Truth Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 This year will be the first year since the creation of my ward, except for the very first year, in which the kids will get to sit on Santa's lap. It was banned by the bishop and his wife, in fact they told their kids there is not Santa, to the annoyance of other ward members. The activities committee also frowned heavily on Santa with one forbidding it in her own home as it "detracts from the true meaning of Christmas." I found that a bit ironic giving the origin of the Santa tradition and the gifts given us by Christ.What is it like typically in the Church, US or abroad? To me it seems okay for some fun for the kids, solemn all the time is not very fun.
bluebell Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 Every ward christmas party i've been to since i was a child but one has had a santa claus show up. Our's last night was the only one that was claus-less but that was because of a organizational glitch. The man with the suit went out of town and no one in the ward thought to pick it up before he left (or find a different one) until last night and by then it was too late.If someone has a personal problem with santa then i think it's fine for them to raise their kids not to believe in him. I'd have issues though if they tried to force that point of view onto my family though.
Bob Crockett Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 Good for that bishop. I'd never have the guts to do that.I explained this week to my seminary students the similarities between the Christmas tree and the cultic worship of the asherim, the green tree and the groves of the Canaanites. But, did it in a humorous way; they didn't take me too seriously.
Deborah Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 We had Santa Claus at ward breakfast this morning. Kids got to go in their pajamas. They were so excited.
Duncan Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 This year will be the first year since the creation of my ward, except for the very first year, in which the kids will get to sit on Santa's lap. It was banned by the bishop and his wife, in fact they told their kids there is not Santa, to the annoyance of other ward members. The activities committee also frowned heavily on Santa with one forbidding it in her own home as it "detracts from the true meaning of Christmas." I found that a bit ironic giving the origin of the Santa tradition and the gifts given us by Christ.What is it like typically in the Church, US or abroad? To me it seems okay for some fun for the kids, solemn all the time is not very fun.Its nuts all over to ban Santa. Kids need something to do! I would inform your bishop thusly that kids don't care about the origins about Christmas or halloween, to them its candy and presents and a nice old guy asking them what they want. In my ward I grew up in we had a guy who was hellbent about eliminating christmas and halloween and other activities and proclaimed his views loud and clear and so they never had celebrations in their house and made others feel guilty for doing so and now his kids have all left the Church and and whooping it up in other less savoury places
Nominee Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 (edited) Jeffery R. Holland, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, put together a very small (9 pages) book named "Maybe Christmas Doesn't Come from a Store." It is a wonderful little book that I have read with my children and will read to my entire family during our Christmas celebration. In this book he says,"Shepherds would soon arrive and, later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would allow for Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph-all of whom would add to our delight. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby-that's how Christmas began."I don't think there is anything wrong with knowing what Christmas is about and still celebrating with the festivities of Santa Claus, Frosty and Rudolph also.My beliefs are not threatened by Santa. And if they are, that is my problem, not his.edit: The book is an adaptation of an article published in the Ensign, December 1977.http://lds.org/ensign/1977/12/maybe-christmas-doesnt-come-from-a-store?lang=eng Edited December 10, 2011 by Nominee
Duncan Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 We had Santa Claus at ward breakfast this morning. Kids got to go in their pajamas. They were so excited.see, that is nice!
mfbukowski Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 We always have a visit from Santa. Never heard of a ward that didn't.
Truth Posted December 10, 2011 Author Posted December 10, 2011 We had Santa Claus at ward breakfast this morning. Kids got to go in their pajamas. They were so excited.That to me is the fun part. I love seeing kids excited about it, seeing some three year old crazy about doing that. One year they made the Christmas party for the ward about missionary efforts, no ward dinner and if I remember correctly it was floated about not having kids come, an adults only event. Fortunately, things have changed now. It is interesting that this, like many other things, is people injecting their own beliefs as almost doctrinal. Similar to one high councilman in a sacrament talk telling everyone that staying home and eating or having visitors getting together to watch conference was inappropriate and that it should only be viewed at church.
Nominee Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 Tonight is our ward Christmas party. We are all going dressed for biblical Bethlehem! We will be taxed as we arrive. The tax is non-perishable foods to help those that need it. The inn will be full so we have been told to bring a blanket to sit on. Our dinner is something about breads, meats & cheeses that are more traditional to the time? And the children have been working out a nativity skit for half a year. It's going to be fantastic! Santa won't be there but its not because we're haters. There's just no room for him this year.
