A Biblical and Balanced Perspective on Santa
Christian parents often wrestle with what to do about Santa Claus. They don’t want to be legalistic, but they also don’t want to confuse their children or compromise the truth. The goal isn’t to ban fun—it’s to guard our integrity and point our kids to what is real, eternal, and glorious: Jesus Christ.
First, let’s make something clear: the historical figure behind “Santa” was not a myth.
Nicholas of Myra (“Saint Nicholas”) was a real Christian pastor and bishop in the 4th century. He was known for his generosity, especially toward the poor and marginalized. He defended the deity of Christ at the Council of Nicaea and gave sacrificially to meet needs in secret. He wasn’t a magical figure who rode in a sleigh; he was a godly man whose Christlike generosity became legendary over time. Teaching your children about him is honest and edifying.
But the modern Santa — complete with his omniscience, flying reindeer, North Pole workshop, and magical gift-delivery — is fiction. And fiction itself is not sinful. The danger comes when a Christian parent presents fiction as fact.
Scripture calls parents to train their children in truth: “Do not lie to one another” (Colossians 3:9) and “Teach them diligently” (Deuteronomy 6:7).
Our children learn theology not only from our words about the Bible, but from our credibility in actually living out what the Bible says. What we tell them about unseen realities profoundly shapes how they process the unseen God.
That’s why some Christian parents feel a tension: If I tell my children Santa is real for years, and then reveal he never existed, what am I training them to do with Jesus? Kids naturally ask,
“Santa wasn’t real. How do I know Jesus is?”
If we blur the lines between fantasy and faith, we can unintentionally undermine the very gospel we want them to believe. This doesn’t mean you need to ban every picture of Santa or run from the cultural imagery of Christmas. It means you anchor everything in truth. You can say: “Santa in the red suit isn’t real, but he’s a fun pretend character—like a story. The real man, Nicholas, was a Christian who loved Jesus and gave generously.”
Now you’ve kept integrity and still allowed imagination.
Parents should also model discernment by showing their children the difference between tradition and truth. Tradition can be fun. Truth is foundational. You can enjoy Christmas movies, read stories, bake cookies, even take pictures with Santa (like you would with a mascot at a game or Mickey Mouse at Disney) as long as your children know the difference between make-believe and reality.
But reserve your deepest awe, your most serious words, and your most consistent conviction for what is eternally real:
God became flesh.
Christ was born to save sinners.
The gospel is not pretend.
Teach your children that Jesus is not a seasonal figure or a cultural story. He is the risen Lord. And when they see that you never lied to them, never manipulated them, and always pointed them to truth, your testimony will reinforce the credibility of the gospel you preach.
Practical Applications for Parents:
Do make the core of Christmas about Jesus.
Read the Christmas story, worship as a family, and continually draw their hearts to Christ’s incarnation and mission.
Do not make Santa prominent or say he brought the presents.
Avoid giving Santa credit for your generosity or God’s provision. Be honest with your kids about where the ultimate source of Christmas blessings come from. Keep imagination in its proper category.
Do enjoy Christmas traditions in their proper place.
Have fun! Enjoy the cookies, decorations, movies, and lights, but just be clear that these are traditions, not truths.
Do not neglect teaching them the real history behind Christmas.
Explain the birth of Jesus, the significance of the incarnation, and even the real historical Saint Nicholas, a faithful Christian whose generosity pointed to Christ.
These practices help your home remain joyful, honest, and centered on the Savior.
