, but the Coca Cola Santa is a myth. Also bonus: quite a major part of the final steps in the evolution of Santa to how he is viewed today is the work of many Victorian and post-Victorian era poets, and Classic writers, this is a great opportunity to introduce you children to literature, and with a special focus Christian authors, such as Charles Dickens) Christmas doesn't have to be commercial and getting-centred if you don't make it that way. Also, one final thing: especially if you are an ethnic/bi-ethnic family: teach the children tradition and responsibility! Slowly introduce them to cooking traditional Christmas meals, teach them Nativity prayers, etc.

[@JordanX767]

Good points. I don’t see it as black and white like a lot of people seem to either. Not every expression of the Western tradition has been bad or led to what is now hijacked by secularists. Some of the most low-key, innocent expressions of this tradition have existed for a long time with no materialism, rather an extension on top of reflecting on the Nativity. I don’t think people here really believe that giving a gift like a small toy, or a clothing item to a child or family member is really bad and therefore = materialism. Not every material thing is bad, unless we’re dealing with Gnostics here.

[@johnsambo9379]

The ROCOR Church in my town has a Father Frost gathering for kids. I don't see anything wrong with it.

[@mariebo7491]

Love how based Fr. Peter is ❤👍🏼 Never introduced my kids to Santa. They’ve always known the truth and still just as excited about the real reason for Christmas and who the real St. Nicholas really is.

[@MaryTraycee]

☦️♥️🙏 prayer, gratitude, services and a Jesse tree ❤

[@purestress2597]

I had an acquaintance tell me they quite believing in the church or anything because their dad said "Well you're smart just figure it out" when they asked if "santa clause" was real. Pretty sure itsnot great to do that to kids.

[@SouthPadreTony]

Great conversation, thank you!!

[@stuckmannen3876]

From an Orthodox Perspective Santa Claus is real and there is no way around it kzbin.info/www/bejne/nInRlplogdmeosksi=2V1RtZf84RqmW0IF I do understand the sentiment to resist the reducing of santa claus into a comercial product... but this guy is playing right into their hands by not beeing more nuanced about it.

[@apo.7898]

Who decides if the video you posted is orthodox? To me it sounds incoherent.

[@AKKP337]

Please, let's 'never' suppress a child's imagination, happiness, joy, hope, craziness, silliness, and everything 'all' of what a child should be and have. I am a Greek Orthodox mother who has always celebrated all things within the Greek Orthodox faith and it's Churches with my family during Christmas. My daughters, who are adults now and live their lives, are still themselves practising as Greek Orthodox. Growing up since birth, my daughters always, along with us, their parents, and extended families, have celebrated Christmas including Santa Claus and all that entails with Santa and along with the Greek Orthodox Christmas at home and at Churches with all of the traditions and festivities involved. My husband and I never deprived our daughters of both celebrations, which are always a very happy, exciting, and joyful time for children. Yes, everything 'all' together. Just seeing their little faces carry the biggest smiles and their eyes and ears wide open from all of the excitement waiting for Santa to visit our home on Christmas Eve to leave them their presents under our family Christmas tree. That 'is' what life is all about for children and their families. Children who are exposed to diversity in all areas growing up, do as adults become healthier all-round, happier, stronger, braver, and more confident within themselves. "I wish all Christians from around the world today a very 'Merry Christmas' and to all a 'Happy New Year 2025, too!" Remember to be 'good' yourself too so Santa Claus can also put your name on his 'good list' to put a present gift under your Christmas tree as well too!"😉👍👌👏😊😅😄 🌏🎅🤶🧑‍🎄🎄⛄️🎁🥳 🌏☦️💒✝️🫂❤️🙏☯️

[@kolokithas7865]

I strongly disagree. (Έλληνας Ορθόδοξος)

[@AKKP337]

@kolokithas7865 That's alright, each with their own opinions and thoughts. I still wish you, your family, friends and loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025! Love and Peace and Health to everyone all around the world! 🙏☦️💒☯️🫂❤️😊

[@sofijaantzaras4970]

why is it always the greeks who are so pro-Santa and lying to children??? It's so selfish. Everything you described here accentuates your insane selfishness.

