Christmas In Santa Claus, Indiana by Joseph Seger

I remember the expectation thick in the air in the days leading up to Christmas. A tree was cut and decorated. Christmas carols covered us wherever the radio could reach. The Christmas Eve service felt enchanted as we raised our candles during the singing of Silent Night in a darkened sanctuary. My brothers and I would debate what gifts our godparents might give us or how the exchange/games would go at our family gathering. We would see our cousins from far away and tell stories of the days in between. New memories and full stomachs would weigh our eyes down as we went to bed eager for the morning.

When our eyelids opened again to daylight, excitement would rush through the household. Presents appeared under the tree overnight, but we could not touch them until the whole family was assembled and we had read the story of Jesus’ birth. One by one our family would take turns in revealing the gifts amidst laughter, photos, and stories. Afterwards we would have a fire to burn the boxes and Christmas paper and to warm a day of being together, which if it had been snowing meant sledding all day.

Christmas in the United States varies greatly from region to region, even household to household. For most, there is an extended time of being off of work and out of school that promotes a return pilgrimage for many to their families. Some practice Advent with the Church calendar and sing Christmas hymns and carols. Others have a Christmas countdown and sing popular Christmas songs. With so much going on, people schedule Christmas parties from the beginning of December to the beginning of January.

One constant through American culture for many decades has been Santa Claus. The story is long and winding as to how St. Nicholas of Myra became popularly known as Santa Claus. But he is everywhere in the United States. Even more so in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Santa Claus, Indiana is America’s Christmas hometown. Streets are named December 25th Avenue, North Donder Drive, Silent Night Lane, etc. There is a Christmas store, statues of Santa everywhere, and America’s first theme park – Holiday World – where you can celebrate Christmas all year. Many residents leave up Christmas decorations the year round. There are people who volunteer at the post office to make sure the letters to Santa Claus get to where they need to be.

The Christmas celebration really picks up in late November. Lights begin to go up for Christmas lights tours on the weekends throughout December. There is a weekend with Breakfast with Santa – a fundraiser for the local Food pantry, a Christmas parade, live reindeer, roasting Chestnuts around an open fire, and Christmas concerts. Families have parties and friends go Christmas tree hopping – visiting different homes in an evening for refreshments and revelry.

Families gather together during the break to be together to celebrate the joy and hope of the season.  There will be Christmas Hams, cookies, and all sorts of foods set out to enjoy as family members exchange gifts with one another and practice their various traditions.

While there can be a lot in keeping up the Santa Claus lore, there are many ways we are able to celebrate the true meaning of the season. Churches have living nativities, gospel sings, and longest night services. Santa Claus is a drop off spot for Christmas gifts that go around the world to kids in need. There are Candle light Christmas Eve services and Christmas masses. Churches invite people into community and to understand their story in light of a God who came down at Christmas. Many do acts of kindness for others, give gifts to those in need, and invite people far from home into theirs to celebrate Christmas together.

An image I have noticed often here is that of Santa Claus kneeling at the creche. It truly is amazing to see how much the arrival of Jesus in the world has changed everything. Even those who do not yet know the good news to be true know that something happened long ago to affect the calendar of all who live in the United States.

As Isaiah wrote long before, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned… for unto us a child is born…” The good news of the King who came as a baby destined to bring light and joy to the world. God took on flesh to be amongst us, to create a way for us, to save us. May this good news be yours wherever you celebrate Christmas this year. May we all continue to share this incarnate love wherever we go this year.

Merry Christmas!