I firmly believe in Santa Claus.

Each year, just before Christmas, I make this statement, and every time, I’m met with mockery (mostly from family) or tagged as “overly sentimental” by online critics and various skeptics.

However, these reactions haven’t deterred me in the past, and they won’t this year either. If there was ever a time when Americans needed to hold onto a symbol of pure goodness, it is now.

You can believe in your red-hatted figure; I’ll stick with mine – he’s much more kind-hearted

There’s another hefty character in a red hat – almost like the anti-Santa, in both demeanor and attitude – who is receiving a lot of attention and promising benefits that many are not interested in. But let’s move beyond thoughts of him.

Instead, I encourage those who doubt Santa, whether young or old, to reflect on the virtues associated with Claus – as a festive spirit, a concept, and an idea that I believe deserves our faith.

Santa Claus deserves our belief—it’s the least we can offer.

First of all, Santa represents kindness in its most genuine form. In the stories, movies, and tales shared by parents, he is a figure who cares for people and instills hope and joy in children. He emphasizes the importance of being good and the consequences of bad behavior.

Why would anyone choose not to believe in those ideals? Would we really want our children – or do children really want adults around them – to disregard an ideal centered entirely on goodness?

Santa wouldn’t turn away migrants or insult them

Santa embodies inclusion. He wouldn’t reject anyone who is in need or belittle individuals based on their background or identity. He welcomes anyone who wishes to believe, no exceptions.

A man who collaborates with elves and befriends reindeer excludes nobody. Shouldn’t we all strive to be the same?

St. Nicholas honors people, whether they are children or not. He would never stand for bullying nor would he participate in it.

Can you imagine a character like Santa Claus making fun of a child’s pronouns? He wouldn’t last a moment in a shopping mall or would be banished back up the chimney. That’s not how Santa should behave.

How can you reject something that is inherently good?

He embodies the virtues we aspire for our children to uphold, virtues that as adults we often need to revisit.

Those raised with the belief in the magic of Christmas resonate with my words. Beneath the decorations, lights, and wrapped gifts lies a core theme, and Santa Claus embodies that theme: Act kindly. Show love. Be good to one another.

Is that something I believe in? Absolutely.

If someone chooses to overlook a force for good, then what is the value in believing in anything at all?

I hold on to my belief in Santa Claus, and no one can change that

For those younger individuals who might be questioning the authenticity of all things related to the North Pole, here’s my message: I’ve been around for over fifty years, and I’ve believed in Santa Claus since I first grasped what he represents.

I lack solid evidence like data or photographs to present. However, I hold onto a deep belief that somewhere in our world, there’s a person, figure, or spirit that symbolizes the importance of kindness.

On Christmas Eve, as I have every year for as long as I can remember, I plan to step into my backyard and gaze up at the night sky. Although I haven’t spotted anything yet – and I know I get teased for this – I will keep looking.

Because isn’t that what belief is all about? Staying hopeful.

It seems we could certainly use a bit more hope at this time.

Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating today.