Santa Claus is the Quintessential Man

As the mother of three children, there have been numerous opportunities to answer the question, "Is Santa Claus real?" And my answer has always been the same: Absolutely.

Is there a man who flies through the night sky on a sled pulled by reindeer? Probably not. It is the spirit of Santa Claus that is absolutely real. And alive and well in the hearts of men. I believe Santa Claus is the quintessential man -- the pure, concentrated essence of the goodness of men.

This is how Santa Claus represents men:

Like Santa Claus, men are incredibly generous. They have a huge desire to give. The goodness of a person inspires them to give more. Meanness makes them want to give less.

Like Santa Claus, men need us to tell them what we want. They can't read minds. They don't pick up on "hints". They appreciate it clear and straight, like the letters children send to the North Pole.

Like Santa Claus, men want to make us happy. So when we tell them what we want, it's important to distinguish what would be nice from what will really make us happy - all the way 'til next year.

Like Santa Claus, men need to be appreciated. Whether it's milk and cookies, or a hug and a smile, it matters that we receive their gifts with warmth and attention to detail. If you appreciate their gifts, they will overwhelm you with their generosity.

Like Santa Claus, men get their power from us believing in them. When we believe in their goodness and generosity; when we believe they want to take care of us and make us happy; we interact with men in a way that naturally brings out the best in them. The best for us and the best for them.

Like Santa Claus, with men, believing is seeing, not the other way around.

I believe in Santa Claus. I believe in Men.

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Comments

[nicejanice]

This brings a tear to my eye. So simply put, and deeply felt. Long live Santa Claus and the childlike joy which a woman can continue to experience her whole life in partnership with men! Partnership between the sexes is the new frontier for liberated women. Alison you are a pioneer. Thank you for leading us to a point of view which liberates self-expression AND the pleasure of partnership.

[darker]

An interesting "ideal" figure. Non-existent fantasy.
Superman comics originated with flying Santa Claus.

[WilliePilgrim]

Interesting perspective .
Here's mine: if a primate closes its eyes and examines itsown fear it finds it's most fundamental and primitive instinctive fear is the fear of a large male primate that looks like one of its own emerging from the darkness to kill the defenseless young so that its mother will become fertile again. It's a darn good thing about which to be fearfull, and constantly on guard against that occurance if one wishes to survive to see one's own genetic lineage have a chance to go forward into the future. The process, for all the fear, is a good one that insures the fittest and most alert (and lucky) animals do infact reproduce.
But to live with this fear prevents our ancestors from living in cooprerative groups so a myth that transforms the night visitor into a benefactor is one that helps us to maintain cohesiveness and not let the instinctive fears drive us into an existence where the survival of the individual takes precedence over the group. It takes a bit of aculturation to do this, and of course, young children take some coaxing to finally believe that the white bearded male with the big grin, covered in red, is actually interested in our being good..and not just good tasting.

[Paradym]

Excellent little article, Mrs. Armstrong! It warms my heart on a chilly Christmas morning to read a woman expressing a positive perspective of men. We're not all cads.

I have always been a huge fan of Sir Kringle. I don't have a shrine in my basement or anything like that, but I've always thought him to be the epitome of what a man should strive to be. I'm particularly thinking of the Santa character as portrayed in Miracle on 34th Street: Cultured, gentlemanly, loving, unassuming, honest, honorable. Although, in my take, I would mix in a little Master Po or Gandolph into the Santa personality; emanating deep wisdom, serenity and a capability to defend the weak without undue violence or bravado.

So, here's to Santa Claus, and may we all strive to be as nonjudgmental, kind, giving, and caring in our daily lives!

[OtayPanky]

I'd say your husband is a lucky fella.

[TheGenuineSantaClaus]

Hi, Alison:

Thanks for your understanding of and kind comment about Santa Claus. Please take a moment and visit www.TheSantaClausFoundation.org. We are volunteer advocates for millions of vulnerable children in dire straits. In case you're wondering: yes, my legal name is Santa Claus, and I'm a Christian Monk, as St. Nicholas was many years ago. I believe the greatest gift one can give is love, not presents.

Merry Christmas to all! Blessings, Santa Claus