When our children were born over a decade ago, finding a Black Santa was quite the challenge. It took countless phone calls before we finally discovered one at a mall located several towns away. He was available only on Monday nights for a mere two hours. We were thankful for the chance to take our kids, but it was disheartening that Black Santa seemed to be an afterthought, the less favored representation of holiday cheer.
Black Santa decorations were also scarce. Everywhere we looked, we were greeted by the typical white Santas with their bright blue eyes. Around that time, I came across a rather frustrating news segment where some anchors asserted that Santa and Jesus were white. This notion is historically flawed, given Jesus’s origins. But I digress. The underlying message was that many people preferred a white Santa and sought to maintain that image, often dismissing any alternative.
While society debated whether Santa could exclusively be white, I pondered: why can’t Santa be Black? The answer lies in systemic white supremacy, which fosters a belief in the superiority of whiteness. This issue permeates many aspects of life, from school policies to criminal justice, and even extends to our beloved Santa Claus. There are no exceptions; systemic racism is omnipresent.
If you find yourself resisting the idea of Black Santa, take a moment to reflect on why. What’s the true reason for your discomfort with a Santa who has darker skin? Many may cling to tradition and the fear that Black Santa threatens their vision of a “White Christmas.” Others might claim they are “colorblind,” but this perspective often unwittingly upholds supremacy.
When Disney announced it would feature Black Santas at its parks, some individuals reacted negatively. It’s important to remember that Disney is a realm of imaginative characters. Relax; no one is prohibiting you from choosing your preferred Santa. Just don’t dampen the enthusiasm for Black Santa.
As a mother of Black children, it saddens me that critics of Black Santa fail to grasp the joy it brings. I’ve witnessed my children light up at the sight of a brown-skinned Santa, and it’s a magical experience. Why shouldn’t they see a Santa that reflects their identity? Thankfully, the availability of Black Santas has significantly increased. Last year, during our first COVID-Christmas, we even had a virtual visit with one right in front of our tree. Nowadays, you can easily find a Santa that resonates with your family, with resources like the app Find Black Santa.
Santa is a fantastical figure — but why limit him to a single appearance? Why not embrace the idea of a female Santa, or one from a different cultural background? The spirit of Santa is meant to enhance the magic of Christmas for all children. Those who resist this idea are missing the point and should step aside to let all kids see themselves in Santa.
Promoting the idea of Black Santa benefits everyone, not just Black children. All kids gain from exposure to diversity and engaging with it. After all, parenting is about preparing children for a diverse world.
I’m not suggesting we abandon the traditional white Santa. If that’s what your family enjoys, that’s perfectly fine. And please, let’s not entertain the notion that discussing Black Santa is somehow anti-white; that’s simply not a valid argument.
For my family, we’re looking forward to another virtual session with Black Santa this year, dressed in our themed pajamas in front of our tree adorned with Black Santas, nativity scenes, and angels. Christmas is our favorite holiday, and we proudly celebrate our love for Black Santa.
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Summary:
This article explores the significance of Black Santa in a family’s holiday celebrations, emphasizing the importance of representation and diversity in the context of Christmas. The author reflects on the challenges of finding Black Santa figures in the past, the societal debates around Santa’s race, and the joy that a Black Santa brings to Black children. The piece advocates for embracing diversity in all forms, encouraging families to celebrate their own traditions while welcoming inclusivity.