I love this! This is exactly what we do in our home and those are the same reasons behind our decisions. Our greatest desire is to keep Jesus at the center of our lives always. 🙏☺️🎀
Fantastic! I raised my children without santa or christmas trees. When my kids were little and homeschooled, we made a life size nativity set which sat in our front yard over the Christmas period and celebrated the life and love of Christ. Thankyou ❤❤
@messy2mastery it's good fun making them. I used particle board, reasonably cheap, and a good sealant to protect them from the weather. We made Mary and Joseph, a Shepard, a wise man and a couple of sheep. Of course a crib, made from old pallets, and a baby doll for Jesus. My kids then dropped fairy lights around the scene. I wish I had some photo's, but I really wasn't into photography at that point of time. Have a blessed Christmas! ❤️
We didn't do Santa, either. We taught our son that Santa was a game some parents play, and he shouldn't ruin it for other kids by telling them Santa wasn't real.
We don’t do Santa. Never have. I don’t believe it is wise to lie to our children and I believe Christ is the reason for the season. My children have never missed out and never cared that we didn’t do Santa. Also I wanted my children to be thankful to their dad who worked hard for their gifts not some make believe man.
Amen! Making Jesus the center, and truth and trust a priority ❤ Love your girls responses and how special they know they are in Christ because of how you love and raise them. Thank you for this video! Amen and amen! 🥰 (I'd love to live in your home and raise our granddaughter with your family, but this is next best!) 💕 This is our granddaughters 2nd Christmas with us and I'm still working on how to make it special...God is so good, He helped me last year and I know His love is with me for this year too. Setting aside the struggles and resting in Him. This video is more of His encouragement. God bless you! 💕
Thank you so much for your kind words! It is such a blessing to hear how God is guiding you in creating a Christ-centered Christmas for your granddaughter. What a precious gift you are giving her by pointing her to His love and truth❤
I was devastated when i found out santa wasn't real. And it did impact my spiritual beliefs when I was older. It took me a long time to come back to Jesus. I dont have kids but if I did I would 100% try to do what you are doing. Thank you for sharing!
Well done. I pray more and more people realise this about santa. And I pray more and more people wake up to the farce of Christmas altogether. Worshiping Jesus is for every day, not just for stolen pagan ritual days. Jesus is King 👑
I felt the same way until I realized Santa keeps us as Americans celebrating Jesus’ birthday every year, especially people who aren’t Christian. I didn’t grow up Christian but learned about Jesus from all of the big celebrations around Christmas which included Santa. Santa was also one of the biggest defenders of the faith and Jesus’ message so eliminating him from American Christmas celebrations is not helping, it’s really harming. Santa is like a bridge for new Christians that we shouldn’t burn. We dont have to lie to our children about magical Santa, we can instead explain how big of a hero he has been as a defender of the faith and his message of service and goodness. We can determine how Santa is celebrated and remembered. Not disregard him like the enemy wants us to or lie to our children about him being a magical person like the enemy wants us to. I encourage you to do what we have done which is tell the story of St. Nicholas and celebrate his real deeds.
