If you see the Santa on the road...
David
A human residing in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Ancestral territory of the Erie, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Mississauga and Neutral First Nations Veteran
Hello there. I'm not sure how many here bother with the Yule tide/winter solstice/Christmas or Santa Claus but I've always been a fan of this time of year (minus the commercialism).
I've always believed Santa is the spirit of giving and if I'm asked if I believe in Santa I'll say yes (even though as a rule I steer clear of beliefs). Since my daughter was born I've been trying to figure out a way that she could enjoy in the belief without later feeling lied to.
I'm happy to say I've finally find it in a mother's facebook post of all places. I have no idea how to post a facebook story here so I'll just give the gist of it.
It's about the transition from believing in Santa to becoming a Santa. When doubt starts showing itself around the ages of 5 to 7, they are ready.
They get taken out for drinks to discuss something important and are let onto a secret. Once there, sipping hot chocolate or whatever, we tell them we've noticed how much they've grown the last year. Not just their height but in their heart. Then we list off a few good things they've done over the year. Then we spring it on them by telling them we think they are ready to become a Santa Claus.
"I bet you've noticed that the Santa's you see around are just people dressed up like him. Some of your friends may have even been saying that Santa isn't real. That's because they aren't ready to become a Santa yet but you are."
Then (in a conspirators fashion) we tell them they can start their first act now and pick someone they know that could use something nice being done for them. They get that person something to fill that need, wrap it up with their name on it and put "from Santa". They can never tell the person or anyone else what they've done though or it won't count as an act of a real Santa.
I thought this was such a great idea that I felt like sharing just in case anyone else was looking for a way to do this.
Being Buddhist, it's also a bit difficult sometimes to incorporate Santa into the mix but I've always found quite a likening between Budai and Santa. Maybe it's just the sack and the smile.
Ho Ho Hotei!
Comments
I think I remember reading somewhere that the very first original depiction of santa as a jolly fat man with a sack, was illustrated by a man who had spent some time in China, and it's argued that he may well have been influenced by Hotei, particularly as tales abound of his sack being filled with goodies for children....
I'll see if I can find reference.
So you may not be too far off the mark there....
I saw that story on FB as well and quite enjoyed it
First I've heard of this approach.
Beautiful.....touched me .
@David. This is truly a wonderful time of year. We all have a sack full of wonders to share with others.
Stories are one of the ways we learn.
Our most precious jewels (teachings) are for our most precious jewels (children).
In a sense we transform into or become part of the stories we build ...
I think I would report Santa to the police. I don't like the way he uses presents to entice children, and his relationship with the elves seems a little unnatural.
Yikes!
Quite the twisted fantasy you have there!
I know, I know. It's just the humbug in you and that's cool but it does seem like you may go out of your way to be a grump.
Whatever works I guess but remember, you can't really be built up by tearing others down.
Meh. Chill out, dude.