Naughty or Nice?

As a young father myself in the age of technology there have been a lot of changes in the world. I'm of the generation who experienced first-hand the exponential growth of technology from 2000 - 2010. Even though I am much younger than the typical age of Christmas performers, I don't believe we've ever seen a decade with that jumped so far ahead.

I grew up with VHS, DVDs, BluRay, and now 4k discs. Even those may be considered obsolete by those who stream. I remember cable, commercials, Netflix on DVD, Blockbuster, American Movie Rentals, and now we've almost come full circle with streaming services that have commercials. Perhaps it was supposed to be cheaper than cable, now it only seems comparable.

My children will never know what it was like to run to the bathroom during a commercial break, to search the channels to see what is currently playing, or to have a TV rolled in on a cart when a substitute teaches class. Now iPads, smart watches, smart phones, and even TVs in the bedroom of small children are becoming more and more common.

And I hate it.

Wasting Time

The common things I'd asked Santa for when I was a child are now considered UNcommon! More and more requests for phones, computers, video games, laptops, smart devices, and money to PURCHASE any items. The majority of children today seem to have little interest and short attention spans. The mentality of "scroll passed it if you don't like it" has entered into this generation.

I speak from experience and my credentials as both a father and Santa Claus for almost a decade now. There is a stronger expectation for children to behave and hardly any for parents how to do that. The mentality today seems to be "oh, if the baby is crying, coddle them immediately, the world is going to end." This extends to toddlers in restaurants who isntead of being told to wait and develop patience are presented with an iPad or a phone before they can even complain or cry.

As a blended family, when my children are over at our house they know there is no TV in the bedroom, no iPads, and hardly any video games. They get time doing those things elsewhere and we try to balance things when they're with us. When we do watch movies, we choose age-appropriate films. Short-form content doesn't foster patience. My youngest is getting better at NOT asking 30 minutes into a movie "what are we going to do now?" He is developing patience.

Uncomfortable things are a part of life. Even we adults are susceptible to spending enormous amounts of time scrolling endlessly when we could be doing better -and sometimes more difficult- things. Sewing those 20 hats for Lone Star Santa's Roundup a few weeks ago was difficult for me. I wanted to take the easy route and just watch TV. The nice thing is, I can usually have something playing in the background WHILE I was being productive. The best of both worlds existed in that option.

I'm not condemning technology. I'm condemning the improper use of it. Anything can be an addiction if not properly bridled and controlled. Movies are great, but watching them every day or those with vile language and extreme violence harm the mind. Phones and tablets are useful, but should never become the #1 tool in a parent's toolbelt.

Is it the Parents?

The children today are different because of their parents. I was recently at a school fieldtrip where I heard multiple 1st graders (ages 6-7) taking the Lord's name in vain as easily as they would comment on the weather. Such profanity was uncommon when I was growing up, and even in TV shows they never did that. Now, the standards of appropriate language have evolved to a lower level and a disappointing standard. It is clear to see that children model the behaviour and follow the teachings (or lack thereof) of their parents.

Is this how we want the future to be? Impatient adults with little tolerance for not getting their own way? Some of the best ideas in history have come during quiet moments when the mind was "bored" and allowed to rest and venture into thoughts. We've entered a world where we take in a lot and rarely give back.

Giving v. Receiving

If the old adage is true, that it is better to give than to receive, why is it that consuming is the norm? Let's pop on a movie, scroll on the phone, and get upset when things don't go our way. How can we GIVE more and receive LESS? We can either invest in our children when they're young or reap the passiveness in later years we initially presented to our offspring.

"No other success can compensate for failure in the home."

(David O. McKay)

As parents and grandparents we need to spend more time with our children. Walks in the park, going out and about, teaching different skills to young ones, anything that entails time, and therefore investment from us, will only help spread love, patience, and kindness. As much as I hate wiping up the table after we play with clay, or how nervous I am when letting my children flip pancakes on their own with me by their side, it is for their good. It seems I also get to practice being a better person when I'm with them.

As a Santa Claus I've seen children get bored after a photo with Santa. Gone is the magic, they have no patience to wait around and interact. I've mentioned grown-up language in younger children, but I've also noticed a lack of grown up manners. Many adults do a decent job when hosting a performer, but many children aren't used to saying "please" and "thank you." Perhaps this is because they're handed anything they want before given a chance to plead politely with their parents. Parents also may not demonstrate or teach their chidlren these manners, but simply expect them. Where much is given, much is required, my friends.

A Prayer

As Christmas performers and entertainers, we have a tough job. No, it's not our job to correct poor behaviour, appalling language, or addictions which may impact generations to come. No! Our job is to entertain, to connect, to perform. Unfortunately, with the current way the majority of children are being treated and neglected in common courtesy and life-skills things will get more difficult each season. We will have to adapt, and we will need to pray.

I call upon each of you to plead with whatever higher power you have faith in, to help the parents and children of the world. As the character Albus Dumbledore said, "We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy." [emphasis added] It is my hope that as a parent I will model better behaviour for my children and provide them opportunities to develop patience, manners, and solid lifeskills. As a Santa, I will do my best to spread the love and cheer that exists in the world that poor digital content portrays but can never truly provide.

There is good in the world. It's up to use to spread it around because the children, and perhaps even their parents, need it more than ever.

Yours, as always,

Santa Stuart

December 2020