I overheard an adult saying, “But the real Santa is white,” while I stood in the Christmas decor aisle with two of my children. Rolling my eyes, I noticed a child listening intently. While I didn’t want to ruin the magic for them, I was seething inside. The idea that Santa can only have one race is something I refuse to accept.
Whether referred to as St. Nick, Kris Kringle, or Father Christmas, the notion that Santa must be white is outdated and untrue. Growing up, I also saw a white Santa in every holiday movie—from “Miracle on 34th Street” to “Elf.” All the Santas looked similar—pale with rosy cheeks and bright blue eyes. It wasn’t until our first child was born 11 years ago that I began to see things differently.
We adopted a beautiful baby girl with medium brown skin and an afro. A friend, who is also an adoptive mom, gifted me a collection of ornaments featuring Santa and other characters with darker skin tones. That Christmas, as I decorated our tree, I felt immense joy knowing our daughter would see a Santa that resembled her. It was crucial she understood that the magic of Christmas wasn’t limited to a white Santa.
Over the years, we’ve added to our collection of diverse Santas and other holiday figures. Each December, we take our kids to meet a Black Santa, and the joy on their faces is priceless. One of the most wonderful moments is when they exclaim, “Santa is brown like me.” This joy shouldn’t be exclusive to our family; all children should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the magic of the season.
I know some might find my enthusiasm for a Black Santa silly, and I’ve faced criticism for it. “Why change the tradition?” they ask. This mindset often stems from white privilege—the assumption that everything should revolve around whiteness. As a white woman, I recognize how accustomed I am to seeing myself represented in everything, including holiday traditions.
In the past, the only person of color I noticed in Christmas decorations was a brownish wise man in nativity scenes. He was a mere side character, while the primary figures were predominantly white. It’s time for all characters in nativity scenes, including Santa, to reflect the diversity of our world.
I’m grateful to see progress in holiday merchandise. This year, I found numerous Black Santas at my local Target, and I couldn’t help but snap photos to share with my followers, many of whom are raising multiracial families. I discovered wrapping paper, ornaments, and even gift bags featuring Black Santas. It’s encouraging to see both Black and white Santa figurines side by side in stores, and many malls now offer visits with diverse Santas.
Parents need to embrace this change, teaching their children that Santa can take on many forms and still be magical. Let’s celebrate the diversity of Santa and the joy he brings to all children. It’s the season to spread love, not criticism.
For more insights on family dynamics and representation, check out this article from our blog. If you’re interested in understanding more about home insemination, this site is a great resource. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent information regarding pregnancy and family planning, which can be found here.
Summary:
The article reflects on the importance of diverse representation of Santa Claus in holiday traditions. The author, Jamie, shares her personal journey as a mother in a multiracial family, emphasizing the joy her children feel seeing a Santa that looks like them. The piece advocates for inclusivity and celebrates the gradual changes in holiday decor that embrace diversity, encouraging parents to teach their children that the spirit of Santa transcends race.