| Santa Claus How Do We Deal with Him?
by: Marcellino D'Ambrosio
 The root of the Santa Claus legend lies in the real historical person of St. Nicholas of Myra, a Christian bishop who survived the greatest anti-Christian persecution of the late Roman era. He is honored for his incredible love for God and, especially, for poor children. Hearing of three young women who were unable to marry because of their lack of a dowry, he is said to have dropped three bags of gold down their chimney anonymously.
For Christians wishing to restore the religious meaning of Christmas, there are two options: banish Santa Claus and the whole gift-giving thing entirely, or recover the tradition of gift-giving as a response to and imitation of God giving us the best he has to give, namely His Son, as well as in imitation of the outstanding generosity and compassion of the historical St. Nicholas. For those who, like me, prefer the second option, an award-winning video is available: "St. Nicholas, the Boy who Became Santa Claus" is produced by a Christian entertainment company in Texas. It is a thirty minute, animated drama about St. Nicholas's life which makes the connection between him, Santa Claus, and the birth of Jesus. It retails for about $15 and is most effective for kids between ages 5 and 10 I'd say. My kids have enjoyed it and we've given it to many as a Christmas gift.
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This article appears in the Advent & Christmas and Virtues & Christian Character sections of The Crossroads Initiative Library.
 Nicholas the Boy Who Became Santa - DVD
Nicholas was still a young boy when he discovered the love of Jesus and the gift of giving that changed the world. Based on historical fact and tradition...this is a beautiful Christmas classic for children!
 Cat Chat Vol 5 - A Christmas to Remember
This newest volume in the CatChat collection will help your kids celebrate the wondrous birth of Jesus in a fun way that focuses their attention on the spiritual joys of Christmas! Join Papa, Josh, Hannah and, of course, Moses. Listen in and have this joyous season come even more alive with inspiring songs and activities!
The Catholic Home - Meredith Gould
 Want to really make your family's experience of Advent and the Christmas Season extra special this year? Get a copy of Meredith Gould's The Catholic Home before Advent begins! This book is a treasure trove of Catholic customs and traditions for all throughout the liturgical year, but is especially invaluable as we approach the Christmas Season. This book is a fun read but very practical as well. It's full of ideas for prayers, devotions, and decorations for liturgical feasts and saints days and even provides recipes for holiday foods from all over the Catholic world!
The perfect Christmas gift for Catholic moms interested in Keeping Their Kids Catholic!
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