The Santa Claus Theory

I didn’t grow up with Santa. I don’t celebrate Christmas. I don’t know the story. But I like the concept. I’ve always wanted the presents and the tree. When I was 16, I went to Santa Anita Mall in California and took a picture with Santa Claus. My first one ever. I now have that picture on a keychain tucked safe inside a box. A priced possession. That’s what I think Christmas is about.

In kindergarten, my teacher would ask us to bring a wrapped gift from our parents to put under a tree so during our last class before Christmas, one of the staff members could dress up as Santa Claus and give it back to us as presents. It was the most wonderful time of the year. Technically, it’s a present from me, for me and yet it felt unbelievably amazing. But can every child have that?

I have parents that took the time and spent the money to buy me a present and wrap it perfectly just so I could have something to be surprised about on a day that I don’t even celebrate. Can everyone do that? Can everyone afford to do that?

This year, my best friend and I have decided to start a tradition. We love the idea of Christmas and presents. So we set a common budget and said, “We will meet on the 25th and exchange gifts. It is definitely going to be so much fun.” The day is drawing close and I’m starting to have second thoughts. There’s nothing we’re going to buy that the other cannot afford now or at any other time during the year. There’s nothing we really want that we can’t live without. You see, we live pretty content lives, materialistically speaking. So what is the point of starting something like this? What is it that the two of us crave but can’t have right now? And then.. I had a light bulb moment.

Happiness. We are both going through a very difficult and trying time. It is a struggle to get through the day and we would love it if, just for a few minutes, we could feel undisturbed happiness. But how do we give each other that?

I called her. I explained what I believe should be done on that day and she agreed without hesitation. So here’s the thing.

This year, my best friend and I have decided to start a tradition. We love the idea of Christmas and presents. Just like so many other kids in my city that actually celebrate the holiday but can’t afford to buy presents. So we set a common budget and said, “We will meet on the 25th and go to the closest orphanage or homeless shelter and give them gifts. It is definitely going to be so much fun.” The day is drawing close and I’m starting to feel excited. These are kids without parents, without families. All they have is each other and there’s not much they can give to each other but love and though that is better than any material ever, a little Christmas miracle never hurt anybody. So we want to give them something they can enjoy. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. It just has to make them happy.

Because the only way you can ever give happiness to yourself is by giving it to another.

It may sound selfish but there’s nothing wrong in feeling good as long as you know that the reason you did what you did was for the other person and not for yourself. So here’s what I think – When you look at it from a distance, there’s more to the tiny little things that surround this day, more lessons, more joy than what it has become. And when I think of Santa, I think it’s what he intended to do. This was Santa Claus’ Theory :

He’ll teach the kids to be nice all through the year by tempting them with a reward. He’ll teach them to appreciate the people in their lives. He’ll help them understand the next person’s needs so they can buy exactly that for a present. He’ll show them the art of happiness – not because of what you have as your present but because you watch the other person smile at what you’ve gotten for them. He’ll let the family create a lifetime of traditions.

Like I want to create with you. So let’s do this – you and me. Our little Christmas tradition to be done year after year, for as long as we live.

When you’re shopping for presents, buy a little something else. Can even be a bag of chocolates. Drop it off at the closest homeless shelter on Christmas day. If you’re feeling up to it, walk in and hand them to the people there. It’ll be our little thing every year. It’s not expensive, it’s not mighty but it’s a memory. For you, for me and for them. And I’ve always said, a memory is the most priced possession you can ever have.

Sending a lot of love, joy and miracles your way,

Merry Christmas 🙂

35 thoughts on “The Santa Claus Theory”

  3. J says:
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    I love this story! Thanks for sharing. It really is what the season is about and what life should be about. I also think it says to the receiver that, “You’re going through this trying time and somebody is thinking about you.” That’s important.

  4. nonsmokingladybug says:
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    Unfortunately a lot of people are in giving spirit at Christmas and I wish it would be more spread out throughout the year. You are on the right track, maybe your friend and you could postpone it a months when nobody things about the homeless anymore because xmas is over. Don’t approve my comment, it doesn’t have to be seen on your beautiful post, but maybe you could think about it.

    • LoudThoughtsVoicedOut says:
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      I have no problem approving your comment. I agree with what you say. My family and I do it on all our birthdays and anniversaries. I have random days when I feel like it and do it. But I think it’s good to start something when people are already in the mood to give. Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂 Merry Christmas 😀

  5. Syn_Sunflower says:
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    I think it’s great you are doing that. I grew up not celebrating Christmas but this year is the first year I am and it’s pretty awesome to have a tree and gifts under it…took me 28 years lol. Happy holidays!

  8. itsmayurremember says:
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    My brither did that once, in an orphange for his birthday. Though i live in india, the caretakers advised us to buy stuff which us really important like food or clothes. Toys were easily available because people grow up and toys are given away. No money either.
    What i am saying is this: go to the orphanage or homeless shelter some days before and ask what is needed.
    Just a suggestion.

    • LoudThoughtsVoicedOut says:
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      Yeah. I’m going to call them and ask them the headcount and give them a few ideas to pick from. I don’t want to run short or end up buying something they might already be getting from another donor for Christmas or regularly. Though I never thought of the reason you said about toys, I didn’t want to buy them because orphanage homes tend to have kids of varied ages. So I thought stationary might be a good idea – Pen, pencils, colors, something along those lines. But I have to check with them..
      Thank you for the suggestion 😀
      PS – I live in India too. 😀

  9. taris19 says:
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    Wow, I love the message behind this. You know what, I will actually get a box of chocolates or something and drop it off at the homeless shelter. My goal is to change lives as you would read on my blog. Thankyou so much for this post. For Christmas, I actually did buy my family members something that can relate to things that they love. Can’t wait to see what their faces would look like when they open their gifts. 🙂

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  13. godsgirl25 says:
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    I love your thoughts on this. I’ve always celebrated Christmas, but it’s wonderful to read other perspectives that shed fresh light on the situation. I hope yours is spent in happiness!

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