Santa Claus is embracing a new approach this holiday season, championing children's consent and bodily autonomy
In a heartwarming incident in Miami, Florida, Kris Kringle, embracing his role as a socially conscious Santa Claus, delivered a powerful message of empowerment and respect.
When a little girl was presented with the customary opportunity to sit on Santa's lap for a holiday photo, she confidently asserted herself and declined the invitation.
Rather than dismissing her decision or pressuring her to comply, Kris Kringle applauded her for exercising her autonomy and making a true choice.
“I said, this is her body and she’s in control of her body,” Kris Kringle said in the viral clip.
“I asked if she wanted to sit on my lap and she said no, and I said, ‘Way to stand up for yourself and way to say what you believe is true.'”
Despite her initial uncertainty, Adley's mother, Katie Love, expressed her pride in her daughter's ability to take control of the situation and use her voice
Little Adley was "nervous" to meet Mr. Claus because she had seen other children sitting on his lap. However, her mother assured Adley that she did not have to sit on Santa's lap if she didn't want to.
She was pleasantly surprised by Santa's response, appreciating his acknowledgment of her daughter's choice and refusal to dismiss or make her feel guilty.
“I was so surprised Santa took the time to tell my daughter it was her body and her choice whether she wanted to sit on Santa’s lap,” Love said.
“He could have brushed her off or even made her feel bad!” Katie added.
“It’s never too early to start talking to your children about boundaries,” Adley's mother said.
“You can be gentle and affirming without making them feel like the world is a scary place. We talk openly with Adley about control and body autonomy from a place of empowerment so she feels like she can conquer the world even at 3 years old!”
The TikTok video received immense support and praise from viewers, highlighting the significance of Santa's progressive message
Many applauded the modernized Santa Claus who respects children's boundaries, acknowledging that children should not be pressured into uncomfortable situations merely for a photograph.
This is the real Santa Claus of this Christmas, one user exclaimed.
I love this. There's no need to force her to feel uncomfortable for the photo, the second replied.
Santa Claus has education and modern thinking. Very admirable!!!! Someone wrote.
Adley must be thinking why the gift-giving event turned into a press conference, lol, another joked.
Santa Claus in the video, Steve Lantz, is not only an on-camera Santa but also a Presbyterian minister and a father of two.
He shared that he was "very impressed" with Adley's assertiveness, drawing parallels to his parenting style, where he always honors his daughter's decisions regarding physical contact.
Katie Love hopes this incident will prompt a reevaluation of the tradition of sitting on Santa's lap and the pressure for physical contact.
She believes it's possible to celebrate Christmas and Santa Claus without subjecting children to unwanted touch
“We can still celebrate the joy of Christmas and Santa without making children feel to get presents they have to sit on a strange man’s lap,” she said.
“We always tell Adley it’s her choice whether she wants to hug or kiss someone, even a family member. She should feel in complete control of her body and her choices. She doesn’t need to be uncomfortable to make someone else comfortable.”
