Published by The two most important figureheads of the Christmas holiday bear a list of uncanny resemblances to each other. Parallels can be found in their actions, their purposes and their followers that may be surprising to those blinded by Christmas cheer. If you are a believer in Christian religion, you might want to re-think the Santa Claus myth for its undermining the role of Jesus Christ; if you’re an atheist or adhere to another religious belief system, then Santa Claus may be unintentionally reinforcing Christian ideals in your children.
Here is a list of some of the parallels between the two:
Both Santa Claus and Jesus are immortal, omniscient beings who judge their followers based on good and bad deeds.
Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, a pure, white, mythical northern vantage point from which to look down on the world he serves.
Jesus too, reigns from a pure, white heaven located above the world he watches over.
Santa has elves to do his bidding and help with his work since he cannot be everywhere at once; Jesus’s apostles perform the same role of spreading His word since He cannot reach all his followers at once.
Letters to Santa detailing one’s good deeds and deserving behaviour and requesting gifts on Christmas day are very similar to prayers, especially those pledging good behaviour in return for favours and luck.
Milk and cookies are a way of communicating with Santa through food, as are the bread and wine of communion.
Santa’s bottomless bag of toys recalls Jesus’s bountiful loaves and fishes.
Flying reindeer bear Santa Claus down to the earth for his yearly visits; winged angels herald the arrival of Jesus.
Santa Claus visits the whole world in one night, and Jesus brings the Word to all nations.
