(DRAFT 02/20/24 ) (NOTE: This is a work in progress. I invite any suggestions and ideas. Possibly experiences from past Kringle services. email me at Santa@NationalSanta.com)
First of all, it has been suggested that we will refer to any passing Santa as “Kringle,” This is because, “Santa never passes away!” As Francis Pharcellus Church penned in 1887, “Yes Virginia . . . . . Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”
That being said, we also need to honor and recognize those individuals who have carried on the works of St. Nicholas. Men, and women, have carried on his work through the centuries, in fact, Santa has lived for over 17 centuries.
All Kringles should be acknowledged and allowed some special recognition. They have brought so much Joy and love to children and families everywhere, continuing the legends and magic of St. Nicholas.
Any eulogy or obituary information should refer to the passing “Santa” as a “Kringle,” a descendent of, and true follower of St. Nicholas. And besides, we cannot to tell anyone, “Santa has died.” He has not! Santa lives forever!
Now before continuing on the format for a Kringle’s Funeral, it is foremost to take into consideration the wants of the Family and the Kringle, should he have left any requests. Some Kringles, look at their passing, as a time to return to who they used to be and plan to arrive in heaven as God made them.
Other Kringles are so proud of the final chapter of their life, portraying Santa, they espouse a desire to be buried in their Red Suit. This is the Kringle’s and his Family’s decision. It is not up to anyone else to tell them otherwise.
The passing of a Kringle should be looked at as a celebration of the former Kringles entire life. It should reflect not only his time working and volunteering as a Santa, but also his entire life on God’s Earth. From birth and his youth, to adulthood, and finally as a Kringle. There should be celebration of all elements of his life: marriage, his children, time in the military, his career, hobbies, etc.
Photos can present his entire life. Why not display some photos from his youth, his marriage, and of course you could have a photo or two as Santa. If the funeral home or memorial service has the option of a video or PowerPoint presentation, then you could have a larger collection of photos covering his entire life.
The uniform for all other Kringles attending should be suits or sport coats, with a small red pocket square. It is good to allow the fellow Kringles to show their respect and love of the passing Santa, but please no Santa Suits or Santa Hats, as the focus is the beloved Santa and respect to his family is most important. If at a Mass, please remember this is a very solemn event.
The wearing of any Santa Claus wardrobe or other all other Kringles attending the service or celebration would be inappropriate and out of place. Remember this is a day about the passing Kringle, not the other Kringles. Just wearing the pocket square, or in most cases having a beard, will let others attending know that one is a fellow Kringle.
As a special tribute to our passing Kringle, it is suggested that all Pall Bearers or hosts, wear a dark suit or sport coat and if possible a tie. As an option, or in addition to the red pocket square, the pallbearers could wear red carnation boutonnieres.
SUGGESTED MUSIC
Depending on the family and or the pre-planning of the Kringle, music for a memorial can range from the traditional religious fare to some of the popular holiday tunes. Generally the music will be soft and in some cases just for background.
- Amazing Grace
- Believe (From Polar Express) Josh Groban
- Wind beneath my wings – Bette Midler
- You Raise me up – Josh Groban
Here is a web site with a list of 100 popular songs for memorials and celebrations: List: 100 Of the Best Funeral Songs and Memorial Songs (gather.app)
RECOMMENDED READINGS
There are many wonderful scriptures and writings that can be read at a memorial or celebration. They do not necessarily need to be religious, but I have found a few that would work quite well.
Matthew 6:3-4 – About our work of Secret Giving.
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“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:3-4 is a scripture about giving that emphasizes the importance of humility and discretion in our acts of generosity.
This verse on giving teaches that when we give to the needy, we should do so in secret, without seeking recognition or praise. By doing this, our heavenly Father, who sees all things, will reward us.
Christs followers, including St. Nicholas, followed this and other scriptures in their mission or ministry, to help others. They used this giving scripture to encourage others to practice humble and discreet giving, knowing that God sees and rewards such acts.
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Matthew 25:35-40 – For the Kringle who was dedicated to charitable work.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:35-40 is a verse on giving that emphasizes the importance of helping those in need, as doing so is an act of service to Jesus Himself. These Bible verses about giving teach that by providing for the hungry, thirsty, strangers, those in need of clothing, the sick, and the imprisoned, we are serving Jesus.
As Kringles, we can learn from this scripture and inspire others. We also can look upon those we help and see in them the face of Jesus.
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Mark 12:41-44 – Giving from the soul and not the pocket.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44 is a scripture about giving that highlights the sacrificial nature of the widow’s offering. This verse on giving teaches that it is not the amount of the gift that matters but the heart and sacrifice behind it.
Jesus praises the poor widow for giving all she had, despite her poverty.
This is about giving with a generous and sacrificial heart, with an emphasis that it is the ‘intention’ behind the gift that truly matters.