Santa Claus a Symbol of Christmas for Many

The legend of Saint Nick, known to most as Santa Claus or simply “Santa”, is one that has for many years stood as a symbol of the Christmas season.

As nearly every American Christian, adult or child, can tell you, it is Santa who slips down the chimney of each and every family, leaving behind an abundance of gifts and a few cookie crumbs.

The broad and jolly Santa Claus is a figure of infinite joy for many children, representing the promise of a truly merry Christmas, not to mention some long-desired toys and gadgets beneath the Christmas tree.

It is for this reason that each year children go to great lengths to fulfill the custom of making wishes to their dear Santa in hopes of finding precisely what they want on Christmas morning.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it is common to see long lines in the local mall packed with children reciting their Christmas lists under their breath in anticipation of the moment they reach the lap of their beloved Santa. Others resort to writing letters addressed to their bearded hero, each and every word pleading their case for the season’s must-have Christmas gift.

Many American children are raised by parents who encourage the belief in Santa Claus, and many others develop the belief through exposure to both holiday-related media, as well as other believers. It is certainly fair to say that belief in Santa Claus is anything but uncommon, and it often seems that the majority of children are avid believers.

In fact, a 2006 AP-AOL study found that 86% of surveyed adults believed in Santa as a child, and 60% with children acknowledge that the famous figure is still a significant part of their holiday celebrations.

For most, however, there comes a time when the belief in Saint Nick fades, whether it is by some sudden occurrence or gradual realization.

“When I was 11 or so, I just stopped believing,” freshman Tyler Rapposelli said.

Though childhood beliefs of Santa Claus and other holiday characters are often mocked by certain individuals, popular faith in the truth of Old Saint Nick has been undying over the years. Some FAHS students even claim they are still “believers,” despite the  evidence other use to suggest otherwise.

“I’ve believed in Santa for about 13 years now,” freshman Matt Hook said. “People tell me he’s not real, but I just don’t think they have Christmas spirit.”

Although the matter of whether or not Santa Claus does indeed exist may never be agreed upon by all, it can be assumed that the belief in the character will be passed down for many generations to come. Santa Claus has surely made his case–and likely will for many more years to come.