I’m 54 Years Old, and I Believe in Santa: A Reflection on Faith, Imagination, and the Spirit of Christmas

At 54, when life yourself tethered to realism, routine, and rationality, I stand unashamed in saying that I believe in Santa. Not as a literal man sliding down chimneys but as a symbol, an idea, and perhaps even something more profound than the myth. Believing in Santa at this stage in life is an act of philosophical defiance—a conscious decision to keep faith in things unseen, embrace wonder, and acknowledge the value of imagination in a world too often consumed by cold facts.

Faith Beyond the Empirical

The modern world urges us to reject what cannot be measured. It insists on what the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard called objectivity—truths dictated by science, reason, and evidence. And yet, I find that some truths transcend the measurable. Believing in Santa, in my mind, falls into the realm of what Kierkegaard called the leap of faith. It’s about holding onto something more than what logic can explain—a belief in kindness, generosity, and joy. It is not about whether Santa Claus exists materialistically but whether we can live as though the principles he represents are real.

Faith in Santa is a deliberate resistance against cynicism, an acknowledgment that the most valuable things in life—love, hope, joy—often elude the rigid structures of reason.

The Necessity of Imagination

As children, we are encouraged to imagine freely and explore worlds where reindeer fly and elves make toys. But as we grow old, imagination often falls by the wayside, crowded out by schedules, responsibilities, and the so-called serious matters of life. Yet imagination, as philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre noted, is not a childish indulgence—it is an essential part of our freedom. Imagination allows us to conceive of what does not yet exist, dream of worlds better than our own, and engage with life's infinite possibilities.

Believing in Santa, even at 54, is my way of keeping that imaginative spark alive. It’s a reminder that life can be more than just predictable outcomes and measurable gains. It’s permission to dream, even as we face the sometimes harsh realities of the world. Imagination is not escapism—it’s a form of resistance, a way to say that the magic of life remains, even in adulthood.

Santa as a Metaphor for Kindness

Santa embodies the idea that goodness does not need an audience. He works in secret, expecting no recognition or reward. In this way, Santa reflects Immanuel Kant’s notion of goodwill, where actions are judged not by their outcomes but by the purity of intention behind them. Santa’s real or symbolic gifts remind us that kindness has intrinsic value, regardless of whether it is acknowledged.

Believing in Santa means believing that altruism, though often hidden, is still possible. It is an invitation to embrace what Martin Heidegger might call being-for-others, a way of being that considers the welfare of others as inherently tied to our own. In a world where self-interest often dominates, Santa’s spirit reminds us that there is still room for selflessness and that joy multiplies when shared.

Christmas and the Time to Be Childlike Again

There is a distinction between being childish and being childlike. The former implies immaturity, while the latter suggests an openness to wonder and delight. At its core, Christmas invites us to rediscover that childlike spirit—a time to believe in miracles, however small, and to allow ourselves to be moved by beauty and generosity. As C.S. Lewis said, "When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of being childish."

At 54, believing in Santa means embracing that childlike sense of joy without apology. It means not being afraid to celebrate, to give without expecting anything in return, and to see magic in the mundane. It’s a reminder that some of the most profound experiences in life—laughter, love, connection—require us to let go of our guarded selves and allow joy to seep in.

The Spirit of Christmas: A Philosophy of Hope

Ultimately, my belief in Santa is not about the man in the red suit. It is about hope. The hope that light can be found even in the darkest moments. Christmas, with all its stories and symbols, is a reminder that joy is possible, even when life feels heavy. It is a call to believe in things that cannot be proven but can be felt—a nudge to live as though the world is still filled with wonder.

To believe in Santa at 54 is to resist the temptation to become jaded. It is a conscious choice to say that life, even in its complexity, still holds room for magic. And perhaps that is the real gift of Santa—reminding us, year after year, that joy is not a relic of childhood but something we carry with us, if only we dare to believe.

So yes, at 54, I believe in Santa. And in doing so, I believe in kindness, imagination, generosity, and hope. Life is better when we allow ourselves to be enchanted by it, even if only for a season. And that, to me, is the true spirit of Christmas.

From mine to yours, have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, happy holidays, and a great New Year!

In the fast-paced world of emergency management, staying ahead of potential threats during large-scale events like the Super Bowl is critical. Skyline Technology Solutions is at the forefront of this effort and a key player in integrating real-time video-sharing solutions that empower emergency responders to make swift, informed decisions. In this edition, we sit down with Mia Millette, CEO of Skyline Technology Solutions, to explore how their cutting-edge technology transforms public safety operations and strengthens community resilience. Join us as we delve into the innovations shaping emergency management's future.

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The IAEM Region 9 Presidential Candidates Forum brought together the candidates for the upcoming IAEM Region 9 presidency as they presented their platforms, shared their visions for the future of emergency management, and answered questions from the community. This interactive session provided a unique opportunity for IAEM members to engage with the candidates, learn about their priorities, and understand how they plan to lead the region toward greater resilience and professional growth. If you missed the live event, you can catch up by listening to the recording and staying informed about the future direction of IAEM Region 9!

