Santa Claus has always been an iconic symbol meant to represent kindness, generosity and the spirit of the Holiday Season. His story can be traced back to numerous historical figures, legends, and cultural traditions with the biggest influence likely being Saint Nicholas. While Santa is still warmly regarded by both children and adults alike, are there negative societal impacts caused by this beloved character?
The appropriation of Santa’s image through commercialization has steered away from its original religious associations and more towards gifts and consumerism. This is felt not only in the United States but worldwide, as many Christian countries also face this change in the concept of Christmas and Santa. This not only changes what this holiday was meant to represent but often overlooked is how this negatively affects low income families.
Children are engrained from a very early age that waking up on Christmas morning means coming downstairs to a massive pile of presents from Santa, as they often see in movies and tv shows. And while Christmas is already well known to be a source of overconsumption, societal expectations involving Santa make it especially challenging for low income families to
live up to these standards.
In addition to the financial burden, low income families also face potential emotional distress as children inevitably talk and compare the gifts they received. Financial constraints limiting low income families ability to give extravagant gifts may lead kids to wonder why they were less favored by Santa Clause. One of the more unique dynamics of having a fictional figure who brings gifts is how it potentially impacts the parents relationship with their child. It is notable that parents, especially those from low income, who work endlessly to bring their children gifts, are placed under even further financial stress if they wish to maintain the illusion of Santa Claus while still wanting to show their children that they love and care for them personally by giving them gifts. This leads many families to giving separate ‘Santa’ and their own personal gifts to
children.
Despite these drawbacks, Santa was overwhelmingly beloved by everyone who was asked about him. People even gave ideas as to how the wonder of Santa could still be incorporated into Christmas in low income households without being an overwhelming financial burden. “I think that even if you can’t afford a ton of Santa presents, even if it’s just one little thing, that little bit of magic and wonder, helps keep kids kids,” history teacher Taylor Adams said. “I think that when you’re in elementary school and you’re a kid, you should stay a kid and Santa Claus is so fun. It’s a fun thing to believe in and I think kids should have that magic thing for as long as possible.”
Another idea to help soothe the financial burden of Santa during the holidays is having one, less expensive gift be ‘Santas’. “I personally always tried to make our Santa gifts something achievable, something that anyone could get at the store,” Spanish teacher Daisy Valdez said. “We wouldn’t get anything super expensive because other kids might be thinking, oh well I didn’t get that. Why is your Santa different from my Santa? I did try to keep in mind that we live in a very diverse community and it is hard for a parent that can’t provide the things they want for their kids.”
It is clear that this tradition, while creating some difficulties for low income families, is still going to be universally embraced and beloved by generations for years to come.
