Ever since I can remember, the one Black Santa Claus figurine in my grandma’s living room made me light up with joy. (It also kind of creeped me out because it moved and never blinked.) Seeing a Black Santa was rare during my childhood, but I could always count on that one decor item to remind me that Santa didn’t have to be pale as snow, with blue eyes and rosy cheeks. In fact, it was one of the few decor items that made me feel like Santa Claus might actually see me, know me, and stop by my house on Christmas Eve.
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When I became a mom three years ago, I knew that even though diversity, representation, and inclusion were on the rise, I had a mission—no, a duty—to show my daughters that Black Santa Claus is the real deal and he’s everywhere in our household. From the mugs to the plates to the pillows we buy for Christmas, there will only be pictures of Black Santas in all their shades and ranges to show my daughters that their skin is beautiful here and in the North Pole.
Some may think, “What’s the point?” But for me, it’s more than just cute decor and the look in my girls’ eyes when they see that Santa looks like them. It’s also an act of liberation and Black Joy. It’s my way of teaching them the importance of seeing themselves and making others feel seen as well. We raise our girls in an anti-racist household, and that applies to all facets of our life—even Santa Claus.
Here’s why our household is centered on anti-racism and why it’s especially important during the holidays:
When A Child is Affirmed in Their Identity, They Learn to Affirm Others.
When I envision the world I want my daughters to grow up in, it starts with them creating welcoming spaces and using language rooted in love and affirmation. I had no idea how much self-love could be produced by something as simple as a Black Santa until I saw my toddler look at her skin and say, “Wow, Mommy, Santa looks like me; he has brown skin too.”
In our household, affirming our children’s identity is the first step of anti-racism. We consistently show them positive images of people who look like them, celebrate their skin, hair, heritage, and culture, and remind them that there is beauty in their identity. Having Black Santas in our home is not just about celebrating our own identity, but it also lets them know that they are seen, valued, and heard. When a child feels affirmed in their identity, they recognize the power of uniqueness and differences and learn to affirm others as well.
Black Joy is a Form of Liberation, and Collective Liberation is the Ultimate Goal.
When my daughters see that Santa Claus looks like them, they get a special kind of smile that can only be described as pure joy. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Black joy in itself is a form of resistance and liberation. By creating Black joy in our household, we let them know that they have the freedom to experience happiness, love, affirmation, and be their most authentic selves. There is so much liberation that comes with experiencing joy through adversity, that it then invites others to embrace joy and freedom. The beautiful thing about collective liberation is that we want everyone to be free. Free to be seen, free to be heard, and free to be joyful!
It Inspires Curiosity about Themselves and Others Around Them.
One of my favorite things about young kids is their freedom to explore. No question is too bold or outrageous to ask. When we create environments that have diverse images, cultures, experiences, and ideas, curiosity follows. So, when we are out shopping, or they’re at a friend’s house, and they see different decor, holidays celebrated, etc., they naturally recognize differences and ask questions. As a caregiver, it is my goal to guide their curiosity so that they can understand differences and break stereotypes and negative images that society may push. Even though filling our home with Black Santa Clauses may seem small, the impact will shape how they view themselves, others, and the world around them.
It Reminds Them That Our Home is a Brave Space.
In a world that can sometimes be challenging, especially for people who look like them, our home is an environment of love, open conversations, and authenticity. You may ask, what is a “brave space” anyway? In simple terms, it’s a space where discomfort is welcome, challenging and different perspectives are welcome, and healthy ways of navigating those things are encouraged. Black Santas symbolize our commitment to creating a space where our daughters can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or prejudice. It’s a place where they are the majority. They never have to question their beauty, intelligence, value, or worth. Our home is designed to constantly remind them that they deserve to take up space in this world and their thoughts, ideas, and whole selves matter.
At the end of the day, our decision to center our home around anti-racism during the holidays, especially through the presence of Black Santas, is an intentional and impactful choice. It goes beyond festive decorations; it’s a statement about the values we stand strong on. Through this, we hope to not only create unforgettable holiday memories but also contribute to a world where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
