Monday, December 20, 2010

Santa at the Manger...Two Thumbs Up or Gag Me with a Candy Cane?


Sorry if you've got a Santa hanging out on your mantel with the shepherds and the Wise Guys, but I've always been in the Gag Me camp.

I know some people love incorporating Jolly Old Saint Nick into their beloved creche scenes, melding legend with the holy, but as for me, no no no.

Not to offend anyone, but just the sight of Kris Kringle kneeling in the straw gives me a bad case of chiggers. What's next? Might I suddenly forget the words to Silent Night and burst into a chorus of Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer?

But now that I've seen the video below, I can sorta (kinda) understand the idea.
It's Grammy nominated, Dove award winning singer/songwriter Kyle Matthews singing "Everything Santa Knows," a song that has me changing my tune on the Santa front. A friend of Kyle's made the video with his kids and it's really fun to watch. And careful, if you're the tiniest bit of a Santa scrooge like me, it might even get you thinking!

I'm sure I'll still keep Santa a safe distance from the holy babe, but I get the intention. The guy in the red suit is an admirer, just like the rest of us. And I have to say, a bit of a copycat.
(Just kidding, Santa. Love you!)
Enjoy, friends!


Merry Christmas!
Love, Becky

Photo by Jamiesrabbits, creative commons

12 comments:

Kat said...

Well, it never bothered me much. I think it is odd just because Jesus obviously came way before Santa so it does make me roll my eyes a bit. However, I saw a different version of it once. It was Santa kneeling down at an alter before the nativity. THAT I liked. It was really beautiful. :)
That song is interesting. I'm not sure I'm a fan but like you said, I get the intent.

Amy Sullivan said...

Um, I am writing this straight from the "gag me" camp. I don't know. I just can't do it.

Have a wonderful Christmas, Becky. You were my first and favorite blog. Thank you for the words you share with all of us!

CC said...

I'm totally with you on this! Gag me with a candy cane for sure! (love that analogy BTW!)

And thank you so much for your super kind words on my post!

Terri said...

I love old Santas and am slowly working on a Santa collection - but not in the creche....sorry...

Unknown said...

I have to agree with you. And, this just looks creepy! (Your post cracked me up.)

Unknown said...

I kinda like Santa kneeling at the manger although I don't have one and I don't intend to get one. We've not placed much emphasis on Santa at our house but I've always been a fan of his--love the wonder and the mystery he brings to the season. We know that Jesus is the reason but mixing a little of the Jolly old elf is ok with me too.

Kelly H-Y said...

Have never even considered putting Santa together with the Nativity! Great post!

Roxane B. Salonen said...

Becky, can you believe, I have never before seen Santa Claus in a manger until reading this blog post today? A first (and last I hope) for everything. I happen to love St. Nick, and believe he was very real and that his spirit is alive in many of us to this day. BUT, artistically speaking, theologically speaking even, uh-uh. It doesn't sit well with me, either. Thanks for enlightening me on the gag gifts. :)

Thinking of you, and I have missed stopping by. I'm hoping to be more regular again now.

Peace,

Roxane

LW said...

I personally think for a young child it can really help put things in perspective.
Even Santa knows he is second on this day.
I remember the first time I saw Santa at the manger, at first I was taking back and then it hit me that he was a very wise old man.

Have a very Merry Christmas,

Louise

Unknown said...

I've never seen that before! But I'm glad I haven't, because I've got to agree, I don't like it... Definitely put me on the "gag me" side!

Merry Christmas!!

Attic Rat said...

Wishing you a wonderful 2011. I hope it's the best year that you've ever had!

SMiles,
Teresa

Pamela said...

LOL...certainly a different take on it. I'm just thankful that it's Jesus I put my trust in--He gives me more than gifts once a year. :-)