[@marymakrogiannis2581]

@@kolokithas7865

[@drunkendragon2771]

My parents never did agree on Christmas when my self and brother were children. The more I think about it my dad was always bluntly honest-, but dad told us about Saint Nicholas and mom gave us the consumer version of Santa Claus. We were left to decide, which, while it led to memorable stories about my parents trying to cover up our poor financial position, I would have preferred that they agreed on Saint and not the Shill. So taking that, I've been doing my due diligence and teaching my nieces!

[@M0sc0v1umSulfur]

The Grinch has clearly taken this channel over

[@DunsQuintus-sb7zo]

No, rather the opposite that the satanic culture of our society ensnared us and our lives.

[@Mrswesford]

​@@DunsQuintus-sb7zo have a beer and chill out

[@pulsare.m.6719]

Спасибо-спасибо, что говорите об этом нашим американским братьям и сёстрах. Сохрани Господь.

[@TheHeavensAndEarth]

Faith based in ignorance is not faith. We have real miracles we don't need to lie to children.

[@Petrusanak]

when a commercial mascot is more popular than the real person.. first appeared in Christmas Eve 1862" Harper's Weekly, January 3, 1863 by Thomas Nast.

[@JosephSaad13]

Santa Claus is real!

[@amayasasaki2848]

Even my Protestant family growing up never did the whole Santa Claus thing. My dad, when he was a little boy, just 4 years old, decided with his older brother that they were going to keep each other awake until midnight so they could sneak out to see Santa. Then they were disappointed to find that it was just their parents laughing and wrapping gifts. He determined he would never do that to his kids, so he didn't. It never occurred to me to perpetuate the whole Santa myth with my children as a result. I'd much rather learn the traditions associated with St Nicholas day in Orthodoxy, thank you.

[@fadikhoory5350]

I sometimes can't even remember what I was taught first, the Christmas story or Santa.

[@vladlucius6928]

Modern Santa is a great way to honor Saint Nicholas ❤🙏🏻

[@MrMathjordan]

Yeah, let’s make this a huge issue.

[@coachmystogan]

Charitable acts to others anonymously that kids were hands on in making does wonders. Bike refurbishes from the junkyard, clothes, etc. My dad taught me that through action and its cool to tie to the REAL stories and St. Childhood education needs material and proper marketing and teaching in a way befitting/pleasing/words the holy spirit

[@CopeandSeethe325]

Teach them about the real St. Nicholas

[@Charles_Miller]

what about in the context of St Basil's bees? if you raise your child with the proper understanding of myth's place relative to our faith, is not santa clause a western myth that they can still engage with without incorporating the parts that detract from Christ?

[@flatheadgg2443]

Where l grew up clause was just some guy living in the woods that helped the people through harsh winters by giving them food and fire wood. We would have processions and stuff with people dressing up as him which were continuously more westernized of course but it is still celebrated on st. Nicolas' day and the overall story and message hasn't changed all that much. The gifts on christmas would always be brought by the holy spirit or some dirivative, in memory to jesus being brought to us as the ultimate gift to the world. Of course the illusion is the same, you aren't actually getting gifts directly from god but l think most kids are smart enough to get the idea. As for the pagan influences, l don't think that's a problem. Especially as europeans we should give up some veneration to the old gods as well, because they represent our land and or people, hence these local traditions emerge. Most actual christians around here still teach this but yeah the american guy has firmly cemented himself in mainstream culture, especially with the young generation.

[@GeonusKaikun]

Hello, Father. How do you feel about the similar tradition in Greece where Saint Basil delivers presents to kids on New Years Day? It's not nearly as overblown as the Santa Claus mythos here in America is (or at least it wasn't when my father was growing up in Samos back in the 1950s), with Saint Basil leaving little things here and there instead of going overboard with a plethora of expensive toys (and the kids don't actually write letters to him asking for things), but still, it is there nonetheless.

