The Role of Santa During Financially Strapped Holidays

It is so hard to fathom, but the world has changed. COVID and its economic consequences have impacted so many lives within a very short period of time. What seems like inconveniences to me, like my favorite French cafe and my cooking school closing their doors, has real implications. There are people’s livelihoods behind every closed business, and the pandemic’s economic impact has been widespread.

The economics of COVID often leaves me with a scary pit in my stomach. But, I understand just a little better why my grandmother saves her Vaseline jars and makes sure that everything is repurposed. Those from the Greatest Generation learned to appreciate everything. They understand simple living and have demonstrated to me from tales of their childhoods how to enjoy even the smallest box of oranges or a single doll on Christmas morning.

In the midst of the world’s change, the days continue to pass, and the holiday season is right before us. For many, it will be the hardest holiday of their lives, and children will not understand.

However, hard conversations with your children and explanations that you never wanted to have with your kids about the “gifts” of Christmas may come a little easier this year, thanks to the man in red.

Santa can actually give parents who may be financially struggling a great gift, the gift of simplicity and explanation.

Santa might not be at the mall ready to snap photos this year, but he is virtually communicating alive and well. With Santa’s newfound tech skills, let him give you the gift of reprieve. Have a chat with Santa before he virtually visits and conveys your story and the message you would like your children to understand.

If money is tight, let Santa frame that with COVID and explain what the children might receive and why. If Santa isn’t coming at all, he can frame that too. And if COVID has not financially affected you, take the opportunity to simplify the holiday. Have Santa tell your kids the story of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. We FINALLY have the opportunity to strip the commercialization of the holidays away and focus on its real meaning. Jolly ol’ St. Nick will bring the gift of simplicity and of TRUTH to your children.

Not only can Santa convey to your kiddos a message that they are more likely to understand through him, but the virtual platform also allows your family to remain safe at home. It also allows an opportunity for grandma, grandpa, aunts, and uncles to join in.

Two ways to virtually connect with Santa are through a virtual chat and by having a personalized video emailed or texted to your phone. Give Santa the details of this year, and have him send a message of joy, love, and understanding to your little ones.

If you need a virtual Santa connection, I have two of his helpers who are ready and willing.

Mitch and Paul are two of Santa’s amazing helpers that I know personally. They are both participating in virtual visits this year. Please feel free to email either one of them. Tell your story and the message that you would like to convey to your kids. They can give you rates for virtual chats and personalized videos.

Santa Mitch Lykins- santamitchlykins@yahoo.com, 770-845-6512

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Paul, the Singing Santa- santapaul@thesingingsantainatlanta.com, 404-353-0824

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As horrid as COVID has been, it has given us the gift of simplicity. No glitz, no glamor, but rather a truthful celebration of the holiday.

Are you interested in a virtual visit with Santa this year? We would love to hear from you! Please drop us a line in the comment section below!

Interested in focusing on the simple this Christmas! Check out Downsizing Christmas and Upsizing the Meaning and Christmas, the Great Gift Card Swap?