This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Christmas revelers are often divided about whether to celebrate the season with a "ho, ho, ho" or "peace on Earth, goodwill toward men."
The decision between celebrating Santa, Jesus or neither arises each year for people of different faiths. From evangelicals to Mormons to Jehovah's Witnesses, the array of perspectives on the holiday is as diverse as the religions themselves.
"I've tried not to ascribe too much power to Santa Claus," said Lark Galli, Salt Lake City mother of four and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Nor do I use Santa as a tool for good behavior."
While raising her children, Galli made it a point not to emphasize Santa during the holiday season. She does realize that Santa has a place at Christmastime, one that children couldn't do without.
"Who are you going to care about when you're four [years old], the person that brings you candy or salvation?" Galli said. "[Santa] draws children into the holiday so much more."
There are some overlapping characteristics between the two that could confuse children. Both Santa and Jesus want you to be good, and want to give you good things.
"To compare Jesus, God of the universe . . . to a fat guy in a red suit . . . that's cheapening the Lord of all," said Danielle Griffin, an evangelical from North Salt Lake.
While many families still celebrate both the Christian and pagan aspects of the holiday, some want to get rid of Santa.
"I try to focus on Jesus the entire time," Griffin said. "My cards always focus on Jesus' birth, and I try to get gifts for everyone that either benefit a cause or that have scriptures or reference Jesus on them."
One scholar, though, doesn't see Santa's role in Christmas as a threat.
"Most [Christian] parents probably do a pretty good job distinguishing their deep, heartfelt, profound feelings for God and Jesus . . . and the once-a-year focus on Santa," said David Dollahite, Brigham Young University professor of family and religion. "My guess is, for most religious folks it's not the kind of crisis you might think it might be."
While Santa plays an undeniable role in the secular celebration of Christmas, Dollahite doesn't believe that leads to a conflict for Christian parents.
"Santa's a big player in the secular Christmas pageant," said Dollahite. "But for most Christians that take their faith seriously, their focus is clearly on the sacred and religious aspects of the holiday."
Others believe in avoiding any celebration of the holiday.
"Most people are aware that it's not the time of Jesus' birth," said Michael Brant, elder of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Millcreek. "For that reason, and since so many things are of a pagan origin, we don't celebrate the holiday."