Secret Santa

Secret Santa!!!

Christmas celebration is over, but Santa Claus continues to amuse children. While most of them are busy playing with the gifts they received this festive season, a few grown-ups are busy discussing the enigma behind the chubby old man with a snow-white beard flying across the night sky with Rudolph. 

As I was having a leisurely walk in the neighbourhood park, I overheard a group of children discussing the subject. 

“Santa has brought so many gifts for me,” a child said.

“Santa Claus doesn’t exist. Parents shouldn’t lie,” said the elder one.

“He is fictional,” said the third one joining the debate.

These were just a few among those who give Santa the stiff-arm. But what is the fun without a Santa? There will be no Christmas carols, no excitement on Christmas eves, no waking up early to tear open the gifts, no more magic in the air.

For a child, Santa Claus remains at the core of Christmas celebrations. He is someone, who increases the fun of a family reunion, who motivates children to remain good throughout the year using his “naughty and nice” list, the one who loves to share the spirit of Christmas with others.

You can spot Santa anywhere walking in the crowd. In fact, Santa could be anyone who goes out of his way to help others, who shares his joys with those who are sad, who tries his best to bring a smile to the face of others, one who teaches the spirit of benevolence.

As American educator Edwin Osgood Grover has said, “Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy.”

It would be better if we don’t try to take away the magic of the festive season and let the child himself unveil the mystery of Santa!

(Published in The Gulf Today on December 31, 2016)