A slightly more serious blog than I had intended for this time of year, but at a time when the world feels increasingly divided, I wanted to pause and share something positive. This isn’t a story about presents or performance, but about kindness, generosity, and the very human origins of Santa Claus. Behind the modern myths is a reminder of the good that people are capable of, especially when we choose compassion and understanding. My Christmas wish this year is that these values feel louder than the division we so often see around us today.

 The Real Story of Santa Claus - and Why It Still Matters

At the moment, the world feels increasingly divided, mistrustful, and loud. I’ve not been listening to the news for months now because it’s full of stories about hatred, war, selfishness and greed.

We’re surrounded by headlines that thrive on conflict, misinformation that spreads faster than truth, and people in positions of power who benefit from encouraging division and fear. I don’t know about you, but I find it quite exhausting and disheartening to watch humankind portrayed at its worst.

This Christmas, rather than adding to the hateful noise, I wanted to take a moment to remember a story rooted in kindness. A real story. The original story of Santa Claus.

Santa Claus Was a Real Person

Long before shopping lists and red suits, Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a real historical figure who lived around 1,700 years ago.

Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop in the town of Myra, (now modern-day Turkey). He was born into wealth, but instead of living a life of riches and comfort, he became known for quietly and deliberately helping those who were struggling - particularly children and the poor.

The important detail here is how he helped. His generosity was anonymous. He didn’t give for praise, recognition, or reward. He gave because it was the right thing to do.

One of the most enduring stories tells of Saint Nicholas secretly leaving money for a family in need, allegedly placing it through an open window where it landed in stockings left out to dry. Over time, stories like this evolved into the traditions we love at Christmas today.

Not myth. Not fantasy. But real human kindness.

How Santa Changed - and What Stayed the Same

As stories of Saint Nicholas spread across Europe and later into America, the details changed. As with stories of Christianity (no folks, Jesus was not a white man) different cultures adapted him, artists reimagined him, and eventually Santa became the cheerful, larger-than-life chap we recognise today.

Although the red suit, the sleigh, and the reindeer aren’t of course historically accurate - the core idea never changed.

Santa has always been about:

• Giving without expectation

• Protecting children

• Compassion for those struggling

• Choosing kindness in a difficult world

The people currently running the world should take note. This matters now more than ever.

A Reminder of the Good in Humanity

Belief in Santa has never really been about believing in a man who flies around the world in one night. It’s about believing that people - at their core - can be generous, thoughtful, and gentle. This idea is of course behind one of the most famous Christmas stories of all time, where we see Ebenezer Scrooge turn from a selfish man to a kind one overnight.

Today, in a world where distrust is often encouraged, the Santa story reminds us that humanity doesn’t have to be cynical. That kindness can be quiet. Not everything good needs a headline or an audience. How wonderful would the world be if everyone did something good for someone else without bragging about it on social media or using it to gain political points.

And that’s something children instinctively understand far better than adults.

Why This Matters to Me as a Mum, Nanna and Child Photographer.

I’ve been photographing families and children for many years now, and one thing I know for certain is this: children are mirrors. They reflect the world we create for them.

Children notice everything. They see how we treat others and they absorb our values long before they understand the words we use to explain them.

If you’ve read my blogs before you might remember that I’ve previously talked about why I don’t offer Christmas themed photoshoots. While I respect the hard work other photographers put in at this time of year (and boy, it is very hard work!) cramming lots of sessions into a short window has never suited me personally - I’ve always been a bit old-fashioned at heart. For me, turning Christmas photography into a production line only adds to the commercial pressure of Christmas and quietly strips away some of the magic. I prefer to focus on calm, unhurried sessions where children can simply be themselves. To reiterate, I’ll always take my hat off to those talented photographers out there who do offer these sessions, I know from talking to some of them just how stressful and difficult they can be!

I’m not a complete Christmas misery - at this time of year, every photo session includes a free Christmas image (like the one above), not because of trends or pressure, but because it’s a small way to acknowledge the season while staying true to how I personally work.

Choosing Gentle Traditions Over Loud Ones

To summarise, the real story of Santa Claus reminds us that goodness doesn’t have to shout. It doesn’t need spectacle. It doesn’t need to divide.

Sometimes it’s quiet.
Sometimes it’s unseen.
Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing to slow down, be kind, and treat one another - especially children - with patience and respect.

If the world feels a bit gloomy for you right now and Christmas doesn’t quite feel as light as it once did, I hope this blog and the true story behind Santa Claus acts as a reminder that kindness, generosity, and compassion do still exist, and that these are values worth remembering, especially by those who shape the world around us.

Thanks for reading, I hope you and family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lorraine Jardim LBIPP QGPP

Newborn and Family Photographer Solihull