CCM Coaching Tip #6: Who Santa Claus Is

Years ago, when I first started coaching talent in the CCM format, it was stunning to hear that there were stations that avoided talking about Santa Claus!

In an earlier article, we discussed why you definitely should talk about Halloween, but maybe change the name to "Trick or Treat" if your faith (or your bosses) made you think that it stemmed from a pagan holiday.

Here's why I believe that you definitely should NOT shy away from mentioning the famous Mr. Kringle: because Santa Claus is the children's version of God. Think about it...

He sees you when you're sleeping.
He knows when you're awake.
He knows when you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness' sake.

So there's a larger-than-life man with a big white beard who lives somewhere up North, and he can see through all your acting and your posing, and knows your true intentions. And you should do the right thing, treat people fairly, and CHOOSE to live a moral life-to take the high road-simply because that's the way we're SUPPOSED to act.

That sounds like God to me. But "God is Coming to Town" sounds kind of ominous for a Christmas carol.

Coal in your stocking? The children's equivalent of Hell.
Leaving Santa milk and cookies? Sure, the cynics can say you're trying to buy the old guy off, but I look at it like an offering of thanks for what he's giving you.
The Grinch? Obviously the children's version of Satan.

Seriously, this month is when we should open the door to our radio station (and our faith) the widest. Be real.

Bonus - The Christmas 2015 Ten Commandments:

1. I am the Lord, thy God. Therefore, thou shalt not Keep Up with the Kardashians.
2. Thou shalt not worship Facebook or Twitter. Instagram, however, is okay.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain-even if you just hit thy thumb with a hammer putting a bicycle together.
4. Thou shalt keep the Sabbath holy. Tape the game.
5. Honor thy mother and father-even if thy Mom gave you a shirt that's the same size you wore when you were 14.
6. Thou shalt not kill...more than two glasses of eggnog at the Christmas party.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. (See "eggnog" commandment.)
8. Thou shalt not steal. Especially batteries, no matter how much your new techie gadget needs them.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness. If you "sampled" the roast turkey, admit it.
10. Thou shalt not covet. It's your DAUGHTER'S hover board. Leave it alone.

Thou shalt not forget to include the batteries.