It is amazing that you got to know Jesus through the celebrations around Santa! For our family, however, the benefit of bringing people to Christ via Santa does not outweigh the consequences. As mentioned in the video, we don’t want to tell our children that some stranger sees and knows everything they do, as only God is all-seeing and all-knowing. This can create confusion by mimicking God’s omniscience. We also want them to take full ownership of their actions instead of relying on external rewards for their behaviour. And most importantly, we want them to grow up understanding that the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth. There are so many ways to share the Gospel and bring Christ to non-Christians during Christmas without needing to rely on Santa. Christmas hymns that glorify Jesus often play in stores, creating a unique opportunity for people to hear the Gospel in public spaces. Nativity displays, church services, Christmas plays, and events like live nativity experiences can beautifully share the story of Jesus’ birth. Acts of love and service, inviting people to join in Christmas traditions centered on Christ and church, simply sharing our personal testimony, or my personal favourite - being an example of how we live our life during this joyful time can also open hearts to Him. Ultimately, I’m glad you have found what works best for your family and a way to connect your celebrations to Christ. It is a joy to see how we can all keep Jesus at the centre of Christmas in ways that align with our convictions ❤
I understand what you’re saying. I just know there’s a lot of people who aren’t Christian who still celebrate Christmas because of Santa so eliminating Santa means there will be no connection to Christmas for those children growing up in homes without Jesus. The homes without Jesus don’t explore the nativity scenes and the parents usually reject Jesus but still allow Santa. In our American society right now I don’t think that spreading the message that Santa should be rejected is helping bring people to Christ. Imagine our society without Santa as the bridge. It will be just Jesus and people who hate Jesus. The children in those homes will have no connection to Jesus’ birth because there’s no common celebration between the two. Are the Christmas movies that just talk about Jesus’ birthday popular? No. Are the movies that show celebration around Christmas popular? Yes, tremendously. For example, the Grinch. In the most recent version, he is actually upset that people are focused on consumerism instead of the true meaning of Christmas. So he decides to ruin Christmas for everyone. But in the end he realizes the totality of the celebrations (gifts, lights, decorations, Santa) are bringing everyone together all in celebration of Jesus’ birthday.
@@DaileyFoods I can see how deeply you care about connecting people to Christ via Santa. While our family chooses to approach Christmas differently, it’s always a blessing to see other families choosing to keep Jesus at the centre of Christmas ❤
I love this message! I'm curious to know what line of Christianity you practice. I attend a non-denominational church and struggle to accept that they celebrate some worldly holidays with a Christian twist ( like Halloween). The Holy Spirit tugs at my heart when this comes up at my church and with peers...
Thank you for sharing your heart! I so hear how challenging it can be to navigate these questions. We recently transitioned to a church that is deeply rooted in Biblical truth, so I can relate to seeking a place that reflects God’s Word. While the Bible doesn’t speak of denominations as we know them today, it calls us to be one body in Christ, unified in faith and obedience to Him. When it comes to worldly celebrations, it is so encouraging that God is guiding you. Trusting His leading and aligning with Scripture is always the best path. I love that you are asking these questions, and I trust He will give you clarity and peace as you seek to honour Him in every area of your life ❤
We don't push Santa. We didn't want to lie to our daughter. We also dont villify him. We have told her he isn't real, the Santas are just a man in a red costume. She can watch the Rudolph movie or something with Santa, but we don't say he is real. She knows we buy her the gifts.
Yeees! We've found that honesty truly is the most important thing! I love that you are being open with your daughter about Santa and letting her know you are the ones buying her gifts! One of our daughters is currently reading a book about how the character of Santa started with Saint Nicholas, which has been a great way to learn the history behind it ❤
The solstice refers to an astronomical event that happens twice a year, marking the shortest day (winter solstice) and the longest day (summer solstice) of the year. Santa is a legendary figure derived from Saint Nicholas, a Christian known for his generosity and gift-giving. Over time, Santa Claus became a cultural icon associated with Christmas, depicted as a jolly man who brings gifts to children. While widely recognized in modern holiday traditions, Santa is not part of the Biblical Christmas story, which is the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Ultimately, I’m glad you have found what works for your values ❤
@@messy2mastery We don't know when Jesus was born. They just took an already existing holiday season and roped Jesus in, not vice versa. Santa is a different thing, yes but the holiday isn't just about Jesus.
@@Kalani_Saiko That is correct-the exact date of Jesus’ birth is not known. If you watched the video, I mentioned that our family chooses to keep Christmas as the celebration of Jesus' birth. There is a difference between celebrating Christmas as the celebration of Jesus' birth and celebrating Christmas as Jesus' birth. I understand we all see the season differently based on our different beliefs, and I’m glad you are celebrating in a way that’s meaningful to you ❤
No Santa here either. They can hear touch and see Santa as a real being and it’s a lie. That will only cause detriment to what I’m doing as a Christian mother.