[@johnsambo9379]

Santa rocks!

[@letruweldonothsa2622]

Holy father and hierarch Nicholas pray to God for us. The practice of giving gifts in secret and honoring St Nicholas is not pagan.

[@DunsQuintus-sb7zo]

How does he rock he's not even real.

[@Streaker707]

Their is obviously distortion of Santa Claus but theirs still that traditional lore that predates Coca Cola and the fact that early lore still had Christ at the forefront of Christmas as Santa Claus being more associated with Germanic groups used to deliver gifts of St Nicholas day instead of Christmas like La Befana does on Epiphany Eve so if you can take the commercialism out of it for example I do not have cable just certain streaming and parental blocks so I know what my kids are watching you can have Christ be the main focus on Christmas

[@alexeios]

@@Streaker707 exactly. it was NOT always Coca Cola and consumerism. it’s extremely ironic that orthodox Christians are apparently having a hard time referring to the roots of a tradition instead of the bastardization it received over time… wink wink

[@JordanX767]

@@alexeios This exactly.

[@VincentTamer]

We won't by lying to our child either. Being that Santa is everywhere (she just got a Santa card for example), we are going to tell her that Santa is just a character based on St. Nicholas. Simple. My parents and my inlaws got pretty bent out of shape about us not keeping up with the Santa myth!

[@Mrswesford]

Interesting points. My super child-like, autistic dad emphasized the magic of Santa Clause when I was growing up. He was a Christmas baby so he absolutely loved Christmas. Those were fun memories. We were non-practicing, self-proclaimed protestants at the time. My husband and I came to Orthodoxy a few years ago so its nice to know more about Christmas and its traditions and to put things in their proper place.

[@richiro1]

Live not by lies.

[@OutWestRedDirt]

Finally, thank you !

[@gooseabuse]

My wife tells the story of her Dad telling her santa isn't real, her very next question was "is God not real?"

[@stevenelson6120]

Hello Fr, A very good message. Maybe you could do one on the Easter bunny (throw that furball in the stewpot)

[@andreaslaugh2487]

NOT BEFORE HE DROPS OFF MY CHOCOLATE!!!! After that, ok. Rabbit stew is pretty darn tasty!

[@ianmackenzie686]

Santa's beard looks better. Sounds like one of those tv proddies.

[@suburbancatholic5010]

I'm going to lie to my children about Santa even harder now

[@rajatakaj2757]

I Tell the True to my Sohn This year. He was very sad about... But, we lose the problem, with Big Gift from mama!

[@stevelenores5637]

It was to sell newspapers first and toys later, but basically you are correct.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

Fr is the "far right" of Orthodox teachings and I don't say that in a negative connotation. I prefer conservative thought.

[@francisblain2834]

Idk man. I like your work but this is too much...

[@Akrafena]

Bro thinks he is the grinch

[@BarBell-tg9vr]

Will if there is no santa, then why do presents appear under the tree on christmas? Get debunked santa denier

[@apo.7898]

Maybe the Christmas goat?

[@stevobear4647]

My friends mother got her kids 3 nice 🎁 a year, which she thought was appropriate as that is what was given to Christ.

[@LupinGaius-ls1or]

I’ve been telling my kids about St. Nicholas from when they started talking. Santa Clause is a fun character for them, but they hear the real history every time it comes up.

[@MarmotCanales]

In Mexico we call him "El Pancho Clos" 🎅🏾

[@bobbobberson5627]

A man sits in judgement at the top of the world deciding if you are naughty or nice. He comes into your home, but not through the door- he breaks in to your father’s home. Your children leave this magical man an offering of cookies. He might even kiss mommy if you aren’t on your toes.

[@Path-of-Emilia]

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. John 10:1

[@marincusman9303]

Listen to Jonathan Pageau on Santa Claus. Obviously Santa Claus isn’t St Nicholas, and obviously don’t lie to your kids about some fat guy with a flying sleigh. But there’s nothing wrong with the “myth” of Santa when it’s in its proper place.

