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Our Need to Believe 12/21/2010 10:24:39 AM
I ponder how the American culture embraces symbols of Christmas like Santa Claus, Rudolph, and George Bailey. It's "Miracle on 34th St." on TV. Then, "It's A Wonderful Life". All the Christmas/Holiday movies are in full swing on TV. Not to mention the classic holiday specials of "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman". It's almost its own culture, during the holidays, where traditions hold sway over everyone.
But why do we need all of this? Are there reasons for so many religions to have so many holidays at this time of year? Or is it just the timing. To be in the middle of winter is such a depressing time. Do we need a pick-me-up as we swing back towards the sun? While the promise of Spring and better weather seem so far away, Christmas arrives to bring us cheer.
And of course there is Santa Claus. So much legend and myth surrounds him. The first poem to come about was in 1822, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas". It's the first poem that has a full account of the man in red taken from childhood stories of the time. Followed later by Coca-Cola giving him a clear description of his red suit in ads and holding a Coke bottle. Not to mention his appearance at department stores and featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade.
These traditions are at the heart of American Holiday culture. Do we need them to believe in something other than regular humdrum existence? Do we just need hope at this time of year? Watching the movies and TV specials brings the time of childhood back, less worries, less cares. Or is it just a break from regular life, bringing some kind of magic into the mundane?
Whatever is the reason, it seems that we need our myths and legends of Santa Claus, Rudolph, Frosty, and George Bailey. We need our heroes and villains to keep our order to the world. We need to believe that these traditions will sustain and balance us in times of hardship. Our need to believe, or at least get lost in these stories, are why they are so popular. We need them to believe there is a Santa Claus, if not in physical being, at least in spirit.
