It was way before I ever had kids that I watched the Jesus vs. Santa episode of South Park. While I don’t remember the exact argument the little drawings in hats made for either side, I do remember each had very valid points over who should win. (I think I remember Hanukkah winning in the end with the whole eight days argument…)

Fast forward 12 years later and I’m on team Church, but Santa isn’t completely out of the running either. (There is an argument that Santa cures buttheads. And no, I can’t argue with that.)

I’ve never really had to approach the issue with Addie. Christmas in our house is Christ’s birthday and we celebrate it by spending the day with each other as family and friends. Santa’s in the background bringing presents and while I’m not entirely sure how Addie views the relationship between the two, I know she’s a good kid who’s excited to have birthday cake, spend the next 18 days with her mom, dad and baby sister…and maybe get a Password Journal on Sunday morning.

If I’ve learned one thing as a parent when it comes to holidays, there are hundreds of opinions and the best way to handle it? Find what works best for your family, your beliefs and run with it.

Sunday in our house will be spent eating far too much, playing with a few new toys and going to church where we will sing songs about the birth of a baby in Bethlehem long ago. It’s what we believe and it is very much a part of our lives. That being said, we’re probably not Christian enough by some Christians’ standards because we do believe in Santa and we’re going to be watching football once we change out of our church clothes. However to others we’re probably way too Christian to hang out with on a Sunday evening.

It’s our own personal relationship with religion and God (or lack thereof) that matters, not others opinion of our relationship or standing.

I love these little girls with my whole heart and I love the holiday season because it means we get to be together.

If it really came down to Jesus vs. Santa? I’m pretty sure they’d just shake hands and talk about the complexities and rewards of their jobs over hot cocoa and pastries.

How do you handle the topic in your house?

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Also available for your reading pleasure: Why Religion matters, even Though it Doesn’t.

Follow Casey on Twitter or read more on her blog, moosh in indy.

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