Whether you believe in him or not, Santa Claus is an integral part of Christmas; He embodies the Christmas spirit. Christmas is a time that brings out joy, love, and kindness. I, personally, do not believe in Santa in terms of thinking he is a real person in the world who has magical powers. But I appreciate his existence as a character. I like how he represents joy, love, and kindness through his merriness, giving, and how he promotes kids to be nice to others. Santa adds to the magic of the season which is what makes him a special and positive figure for the Christmas season.

Although Santa does possess a lot of positive qualities, there is a negative aspect of him in the way that Santa has always been portrayed as a white male. I think Santa Claus should not be stuck to one race, gender, or any one type of identity. People should allow Santa to have diversity, such as in movies or commercials, and not only have one image. This would create even more positivity by representing more diverse people, which teaches that everyone can be as loving and giving as Santa.

Alyssa, an NDB student, who believed in Santa up until she was about 10 shared her thoughts on what Santa represents.

“I think in a way it stands as a reminder for kids to be nice to people and to have manners and do good things because it’s kind of this idea of, if you do good, [and] if you’re nice to people and you’re polite and you follow the instructions then the Santa Claus figure is going to bring you a gift. It also is just kind of fun and magical,” said NDB Freshman Alyssa Kimoto.

When asked why she thinks kids initially believe in Santa she answered, “I feel like when you’re a little kid you believe everything that your parents tell you and you’re just like, there’s this magical thing.”

Another NDB student, Megan Worry, reflected on why she liked Santa Claus as a kid and what made him special. She said she stopped believing in Santa at age nine.

“He seems really nice and he gives you presents,” said NDB freshman Megan Worry. When asked what she thinks he represents she answered, “gift-giving and not getting much back.”

This positive reflection on Santa Claus is what makes him an important part of Christmas. He symbolizes the joy of giving back to others. This does not have to be done in huge ways like fancy gifts but can just be as simple as helping someone.

Bridget Sennet, an NDB student, gave her thoughts after revealing she stopped believing at around age nine.

Bridget shared a nice message about why she believed in Santa when she was younger and his positive influence.

“I feel like convincing yourself that he’s real makes Christmas a little more special,” shared NDB sophomore, Bridget Sennett. “I think it’s that if you’re a good person he gives you gifts. And that makes you want to be a better person,” said Sennett.

I agree, he represents the importance of being a good person by encouraging children to be nice and how to give to others, especially in the loving season of the holidays.

But what I also want others to take away is that one does not need to be perfect to be considered a good person. People and kids should not feel they have to meet Santa or anyone’s standards for being nice but it is about doing what they feel is right and trying to be kind even in small ways. I am thankful for the warm spirit of winter because of the messages from the holidays that remind us to be grateful and kind towards others. That is what makes the holiday season so magical.