It is hard to believe we are debating the ethnicity of Santa Claus, a fictional character. That is like debating if Snoopy is really a beagle? It is a mute point. Saint Nicolas was a real person, born Greek, in what is modern day Turkey. He is revered in Turkey but that does not make him Turkish or a turkey. Ethnicity can not be attached to the symbolism of good will and charity.
Moving on to the weather. As I have been listening to Christmas songs all month I have noticed they all mention snow even in the traditional carols. In the "First Noel" it refers to the cold that was so deep"... and so in time we have been conditioned that Christmas is not Christmas without cold and snow. After all Santa comes in a sleigh and there is no use of having a sleigh if you do not have snow. It is really unfortunate for all the children born in countries and regions without snow. But I am not into predestination in any setting so I am not buying a predestined white Santa Claus that only comes in the cold and snow. I am an equal opportunity good tidings and good will sort of person.
The angels announced to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, "Peace and good will to all men". It was good news that transcended ethnicity, time, and location. In our conditioning to what makes a perfect Christmas we have to have snow, cold, Santa on a sleigh, the right gift, the perfect food, and a normal family. Well, all I can say is 'good luck with that'. You are destined for some disappointing Christmases.
Christmas is not any of the above it is this simple prayer:
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
God with us, with or without snow. God with us in the cold and in the warmth, God with us red, yellow, black or white. The perfect Christmas because we did not plan it, imagine it, or bring it about. Christmas and good will come to all people of all time who simply know that God is with us.
Enjoy Christmas with your family even if they are crazy as loons just remember you are part of them. Enjoy Christmas in the snow or in the dessert. Enjoy Santa Claus and Christmas songs and whatever are your holiday traditions but Christmas is only Christmas if God is with us.
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