[@apo.7898]

Why does the rich kid get more than the poor kid?

[@OrchinX]

@@apo.7898ask God - He made it that way in the first place

[@johnwilson6324]

With everything going on these days is this really so important?

[@endthelogin]

X-mas is one of our most socially engineered idol worshipping rituals. It’s disgusting, entire country goes batshit over a capitalist brand strategy.

[@Talktothehand.253]

Ummmmm santa claus is a western concept. When i was a girl and moved to greece to live with extended family i was fortunate enough to learn the differences of Sts Nicholas and Basil and the true meaning of Christmas. The Orthodox church has to held accountable for not promoting the truth about Christmas and when and why the tradition of giving gifts came about on the 1st of January where we celebrate St Basil. Stop wagging fingers at the lay people and start some hard core teaching of the faith in today’s society. KZbin is great but how about thd Orthodox church get on tv like the evangelists do and start teaching instead of preaching. Not enough media outlets for Orthodoxy and we need truths not conjecture and what the church fathers think. What the bible says especially NT.

[@ianmackenzie686]

That would make too much sense and would require some work. Easier to selectively preach.

[@ryrocks9487]

Thanks. This is the Christmas special that I feel like we all needed... I hope you will clip the bit on the Wise Men!

[@Path-of-Emilia]

10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. John 10

[@wjckc79]

The comments. Ugh!

[@DA-jw6nm]

Every parent has the God given right and responsibility to instill values and morals as they see fit. God fearing people understand that telling other people what to teach and not teach is wrong. Maybe orthodoxy needs to pray for wisdom on this subject!

[@infinitekarma2]

Amen!

[@Yasen.Dobrev]

Amen!🙏☦️🛐♥️

[@gustavoh5143]

I would like to ask one thing. I have been studying orthodoxy for a while and i have noticed that there are A LOT of content (books, videos, etc...) from Roman Catholics claiming to be debunking Orthodoxy and its doctrine. Why is there almost no response? maybe searching in english instead of greek is the problem?

[@andreaslaugh2487]

Can't speak for anyone else, but I just don't want to spend my time engaging in pointless debates. There are deep theological divides between East & West, & nothing is gained by sparring with people online. If you're interested in an excellent book that DOES tackle some of the main issues, I can recommend this one very highly: "Thinking Orthodox. Understanding and Acquiring the Orthodox Christian Mind" by Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou, PhD (who also happens to be a presbytera). Chapter 3 in particular, where she discusses the West's phronema, is very enlightening. And the overall writing style is easy to understand, i.e., you won't be reading a book that makes your eyes glaze over.

[@endthelogin]

I’m somewhat forelorn this season. Visiting family but it’s nothing to do with Christ, or much even about family, it just seems like we’re here celebrating excess, and I have no one to share the nativity with.

[@tomblixtbredelius9027]

Guess who’s not getting any presents this year

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

Just say Santa is a story

[@d0ksa]

☦️☦️☦️

[@Tech419z]

What is the ending prayer called?

[@Newlife-ol6pk]

The boat is sinking and someone is talking about boat's colour Instead of seeing the many holes.

[@ZBielski]

Any advice on dealing with a family that wants to spin your devotion to god as you just being a grinch.

[@mathieuconklin3146]

"Sorry you feel that way"- not a spiritual Father

[@nashfordtx]

The St. Nicholas story is so much better than any Santa story. Maybe just start there... This man actually saved children from being forced into a horrible life.

[@claudiuprodana1448]

in the life of Saint Nicholas are moments were he helps the poor families and poor kids with gifts , you can keep your imaginary satan claus and goblin for yourself!

[@charlestoddsullivanforpres6628]

It's just folklore surrounding presents and gifts, for little kids to latch onto. I don't see it connected to religion at all, or interfering with religion of any sort.

