Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree for me. Been an awful good girl, Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight… Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring. I don’t mean on the phone. Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight.

Let’s talk about my father-in-law’s least favorite Christmas song of all-time: Santa Baby.

It was released in 1953 (which makes the ’54 convertible seem a bit more understandable) by Eartha Kitt. It was meant to be a form of tongue-in-cheek humor about the extravagant consumerism that was already beginning to surround the holidays even sixty years ago.

Christmas lists have only grown since then.

Now there is a consistent battle every year for Santa to decide how much is really just too much. Why?

Because ultimately physical things are not what really matter. Though a present now and then is wonderful, and a special toy or two every year from old St. Nick is a magical thing for children everywhere, having everything we can imagine leaves us with just that. Lots and lots of stuff.

What we miss when we give into this mentality are the real opportunities to live. Chances to travel and expand our minds. Opportunities to grow relationships through time and making memories. Chances to share our resources and our presence to serve others and make this world a better place.

So enjoy this ridiculous song (I certainly do). But remember, at the end of the day, it’s the magic of sharing that makes Christmas what it really is meant to be.

Traditional Hymns & Carols – People, Look East!

Lessons & Carols – The Holly & The Ivy