Bernard Gui Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 Santa will visit our ward party, but he will be in another area of the building after the real Christmas portion of the evening. Bernard
Lightbearer Posted December 10, 2011 Posted December 10, 2011 This year will be the first year since the creation of my ward, except for the very first year, in which the kids will get to sit on Santa's lap. It was banned by the bishop and his wife, in fact they told their kids there is not Santa, to the annoyance of other ward members. The activities committee also frowned heavily on Santa with one forbidding it in her own home as it "detracts from the true meaning of Christmas." I found that a bit ironic giving the origin of the Santa tradition and the gifts given us by Christ.What is it like typically in the Church, US or abroad? To me it seems okay for some fun for the kids, solemn all the time is not very fun.The Bishop in question does not seem to understand the "true meaning" of Christmas or for that matter the true meaning of the following: "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile— Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:41 - 44) It would be one thing to not talk about Santa and the so-called "commercialism" of Christmas, but to ban Santa from a Party or Social is hypocritical self-righteousness that is not only mean spirited but un-christian like conduct.
bluebell Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 Tonight is our ward Christmas party. We are all going dressed for biblical Bethlehem! We will be taxed as we arrive. The tax is non-perishable foods to help those that need it. The inn will be full so we have been told to bring a blanket to sit on. Our dinner is something about breads, meats & cheeses that are more traditional to the time? And the children have been working out a nativity skit for half a year. It's going to be fantastic! Santa won't be there but its not because we're haters. There's just no room for him this year.We did that same thing for christmas one year in our last ward. It was great!
Sine Saw Square Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 We had our ward Christmas breakfast this morning. Managed to have a Primary nativity presentation AND a Santa visit. The adults loved the singing, the kids loved the Santa. I see Christmas as two holidays and celebrate them as such. A national secular holiday full of jingle bells, slay rides, and goofy movies and there is Christ's birthday. Embracing the secular holiday binds and unifies people from all different belief systems. I think it also installs a feeling of nostalgia fo the season in us when we are children. The religious holiday unifies us to fellow believers and our faith heritage. A time for reflection, reknewal, and increased service to others. There is room for both. I think the worry with some members is that the overwhelming excitement of the secular will crowd out the subtler tones of the religious. Isn't that something that can be balanced within our homes with moderation?
Calm Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 "Slay rides..."Remind me not to visit you during Christmas.
CV75 Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 This year will be the first year since the creation of my ward, except for the very first year, in which the kids will get to sit on Santa's lap. It was banned by the bishop and his wife, in fact they told their kids there is not Santa, to the annoyance of other ward members. The activities committee also frowned heavily on Santa with one forbidding it in her own home as it "detracts from the true meaning of Christmas." I found that a bit ironic giving the origin of the Santa tradition and the gifts given us by Christ.What is it like typically in the Church, US or abroad? To me it seems okay for some fun for the kids, solemn all the time is not very fun.I think the thread about "Men With Long Hair and Beards" supports the propriety of having Santa at eward parties.
Sine Saw Square Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 "Slay rides..."Remind me not to visit you during Christmas.Lol not in the PNW... But conceptuall speaking: postcards, movies, songs.
mfbukowski Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 "Slay rides..."Remind me not to visit you during Christmas.We have a lot of those in LA. We call them "drive-bys".
One Clear Voice Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 Showed up at ours tonight! The Kids loved it! It's all about Perspective anyway.
Duncan Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 Showed up at ours tonight! The Kids loved it! It's all about Perspective anyway. same! Plus it was a recent convert who played the role, now that is conversion!
Freedom Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 I am of mixed view. Christmas is not a religious holiday in my opinion. The church does not recognize it as a special service other than having a special broadcast yearly in December. Christ was born in the spring (and some are adamant that it was April 6) and certainly there is no mention in the scriptures about trees or lights. Personally, we do not have our children believe there is a Santa Clause, although two of them believed despite our efforts. In my opinion, we should no more convince there is a Santa than there is an Easter bunny or a tooth ferry. But if they want to believe we let them figure it out on their own. As for Santa at ward parties, I have not encouraged it just because I find the notion of Santa to be bazaar but I have always let the majority decide.
Storm Rider Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 This year will be the first year since the creation of my ward, except for the very first year, in which the kids will get to sit on Santa's lap. It was banned by the bishop and his wife, in fact they told their kids there is not Santa, to the annoyance of other ward members. The activities committee also frowned heavily on Santa with one forbidding it in her own home as it "detracts from the true meaning of Christmas." I found that a bit ironic giving the origin of the Santa tradition and the gifts given us by Christ.What is it like typically in the Church, US or abroad? To me it seems okay for some fun for the kids, solemn all the time is not very fun.Many of the wards I have belonged to have had a Santa Claus come while others have not. This is a tough question for me if I consider it as what would be my preference. I like to emphasize the birth of Christ at Christmas rather than Santa Claus and the giving of gifts. I think Americans are notoriously bad when it comes to celebrating things. I admire how Latinos can celebrate so easily and they could teach us many things. Santa is, IMO, a poor process for celebrating Christmas. I have no problem with him being mentioned or around, but he should not be the focal point of the holiday. However, without Santa being the focus, celebrating may be difficult for those who have few traditions centered on Christ at Christmas.
KevinG Posted December 11, 2011 Posted December 11, 2011 We have a lot of those in LA. We call them "drive-bys".clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop click BANG! clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop...-Amish drive by shooting
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