We've never entertained Santa. My son knows other kids believe in Santa. If he ruins that for any kid, he will get no presents this year. He knows I stick to my word!! My thoughts is that if we lie about the Easter bunny, Santa, and tooth fairy... claiming they're all "magical," why should children believe in the actual "magic" of Jesus?! Santa & Christmas trees are so idolized. We decorate a tree (altar) and write lists asking (praying) for Santa (deity) to bring (bless) us with goods. Santa (deity) knows if we've been good or bad - Santa is perceived to be omnipresent, all-knowing, and the decided of good & bad (evil). This is all coming from someone who was told about Santa, tooth fairy, and Easter bunny as a kid, didn't go to church, was against Christianity, and dabbled in drugs for ten years before accepting Jesus. That being said… we have a Christmas tree (from dollar tree) with cheap ornaments. We have handmade ornaments by my son hanging on our wall. We decorated foam snowflakes with glitter from dollar tree and have other *winter* decorations around the house 😊
This is such a heartfelt and thoughtful comment! Thank you for sharing your journey and perspective with such honesty. It’s obvious that you have put a lot of thought into how you celebrate Christmas in a way that aligns with your values, and that is truly admirable. Your point about the "magic" of Jesus versus the cultural traditions of Santa is such a deep and important reflection. It’s a great reminder to keep our focus on Christ during Christmas and to guide our children in understanding the true source of all blessings and joy. Your testimony is powerful and inspiring, showing how God’s grace can transform hearts and homes ❤
What’s your favorite way to keep Christ at the centre of your Christmas celebrations? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other ❤
I love this! This is exactly what we do in our home and those are the same reasons behind our decisions. Our greatest desire is to keep Jesus at the center of our lives always. 🙏☺️🎀
I love reading this! Thank you for sharing ❤
Fantastic! I raised my children without santa or christmas trees. When my kids were little and homeschooled, we made a life size nativity set which sat in our front yard over the Christmas period and celebrated the life and love of Christ.
Thankyou ❤❤
Wow, I absolutely love the idea of a life size nativity set! May be something we add to Christmas next year. Thank you for the suggestion ❤
@messy2mastery it's good fun making them. I used particle board, reasonably cheap, and a good sealant to protect them from the weather. We made Mary and Joseph, a Shepard, a wise man and a couple of sheep. Of course a crib, made from old pallets, and a baby doll for Jesus. My kids then dropped fairy lights around the scene. I wish I had some photo's, but I really wasn't into photography at that point of time. Have a blessed Christmas! ❤️
We didn't do Santa, either. We taught our son that Santa was a game some parents play, and he shouldn't ruin it for other kids by telling them Santa wasn't real.
That is such a thoughtful approach! It’s awesome that you found a way to respect other families’ traditions while staying true to your own values ❤
We don’t do Santa. Never have. I don’t believe it is wise to lie to our children and I believe Christ is the reason for the season. My children have never missed out and never cared that we didn’t do Santa. Also I wanted my children to be thankful to their dad who worked hard for their gifts not some make believe man.
YEEEES! I love the way you are modelling gratitude ❤
@ thank you!!❤️
Such a great explanation 🎉 I’m gonna send this to ppl when they ask me why we don’t do santa
Wow, thank you so much! I feel so honoured that you found enough value to share ❤
Amen! Making Jesus the center, and truth and trust a priority ❤ Love your girls responses and how special they know they are in Christ because of how you love and raise them. Thank you for this video! Amen and amen! 🥰 (I'd love to live in your home and raise our granddaughter with your family, but this is next best!) 💕 This is our granddaughters 2nd Christmas with us and I'm still working on how to make it special...God is so good, He helped me last year and I know His love is with me for this year too. Setting aside the struggles and resting in Him. This video is more of His encouragement. God bless you! 💕
Thank you so much for your kind words! It is such a blessing to hear how God is guiding you in creating a Christ-centered Christmas for your granddaughter. What a precious gift you are giving her by pointing her to His love and truth❤
@@messy2mastery 🥰
I was devastated when i found out santa wasn't real. And it did impact my spiritual beliefs when I was older. It took me a long time to come back to Jesus. I dont have kids but if I did I would 100% try to do what you are doing. Thank you for sharing!