In the Emergency Management Network Leaders and Innovators interview series, Todd DeVoe speaks with Arthur Simental, a certified emergency manager and game creator, about an innovative training board game for emergency managers. The guest shares their journey into emergency management, which began after high school with an introduction to an exercise in Colorado Springs. Inspired by disaster movies and exercises, they developed a passion for emergency management and training.

The conversation covers creating a unique board game that fills a gap in emergency management training by being more immersive and engaging than traditional tabletop exercises. The game focuses on ESF (Emergency Support Function) roles, simulating real-life scenarios like wildfires, resource allocation, and political challenges. It introduces an element of "chaos" through cards, keeping the game dynamic and unpredictable, reflecting the nature of real emergencies. Additionally, the game is designed to be cost-effective, making it accessible to smaller emergency management programs.

The game also emphasizes team-based wins, as success in emergencies relies on collaboration. The guest highlights how they sought to create a tool that trains emergency managers and educates the public on emergency management processes. They discuss the importance of balancing fun, replayability, and authenticity while advancing emergency management training methods through both traditional and potentially digital platforms in the future.

Link to Game

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthursimental/

Emergency Management Leadership Summit Live & VirtualEvent by Emergency Management Network

When: Wed, Sep 18, 2024, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM PTWhere: Online Live EventHow: Event Link

The Leadership Summit is a dynamic and transformative event that brings together leaders, innovators, and visionaries from various fields and backgrounds. This summit is a platform for sharing insights, strategies, and best practices in leadership, management, and personal development. Attendees can expect engaging discussions, thought-provoking presentations, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

The Emergency Management Network is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this heartfelt and detailed episode of 'Theory into Practice,' host Dan Scott chats with retiring emergency management expert Carol Cwiak.

They discuss the controversial rebranding of the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) to the National Disaster and Emergency Management University, exploring its implications for the professionalization and capabilities of emergency management.

Carol shares her career journey, the challenges of a profession often overlooked and underfunded, and her passionate plea for the community to work together toward recognition and respect.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the past, present, and future of emergency management.

Episode Description: Get ready to explore the high-stakes world of Game Day Management, where precision, planning, and quick decision-making are crucial. In this episode, we bring together top minds to share their expertise. Brian P. Bittner, a leader in game-day emergency management at Penn State, joins us to discuss the unique challenges of coordinating safety and operations for one of the largest college football stadiums in the country.

We’ll explore how Penn State manages the influx of over 100,000 fans on game days, ensuring their safety and enjoyment while navigating the complexities of emergency preparedness and response. Brian will share his insights on the strategies that keep everything running smoothly, from handling weather-related emergencies to coordinating with local law enforcement and medical teams.

Whether you’re an emergency management professional, an event planner, or just fascinated by the behind-the-scenes work that makes game days possible, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

In the middle of the podcast, a 4.7 earthquake struck my area. We interrupted the interview so I could check in on my daughter. She was a little scared, but with a hug and reassurance, all was well. It goes to show everyone that an event can strike at any time.

As always, stay safe and stay hydrated.

"Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire" is a timely and thought-provoking documentary that challenges the conventional narratives around wildfires and their management. As emergency management professionals, we are often at the forefront of responding to these increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters. This film provides us with a critical opportunity to rethink our approaches, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in how we understand and manage wildfires.

The documentary explores the complex relationship between fire, the environment, and human communities, pushing the boundaries of what is traditionally considered effective wildfire management. It highlights the importance of returning to indigenous knowledge and practices, which have long recognized fire as a natural and necessary part of the ecosystem. By integrating these practices with modern science and technology, the film advocates for a more holistic and sustainable approach to wildfire management.

One of the key takeaways from "Elemental" is the idea that we need to move away from the notion of fire suppression as the sole strategy for wildfire management. Instead, the film urges us to focus on creating fire-resilient communities through proactive measures such as controlled burns, better land-use planning, and community engagement. This shift in focus aligns with the broader goals of emergency management: to mitigate risk, enhance resilience, and ensure that communities are better prepared to face disasters.

For emergency managers, "Elemental" serves as a powerful reminder that our strategies must evolve to meet the challenges of a changing climate. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires are not just environmental issues; they are public safety concerns that require a coordinated and informed response. By adopting the principles presented in this documentary, we can work towards a future where wildfires are not seen as catastrophic events but as natural phenomena that we can live with and manage effectively.

In conclusion, "Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire" is more than just a documentary; it is a call to action for all of us in the emergency management field. It challenges us to rethink our approaches, embrace new strategies, and work collaboratively with communities to build a more fire-resilient future. As we continue to face the growing threat of wildfires, this film offers valuable insights and practical solutions that can help guide our efforts in creating safer, more resilient communities.

Links

https://www.elementalfilm.com/home

https://www.elementalfilm.com/streamingtrailer

Description: Join us for an inspiring interview with Vivek Kaliraman, where he shares his journey of perseverance and the innovative vest and app he has developed to enhance emergency management. Todd discusses the importance of collaboration with social entrepreneurs like Vivek and the need for emergency managers to seek out and support innovative startups. This conversation highlights how unique solutions and partnerships can better prepare communities for emergencies. Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to seeing you in our next episode!

For more information, click here https://perci.us/