In Britain, we are used to the traditional image of Santa up to his knees in snow even though we rarely have snow on Christmas Eve, so a picture of the revered figure in a warmer climate, such as that of California, Africa or Australia, may be a bit of a shock.
Christmas It is sometimes asserted that today’s children don’t know the meaning and origin of Christmas, so ask them what they think it is about. Was Jesus actually born in the year we celebrate (King Herod died in 4bc, so he may have been born a year or two before that; December 25 has been the traditional date of Christian celebration for more than 1,600 years, since ad336)? Do you celebrate Christmas, or does your family mark important dates and festivals in another religion?
Santa Claus Who iswas Santa Claus (modern version Father Christmas based on St Nicholas, fourth-century bishop of Myra, now in Turkey, who gave out presents to children)? Do other Christian countries give out presents on Christmas Day (some do it on Christmas Eve, others - for example, the Dutch - on December 6, St Nicholas Day)? Is St Nicholas known for anything else (patron saint of travellers with St Christopher, hence “lucky” St Nicholas and St Christopher medallions)? How long did you believe in Father Christmas and can you remember when and how you found out he was a fairy-tale character (don’t ruin it for any innocents who still believe in him!)?
Presents When and why do we give presents (birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations; a mark of affection, esteem, recognition of what someone has achieved)? What would be your ideal present (a) to give to someone (say to whom), (b) to receive (say why)? Imagine a friend gives you a present you don’t really like or want. What do you do (accept it gracefully? Sulk? Give it to someone else? Find the right words)? What is the difference between a present and a bribe (think of examples in business - winning orders, education - an apple for the teacher, social affairs - gaining favours)?
Writing (a) Tell the story of Santa’s journey giving out presents in a hot country you know about; (b) describe how you felt the day you found out Father Christmas wasn’t real; (c) make up some funny captions or speech bubbles for the picture (“My sledge got clamped, so I’m waiting for a speedboat”; “You haven’t seen Rudolph by any chance?”; “I’ve heard about global warming, but this is ridiculous”).
Ted Wragg is professor of education at Exeter University TALKING POINTS
Presents, parties, endless adverts - is Christmas too commercial nowadays?
For
The original purpose of Christmas has now been largely forgotten and it is just an excuse for a long party. Even the image of baby Jesus is used to sell goods and make profits. People eat and drink too much, get into debt and give presents that often nobody needs or wants.
Against
Although Christmas is commercial, people still celebrate an important event in the Christian calendar, singing carols, celebrating the birth of Christ and getting together with family and friends. Schools put on Nativity plays and teach about our religious heritage. For some people it is the only really sociable time of the year, when they give and receive gifts they treasure.
