Christmas is that very special occassion that family and friends travel accross the globe to share love, hope, happiness and gifts. It is a time for sharing; as the hundred Christmas jingles go! It is a time to spoil and be spoilt. Most countries, cultures and families have their own tradition- but the obvious is of course non other than, Santa.
Whether you are 5 years old or 50 years old. Whether you spend Christmas in the hot climates or icy climates, religious or atheist.
But who and what actually started the Santa Tradition?
“The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends.”
If the legend of St Nic, Santa Claus, the bearded guy flying around on reindeer and magically able to fit his size 48 waist down tiny chimney’s through every house on the globe within 1 night, seems a bit far fetched, we can all agree that such a legend is a beautiful gift of imagination for the children of the world. To share a little hope and magic this time of year. Some may say it is a lie so therefore it is wrong- I believe that allowing children to believe in something before their minds get warped by reality is not such a bad thing. After all- the man who started this legend was a Saint.
So let’s safely say, the Red Hat and Christmas Tree is a safe way to say Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Here at The Train, we are much the same. With our bright and over decorated tree in the corner with gifts falling sprawling out onto the floor and the random window snow flake & red hat (just in case you missed the tree!) we do Christmas too. Not forgetting the corny “White Christmas” music playing in the background. Just for the red nose on the reindeer!
But have you ever thought how you can bring Christmas into the work place? Do something different? Thinking of how the heck do you afford the huge list of gifts when you know the entire family is visiting; not just the grandparents and Aunties though- no, the second cousins, the spouses and the dogs included, along with baby Jimmy whom you have never met!
Ladies & Gentlemen; SECRET SANTA! is here to save the (Christmas)day!
Secret Santa is becoming a more plausible option for families and businesses worldwide. You can even download apps to make it even more simple, as if it wasn’t simple enough!
Elfster Secret Santa App is a fine way to start an easy gift exchange. I came accross this platform when I woke up and realised my own family grew expenentially when I thought “oh c&&p everyone is now married- with kids, and grandkids, and cousins”. So instead of fretting how do I include my Grandmother and Mother-in-law and sister-in-law and and and, to my budget- I could now quite simply Eflster the heck out of Christmas!
The old fashioned way: Start with a hat full of names attending & each person picks out a name to buy a gift for.
The digital (aka Millenial way): Download the App and follow instructions
Most of the time a max spend will be put in place. Just to stop Lucy recieving a R1000 gift and Bob only a R50 gift. (No judgements). Each person then has no pressure to buy every family member a gift and instead can focus on their secret santa. Of course, if you want to buy for more than just one, by all means. At least everyone gets a little something with no major bankrupcy! For the workplace this works very well too- no one ever need be left out again.
There you have it.
Whether your spend your Christmas with Family or Colleagues.
Make Christmas that extra special
With much love this Christmas, may you all have blessed and wonderful day and indcredible new year!
Bye for now
~Santos Writer~
