If I said I can’t stand Christmas, would you stop reading? If I said I love Jesus—who taught unity and forgiveness—would you stop reading? If I said I can’t stand Christmas, but I do love Jesus at the same time, would you think I’m crazy?

I wouldn’t normally bring up the subject of Christmas, but I recently read an article by Jason Karaian about holiday creep. I was a little surprised that such a light-hearted piece raised my hackles so quickly. Some introspection led me to ponder what I think of as a standard progression in the understanding of the Christmas tradition.

First, you find out that Santa Claus isn’t real. And then, years later, you find out that Santa Claus was kind of real in that he was based on the third-century Turkish bishop, Nicholas (who was sainted more than a century later). But, it’s OK because you are mimicking the “three wise men” giving presents to baby Jesus anyway.

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