What is Santa Claus? | Cameron Dixon
‘[Santa] exists and has a body in a way that is much more subtle than the manner in which we exist and have a body… [H]is body is not contained like ours are and its parts exist at a much larger scale through those who participate in his being in the world…
‘When a man dresses up as Santa Claus in a mall or a parent places presents under the Christmas tree for their child, they are manifesting Santa in the world as he acts in and through them…
‘Families travel to be joined in communion and share in a communal meal … The house is decorated with Christmas ornamentation which is a form of ‘sacred art’ or iconography set aside for this particular feast. Christmas carols are passed on in tradition as ‘sacred hymns’ … The tree functions as a sort of altar where … offerings are given to Santa for him to enchant ritually. This allows the items to become part of a magical feast rather than ordinary food and toys that are simply placed there by the parents…
‘In the idea that children will not receive presents unless they exhibit good behavior, there is a symbolic connection to the traditional Christian teaching that one must not receive the Eucharist if one has committed any grave sin, and not without first preparing oneself through fasting and prayer…
‘Santa descends to us from the North Pole (the highest point, the axis — which is a cross ☩) and comes down the chimney to become incarnate to us once per year during the Christmas season.’
Dixon’s analysis will entertain the intellect for a while, but Christmas and Santa reveal themselves truly only to participation.
The mind understands by creating distance. The heart knows (“inner-stands“) by establishing relationship - by closing the gap between subject and object; it knows through participation.
These holidays, may we participate. May we welcome the New Year at zero distance to life.
Merry Christmas and my best wishes to you and yours,
Simeon
Is Santa Real? | Carl Jung & Buddha on Reality
When 10-year-old Alexy dismissed Santa Claus as a myth, I turned to Carl Jung and the Buddha for help. Their wisdom led me to surprising insights into existence, belief, and how our minds shape reality.
I invite you to join me on this philosophical quest to save Santa! 🎅
Quote of the Week
‘To be generous with the hand is one thing, but to be generous of heart is another.’
—Jiddu Krishnamurti