By Pearl Prasad

 

In the frosty glow of December, a familiar figure captures the hearts of millions of children around the world: Santa Claus, with his crimson suit and hearty laugh, represents more than just the magic of childhood. As the wind gets chilly and worldly distractions corner us, Santa hops in to remind us not to become cold at heart too, rather welcome the season with open hearts and giving hands. Christopher Dee, a parishioner of St Francis De’ Sales cathedral and the President of the Anglo Indian Association of Nagpur while talking to The Hitavada, said that he has dressed up as Santa Claus for more than twenty times approximately, primarily for friendly community centric organisations. “I have been cladding myself as Santa voluntarily most times. It was just that once I was requested to be Santa and since then, I have enjoyed the cheer and youthfulness this role play gives me. It has always been the most enjoyable experience to be part of the innocent laughter of little ones.

 

Presents are the materialistic pleasures of the Christmas season but the intangible excitement children offer around this time of the year is always indulging,” Christopher added. “The characteristics of Santa disseminate cheer, goodwill and happiness. And if afforded an opportunity again I will be more than honoured,” Christopher said. Santa is not merely an imagery of a red-cladded suit and long white bearded man who arrives with a bag full of gifts, but he is an idea of ‘belief’. Belief that kindness in the world persists, a belief that one good turn deserves another and the belief of a reward for one’s generous and gracious deeds. Santa resonates across all timelines and age groups. He is a childhood conspiracy that parents played along each year in order to extract disciplined behavior, kindness and generosity from their kids. “For adults, Santa Claus stands as a timeless reminder; to strengthen one’s faith, to be compassionate and to share endless love with one another. He also prompts us to introspect our actions and journey down the road of forgiveness and repentance.” Santa’s personification drives the spirit of benevolence into the lives with color, candour, brightness and hope. His story reverberates with the biblical quote from The Last Testament, in the chapter of Acts 20:35 that says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Furthermore, Christopher said, “Santa Claus as we know him today, is a blend of various cultural traditions, and is always associated for its deep rooted inception from Christianity. But Santa’s incarnation produces the spirit of giving, encourages selfless acts such as charity, volunteering or just spreading love. His message transcends across various religious conducts through different ways. Santa’s spirit is found across a broad spectrum of cultures, traditions and religions.” Regardless of one’s religious background the values of kindness and generosity are found in every community. Therefore the modern image of Santa is universally accepted and recognised by various communities and religions across the globe. n