The mysterious case of the midnight gifts
It’s the night before Christmas and even the mice have gone to bed. At this special moment, Santa Claus is said to be on his global mission to bring the Christmas joy to the world. Creating the magic of social impact to millions of kids. The problem is that no one has seen him or heard him. Although rumours abound. But the scientist in me wants to know how he can travel around the world so quickly, and how on earth does such a big man squeeze down up and down tiny chimneys?
He is a mystery and some have even suggested that he is not real. But, whatever the sceptics may say. There is the incredible fact that come Christmas Day millions of lucky children will wake up to discover a wonderland of surprises. (Whether their home has a chimney or not!). In a practical sense, we can say he must be real. Because every Christmas Day, the world is changed for millions by Father Christmas. He is a source of joy and happiness for many.
The Magical Science of Santa
In science, we have ideas that we test to see what is real and what is not. Then we update our knowledge based on the evidence and test again. Well surely Santa Claus, although mysterious, must in some way be real. For I think we can all predict with absolute confidence that many millions of more children will find presents on the 25th December. Santa Claus is real because of his impact on the world.
I can hear people scoffing, but that’s not science, where’s the theory? Well there is a leading theory in psychology called the 4E theory of cognition. The “4E” approach to cognition proposes that thinking does not just happen solely in our brains, but is also embodied, embedded, enacted, or extended.
• Embodied in our physical body and how it experiences our physical reality
• Embedded in our cultural learning.
• Enacted through our learned experiences of acting with the world
• Extended through the tools and ways we interact with the world.
Our every interaction with the world is part of our thinking. We create patterns in the real world through our collective thinking. That is not through any one of us, but through the combined actions of all of us. Santa is a living entity of our collective consciousness. He becomes real through our collected magic of thought and action.
Santa: A Force of Shared Cognition in Society
Santa is what we believe him to be. We act as if he has brought presents to our loved ones, and in doing so, we synchronise our actions across the world. This synchronisation creates a force that’s far more amplified than individual actions undeniably real and impactful. Santa is more than a mythical figure; he’s a shared essence that binds us, a force that manipulates and changes the world.
But he is fixed in one place, we are constantly interpreting and adapting what Santa is in our lives. We do this simultaneously in many ways across society. Over time you can see how he has changed and continues to change in nature and form. The magic of social impact is all around us. So, in a very real sense, Santa is alive and changing through his interactions with the world as if he were a living entity.
Santa Leads Us in Creating the Magic of Social Impact In Us All
Santa exists in every kind gesture, in every wrapped gift, and in every excited conversation. He lives through our thoughts and actions, influencing the world in ways few others can. He’s not just a character; he’s a catalyst for joy, creating the magic of social impact in the lives of our loved ones and shaping their identities. When we embody the joy and generosity of Santa, we’re not just playing a role; we’re bringing a global icon to life. Santa is the superhero of the holiday season, and we’re all wearing the cape!
Embracing Our Inner Santa: The True Spirit of Christmas
So, what if we all embraced our inner Santa? Imagine the possibilities! Look around you and think, “Who can I bring the spirit of Christmas to?” Who needs a bit more joy in their life? Santa Claus acts through us. We are Christmas. It’s not just an event that happens to us; it’s an opportunity for us to make a difference and spread the magic of social impact and influence the world in a positive way.
Being Santa: Leading the Magic of Social Impact One Gift at a Time
By embracing the spirit of Santa, we can shape and change the world around us. We can learn to lead the magic of social impact all around us. It’s about the simple act of anonymous giving, making a difference in people’s lives, and being a source of pure, unadulterated joy.
So, this Christmas, let’s all don our red hats, hoist our sacks of goodwill, and spread the joy. Because, in the end, we are all Santa Claus, and through us, he is very much real and alive! Through Santa Claus we can bring real joy to the lives of others. ???
If this inspires you maybe you can continue the good work and create a social project to benefit those you care about. The spirit of Santa does not just have to live for Christmas!
Happy Christmas, and keep spreading the cheer!
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