Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

I have been researching the mythology of Christmas for years. When we had our first child, I told my wife that I did not want to perpetuate the falsehoods about Saint Nicholas. My thinking was that if we intentionally told them lies, they would not believe in God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. She disagreed with me, and guess what? We did it her way.

We repeat the stories that we have heard. Nicholas made and delivered toys to the local children in his village. His parents’ wealth enabled him to do this. Often, he left the gifts outside the doors of their homes. The British have Father Christmas, that is the personification of love. He was more focused on adults than children when the legends began.

When the story of Santa Claus came to the United States, Father Christmas was changed. The name came from the Dutch Sinterklaas, and in Pennsylvania, we got the name Kris Kringle in the 1800s. Because of the melting pot of our culture, we have a varied tradition of celebrations this time of year.

You may have Hanukkah, Kwanza, Saturnalia, or other holy days that are part of your traditions. That is what freedom of religion in our Constitution guarantees. As Burger King says, have it your way.

Christmas music and movies are things I have discussed in previous columns. I don’t care what holidays you want to celebrate. The way you serve others on your high holy days is your business. Human sacrifices and property destruction are some of the areas where I think the line needs to be drawn.

Years ago, one of my seventh and eighth boys told me that he and a friend had bashed pumpkins on Halloween. I asked how he would have felt if young men like him had destroyed his decorations when he was younger. He looked like he understood what I meant.

Another student showed me the hood ornament that he had broken off a car the day before. I asked him if he knew how much it would cost to replace it. Of course, he did not know. I informed him of what I had been told by a friend that it cost him to replace one, and he seemed surprised. My point to him was that it was a joke. He would not want to cause that expense for his parents.

We make fun of how others worship, play, sing, or do just about anything. Not everyone who does these things intends to hurt others. They may just not think it through thoroughly. The historical St. Nicholas attempted to improve the lives of children and their families.

I hope that you try to be a good Saint Nick all year round. Finding ways to serve others is appropriate at any time of the year. He is not a mythical figure. He was a real man who tried to make a difference. Let us all see if we can be more like he was.

©Copyright 2025 by Charles Kensinger