This is a question that all children ask at some point and I believe is usually answered incorrectly.
Santa Claus may be called by many different names such as St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle etc. but no matter what name you give the question is the same; is he real?
In my opinion and belief the answer is an unmitigated YES!
Santa is the personification and embodiment of the Christmas spirit and can and should be celebrated regardless of faith or religion.
The Christmas spirit is to focus on giving love and whilst this is a wonderful thing to do at any time the Christmas period has become a time to remember and concentrate on this act. If the symbol a a joy giving and loving man with gifts for children, whose life is dedicated to spreading love and happiness helps us in this then that can only be good and means that Santa is real, no matter who plays the part.
So Santa exists to everyone who shares in the spirit of Christmas and shares some love.
Love may be shared in the form of a simple thought, a kind word, a helpful deed and need not be accompanied by any other gift. However sometimes it is a wonderful thing to let others know we are thinking of them and sending a card or giving them a gift to remind them of our love can be rewarding for both the sender and the recipient. What IS important is the love and thought behind the gift, the gift itself is just a reminder of the precious act of sharing our love.
Too often gifts are given because it is the custom and not because they are intended to be an expression of love - this is not the spirit of Christmas and something Santa would never do!
So let us all strive to make Santa real; no matter what creed, religion or beliefs we have. Let us share love and think sincerely about what we can do for others and how valuable our gift of love is and in that way Santa will live forever in our hearts and minds.
This is my gift to you and it is shared with love which I hope you accept in the true spirit of Santa Claus.