When we look closely at the story of Santa Claus we can see why each year this story continues to grow. The magical and the magnetic values behind this story complement the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus. In the United States, Santa goes by several names, including Kriss Kringle from the German Christkindl, meaning Christ Child. Both France and Turkey use the name which translates as Father Christmas.
The story of Santa Claus dates back to 1765. It is associated with Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Children. Leading up to Christmas his red-cheeked and cheery visage is seen on all the media, stores and homes across America and in western countries. In the story/poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’, St Nick acquired his bushy beard and magical flying reindeer. His appearance was not of a Dutch bishop – instead he was ‘a right jolly old elf’ with ‘clothes all tarnished with ashes and soot’, twinkling eyes, merry dimples and a beard ‘as white as snow’.
The 9 reindeer and their names symbolize the virtues and powers of the soul: knowledge, love, courage and Godly protection.
“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!, On Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
Rudolf joined the team late, yet is best known from the poem – “T’’was the night before Christmas”, published in 1823. Rudolph having a bright red, shining nose made him become self-conscious and insecure. It was only on a foggy Christmas night when Santa needed Rudolph’s glowing nose to guide the sleigh that the other reindeer stopped teasing him and he became an accepted member of the team.
Santa Claus is a metaphor for the energy we use to bring joy into the world. To say there is no Santa is to ignore or to deny the specialty about a season of kindness and giving. Santa and Santa’s elves, and even his reindeer are not literally out there; they’re figuratively all of us!
Blitzen is known for being playful, a cheerleader, full of joy and strong.
Dasher loves speed. He is the fastest of Santa’s reindeer, flies right behind Rudolph and makes sure all the presents are delivered on time.
Dancer is good company, friendly and outgoing. It is his hoof beats that can be heard on the roof on Christmas Eve as he is always doing some dance moves.
Prancer is graceful and gentle, well-groomed and high spirited, often entertains the elves and other reindeer with her singing and dancing.
Comet teaches the young reindeer how to fly and to pull a sleigh. He is strong and confident.
Cupid is friendly and kind. He cares for his friends and is always making sure that everyone is happy and getting along.
Donner means to give and is the first one called when others need help.
Blitzen means lightning. He is the true leader of the team, Santa’s go-to reindeer to solve a problem as he never panics and handles any situation calmly and efficiently.
So, with this amazing team Santa flies around the world, parks on the rooftop, jumps out of the sleigh and down the chimney. He never gets burned, fills the stockings, distributes the remaining presents under the tree, enjoys the cookies and milk, goes back up the chimney into the sleigh and flies on to the next house, all in one night.
Santa has always been one of my heroes. We enjoy the details remembered fondly from our childhood, the jolly giver of gifts with his long flowing beard, the shining smile on his face, the sparkle of love in his eyes, the magic of his North Pole workshop, and the joy he brings to children’s lives all around the world.
He’s got that relentless positive attitude and a contagious Ho!Ho!Ho! laugh. Sure, I know you can get coal in your stocking, but Santa’s focus is not what you did wrong, it’s what you did right. He represents the spiritual joy of giving. It’s better to give than to get. Santa’s joy comes from making other people happy, and not expecting anything in return.
Santa is a metaphor for the energy we use to bring joy into the world. To say there is no Santa is to ignore or to deny the specialty about a season of kindness and giving. Santa and Santa’s elves, and even his reindeer are not literally out there; they’re figuratively all of us! Jolly old St Nick is the compassionate human face of the Greater Spirit that nourishes the soul of each person, and invites us to express what is best in our hearts in gifts given and received with those we love.
May the spirit of Santa remain alive in your life. Continue to fly and make others fly, and have a very Merry Christmas!