Thank YOU for sharing your personal story, that is so powerful! If you have kids, they will be absolutely blessed to have you as their mama ❤
Well done. I pray more and more people realise this about santa. And I pray more and more people wake up to the farce of Christmas altogether. Worshiping Jesus is for every day, not just for stolen pagan ritual days. Jesus is King 👑
This is so well-communicated, thank you for sharing ❤
I felt the same way until I realized Santa keeps us as Americans celebrating Jesus’ birthday every year, especially people who aren’t Christian. I didn’t grow up Christian but learned about Jesus from all of the big celebrations around Christmas which included Santa. Santa was also one of the biggest defenders of the faith and Jesus’ message so eliminating him from American Christmas celebrations is not helping, it’s really harming. Santa is like a bridge for new Christians that we shouldn’t burn. We dont have to lie to our children about magical Santa, we can instead explain how big of a hero he has been as a defender of the faith and his message of service and goodness. We can determine how Santa is celebrated and remembered. Not disregard him like the enemy wants us to or lie to our children about him being a magical person like the enemy wants us to. I encourage you to do what we have done which is tell the story of St. Nicholas and celebrate his real deeds.
It is amazing that you got to know Jesus through the celebrations around Santa! For our family, however, the benefit of bringing people to Christ via Santa does not outweigh the consequences. As mentioned in the video, we don’t want to tell our children that some stranger sees and knows everything they do, as only God is all-seeing and all-knowing. This can create confusion by mimicking God’s omniscience. We also want them to take full ownership of their actions instead of relying on external rewards for their behaviour. And most importantly, we want them to grow up understanding that the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
There are so many ways to share the Gospel and bring Christ to non-Christians during Christmas without needing to rely on Santa. Christmas hymns that glorify Jesus often play in stores, creating a unique opportunity for people to hear the Gospel in public spaces. Nativity displays, church services, Christmas plays, and events like live nativity experiences can beautifully share the story of Jesus’ birth. Acts of love and service, inviting people to join in Christmas traditions centered on Christ and church, simply sharing our personal testimony, or my personal favourite - being an example of how we live our life during this joyful time can also open hearts to Him.
Ultimately, I’m glad you have found what works best for your family and a way to connect your celebrations to Christ. It is a joy to see how we can all keep Jesus at the centre of Christmas in ways that align with our convictions ❤
I understand what you’re saying. I just know there’s a lot of people who aren’t Christian who still celebrate Christmas because of Santa so eliminating Santa means there will be no connection to Christmas for those children growing up in homes without Jesus. The homes without Jesus don’t explore the nativity scenes and the parents usually reject Jesus but still allow Santa. In our American society right now I don’t think that spreading the message that Santa should be rejected is helping bring people to Christ. Imagine our society without Santa as the bridge. It will be just Jesus and people who hate Jesus. The children in those homes will have no connection to Jesus’ birth because there’s no common celebration between the two. Are the Christmas movies that just talk about Jesus’ birthday popular? No. Are the movies that show celebration around Christmas popular? Yes, tremendously. For example, the Grinch. In the most recent version, he is actually upset that people are focused on consumerism instead of the true meaning of Christmas. So he decides to ruin Christmas for everyone. But in the end he realizes the totality of the celebrations (gifts, lights, decorations, Santa) are bringing everyone together all in celebration of Jesus’ birthday.
@@DaileyFoods I can see how deeply you care about connecting people to Christ via Santa. While our family chooses to approach Christmas differently, it’s always a blessing to see other families choosing to keep Jesus at the centre of Christmas ❤
I love this message! I'm curious to know what line of Christianity you practice. I attend a non-denominational church and struggle to accept that they celebrate some worldly holidays with a Christian twist ( like Halloween). The Holy Spirit tugs at my heart when this comes up at my church and with peers...
