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Video Commentary

Assistant professor, social anthropologist and head of the Master's study programme Social anthropology at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Faculty of Communication, Department of Communication Studies, Klāvs Sedlenieks has stirred a discussion on the true role of Santa Claus for contemporary society – do we see it as a Good or a mythical creature assisting society and families to stick to a certain pre-approved model of behaviour?

"Santa Claus commonly is an old, stranger who arrives once a year and brings gifts to children. Moreover, he clearly demonstrates which behavioural patterns are correct and which are less correct," the associate professor Klāvs Sedlenieks starts the conversation about Santa Claus. "It is certainly the task of the parents to show their children commonly accepted norms of behaviour, however at some point Santa Claus arrives – a mythical character, taking the role of some external authority who sees everything and who has his spies and assistants (elves) everywhere who observe how good children have been in complying with the rules of conduct".

"In a sense this phenomenon has something in common with the philosophy of the French sociologist Émile Durkheim who suggested that by worshipping the God the society in fact is worshipping itself. If we take an analytical approach, Santa Claus has these features of a deity. It is a deity introduced by parents who take joy in the fact that their children believe in it – the longer, the better.

At this point, we can use the same arguments that are raised when discussing the necessity of a religion and God. The supporters maintain that in the absence of an external supreme authority society would collapse in chaos. Certain parallels can be drawn with Santa Claus – an external figure, a divine authority is attracted to assist in ensuring compliance with self-defined behavioural patterns being accordingly rewarded for that. To compare - contemporary Christianity tends to speak little about hell but instead, is focusing on the fact of facing or not facing paradise; equally as at Christmas – everyone receives a smaller or a larger present, whereas the penalty or the stick is left out."

It is convenient for parents to have presents brought by Santa Claus, as they can shake off responsibility for the quality and the size of the gift. "It is interesting that parents who themselves do not believe in Santa Claus, are eager for their children to believe. It is one of the rare cases when non-believers encourage another group to believe", the social anthropologist concludes.