Santa died for nobody

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The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

As I spend time with my kids and watch how my first grandchildren are being raised I am glad and proud that the Letfus household is a Santa free zone.

I could never understand why supposedly honest and intelligent adults would want to tell lies deliberately to their children for 4 or 5 years knowing they would be found out.

So we made sure our kids knew that Santa didn’t exist, but that he had become a character based on a real person, Saint Nicholas. The truth of St Nick is far more interesting than the nonsense we feed kids anyway.

You see I don’t believe you can compartmentalise your life, you either uphold truth or you don’t. White lies don’t exist. So why not research the truth and share that with your children so they don’t grow up wondering how many other things you lied to them about!!

Here’s a starter for you……

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young.

Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers.

After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra.

His devotion to God and his commitment to the poor caused him to be “canonised” or made a saint in the Catholic Church. There are thousands of wonderful stories of what he actually did and these make incredible story material to pass on to our kids, instead of drivel about reindeer and elves.

So do you and your family a favour this Xmas, Pay Truth Forward!!

Stay Safe ~ Dean Letfus @ www.massiveaction.co.nz