Young children anticipate few things more than the arrival of Santa Claus, with his sack full of toys. All Christmas season, they try to remain on their best behavior, as they write Christmas gift lists and letters to Santa. They bake cookies and leave out a glass of milk for the jolly fellow and even a carrot for the reindeer to share. But where did this folktale come from and how do we celebrate St. Nick this holiday season?
Santa Claus has taken some harsh criticism over the years. While it was meant to be a celebratory figure of kindness and good cheer, not everyone approves. Some Christians say the pagan symbol takes away from the religious sentiment during the Christmas season. Some psychologists add that perpetuating this “Santa lie” can be damaging to children when they learn of the truth around age 8 and suddenly realize their parents have lied to them.
Yet a third group opposes the Santa symbol because they say it personifies the rampant consumerism and commercialism they equally despise. Despite the critics, Santa continues to be one of the most widely celebrated cultural myths world-wide.
Are you looking for Santa Claus art and craft projects to make with the kids or to give as Christmas gifts? There are many great Christmas craft projects at www.christmascraftfreebies.com/santaclaus.html, including Santa quilts, Santa door hangers, Santa ornaments, Santa clay pots, Santa wreaths and Santa stockings. There are also directions for making a professional-looking Santa ornament this Christmas at www.images.scrippsweb.com/HGTV/2005/10/24/SharonMann_SantaOrn.pdf.
At www.craftideas.info/html/santa_claus_crafts.html you can make wine cork Santas, wooden Santas, Santa table decorations, Santa gift tags and more. A large resource of Santa arts and craft projects can be found at www.allfreecrafts.net/christmas/santa-crafts.shtml.
To read more The Arrival Of Santa Claus