❤
Thank you for sharing your heart! I so hear how challenging it can be to navigate these questions. We recently transitioned to a church that is deeply rooted in Biblical truth, so I can relate to seeking a place that reflects God’s Word. While the Bible doesn’t speak of denominations as we know them today, it calls us to be one body in Christ, unified in faith and obedience to Him. When it comes to worldly celebrations, it is so encouraging that God is guiding you. Trusting His leading and aligning with Scripture is always the best path. I love that you are asking these questions, and I trust He will give you clarity and peace as you seek to honour Him in every area of your life ❤
We don't push Santa. We didn't want to lie to our daughter. We also dont villify him. We have told her he isn't real, the Santas are just a man in a red costume. She can watch the Rudolph movie or something with Santa, but we don't say he is real. She knows we buy her the gifts.
Yeees! We've found that honesty truly is the most important thing! I love that you are being open with your daughter about Santa and letting her know you are the ones buying her gifts! One of our daughters is currently reading a book about how the character of Santa started with Saint Nicholas, which has been a great way to learn the history behind it ❤
Christmas falls on the solstice, Santa is just part of it.
The solstice refers to an astronomical event that happens twice a year, marking the shortest day (winter solstice) and the longest day (summer solstice) of the year. Santa is a legendary figure derived from Saint Nicholas, a Christian known for his generosity and gift-giving. Over time, Santa Claus became a cultural icon associated with Christmas, depicted as a jolly man who brings gifts to children. While widely recognized in modern holiday traditions, Santa is not part of the Biblical Christmas story, which is the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Ultimately, I’m glad you have found what works for your values ❤
@@messy2mastery We don't know when Jesus was born. They just took an already existing holiday season and roped Jesus in, not vice versa. Santa is a different thing, yes but the holiday isn't just about Jesus.
@@Kalani_Saiko That is correct-the exact date of Jesus’ birth is not known. If you watched the video, I mentioned that our family chooses to keep Christmas as the celebration of Jesus' birth. There is a difference between celebrating Christmas as the celebration of Jesus' birth and celebrating Christmas as Jesus' birth. I understand we all see the season differently based on our different beliefs, and I’m glad you are celebrating in a way that’s meaningful to you ❤
❤
We do the same no santa
That is awesome that you are celebrating Christmas in a way that aligns with your values, thank you for sharing!
No Santa here either. They can hear touch and see Santa as a real being and it’s a lie. That will only cause detriment to what I’m doing as a Christian mother.
Yeeees! As Christian moms, it is so important to teach our children truth and keep the focus on Jesus ❤
We've never entertained Santa. My son knows other kids believe in Santa. If he ruins that for any kid, he will get no presents this year. He knows I stick to my word!!
My thoughts is that if we lie about the Easter bunny, Santa, and tooth fairy... claiming they're all "magical," why should children believe in the actual "magic" of Jesus?!
Santa & Christmas trees are so idolized. We decorate a tree (altar) and write lists asking (praying) for Santa (deity) to bring (bless) us with goods.
Santa (deity) knows if we've been good or bad - Santa is perceived to be omnipresent, all-knowing, and the decided of good & bad (evil).
This is all coming from someone who was told about Santa, tooth fairy, and Easter bunny as a kid, didn't go to church, was against Christianity, and dabbled in drugs for ten years before accepting Jesus.
That being said… we have a Christmas tree (from dollar tree) with cheap ornaments. We have handmade ornaments by my son hanging on our wall. We decorated foam snowflakes with glitter from dollar tree and have other *winter* decorations around the house 😊
This is such a heartfelt and thoughtful comment! Thank you for sharing your journey and perspective with such honesty. It’s obvious that you have put a lot of thought into how you celebrate Christmas in a way that aligns with your values, and that is truly admirable. Your point about the "magic" of Jesus versus the cultural traditions of Santa is such a deep and important reflection. It’s a great reminder to keep our focus on Christ during Christmas and to guide our children in understanding the true source of all blessings and joy. Your testimony is powerful and inspiring, showing how God’s grace can transform hearts and homes ❤