Symbolism In Santa

When people think of Christmas they might think of family, food, presents, and travel. However, most likely when people think of Christmas they think of Santa Claus. For those who don’t know of him, Santa Claus is a character that is in many Christmas stories from the famous Christmas poem entitled The Night before Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. He also known to deliver presents to the good girls and boys on the night of December 24. But is there more to this holly jolly fellow than meets the eye? Is there really symbolism in Santa? Some may call this hogwash, but I believe there is.

As children run down the stairs in their little footy pajamas, they hope that their list of toys and goodies are located beneath the Christmas tree, but at the same time hope that they weren’t bad enough to get the worst present ever; coal. As many know, Santa distinguishes nice and naughty by punishing those who are naughty with a lump of coal. Many believe that the deep black color of the coal symbolizes evil because of its negative connotation (blacklist, black mail, 'black death'). This dark combustible mineral substance also may symbolize the soul of the child if he or she continues there naughty ways of life. Though this somewhat dark side of Santa seems a bit evil for a children’s character, his symbols of niceness surely counterbalance the overall image of Saint Nicholas. He is probably best known for his red suit and cap; red being a color that represents joy, sensitivity, and love. There is little doubt that this color was used to lower the defenses of children and have them grow attraction to Santa. But, the number one greatest reason kids love Santa is that he brings lots of presents. This fact; and this fact alone, makes Christmas superior to the other holidays for youth. Some may say because of these gifts, this holiday has become more about receiving presents rather than the actual story of Christmas. Surely these events weren’t the original idea for Santa’s creators, but because of the symbolic aspect of Santa as the gift giver, parents focused on only that aspect missing the really great qualities of our jolly fellow completely.     

From the white frivolous beard on which he has on his face, to the quite jolly and plump exterior, it is not uncommon for people to believe that Santa is just another children’s story character who made it big.  But through a pair of trained eyes, many can see the more sophisticated, symbolic side of our friend Santa Claus and learn that things that seem childish may truly be something everyone can cherish.