[@Ayahuasca98]

Orthos might as well be Gnostic with how fearful they are of everything on the planet

[@ronwood788]

You have to attempt to meet people where they are, do you not see how absolutely tied to their culture people are? “Pagan imagery” like the pagan imagery on the Theotokos icon written in Philermos on the isle of Rhodes… the same Isle of Rhodes where the so called colossus of rhodes was? I agree the gift getting part being a focus is not of the Orthodox Ethos, but CLEARLY gift giving around that time of year is meet, is it not? Can this not be a situation to use what’s been abused to point to the real thing as the people of Philermos pointed to the real “colossus” so to speak? I’m sorry, but we cannot become sectarians. It’s so often the case that people who fear ecumenism as a reactionary center are prone to being sectarian. It’s a massive blind spot just as for the liberal minded members of The Church ecumenism is a blind spot. These things are two sides of the same coin and both are snares.

[@OrthoGothChristian]

This is a terrible idea, because now children are going to go around telling their friends and classmates, who aren’t Christian, that Santa isn’t real. Great job 👌🏼

[@apo.7898]

This has been happening since always.

[@watchmanonthewall2151]

Leave Santa Claus alone.

[@OutWestRedDirt]

Do you defend the Lord Jesus, as you do the lie of Santa?

[@DunsQuintus-sb7zo]

He's gotta go he's long overstayed his welcome. Not to mention the fact that, basically, one month of the year is dedicated to a fictional character.

[@watchmanonthewall2151]

@@OutWestRedDirt I sure do. I'm also sure that Jesus doesn't have a problem with a wholesome character like Santa Claus, unlike the pharisaical orthodox.

[@ImperatorOrca]

​@watchmanonthewall2151 Santa Claus is a lie. Jesus doesn't like lies. Simple as. I highly recommend reading Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future by blessed Fr. Seraphim Rose.

[@arvidos27]

In the Netherlands we celebrate sint nicolas from 5 to 6 december. The good holy men, it is from Catholic tradition. And its different then santa claus because sint nicolas dress himself as a real sint nicolas (bisschop) we are telling the kids that we celebrate his feastday with this and also combine it with my sons name day how is Nicolas. Is this wrong,m

[@dealarr]

Hear Hear.

[@philipstephens8799]

All hail Santa!

[@user-bh1th2ff8w]

Children need to be taught to thank God and not Santa ( a false idol ). Saints are awesome role models that teach one to defeat excessive materialism. (idolatry).

[@pete8299]

If you are afraid of Santa then you have a weak foundation of faith. Parents have such a weak foundation of faith that they choose to not tell their kids about Santa because in their subconscious they see religion as the same concept and dont want the two conflated. They must have no argument as to why Santa is fake and God isn't.

[@Mrswesford]

Exactly!!!

[@keithcarpenter979]

Or maybe they just don’t want to lie to their kids….crazy concept

[@NicBob89]

I thought the modern Santa Claus comes from the Russian “Father Frost”? Then the name was adapted by the Germans and Coca Cola made it even worse?

[@Michael-wm7dc]

Obviously the jews concocted this one

[@AncientCornelius]

You think so ?

[@harvestcrops3983]

It's just modern day pagan beliefs.

[@TheodoreIosifidis-gx4qb]

I don’t make the distinction between Santa and st nick teach them about giving not getting how you can pray for his intercession we need to have our own narrative not let the pagans change it

[@claudiuprodana1448]

one is made up to steal the nativity of Christ celebration and the other one is real and for the nativity of Christ

[@JordanX767]

@@claudiuprodana1448That’s not always the case. Plenty of kids believed in Santa AND the Nativity. It’s not always an either/or. It’s just a Western cultural thing, but it doesn’t always lead to negating the Nativity. I would argue that mostly occurs through Secularists perverting the Santa story and idea of gift giving. Not every expression of it has been bad or has led to bad. It’s gone too far, I agree. But to suggest, for example, that it’s a bad thing for me to consider during a time of the year to give a gift to my parents or other family members, is nonsense. It could be something as simple as a couple clothing items.

[@adoyle1064]

May The Most High Living God Rebuke It I Humbly Pray In Jesus Holy Name Amen