Santa and Binkies
After a little investigative research and leaving no stone, er, binkie unturned, I now can give you…the rest of the story!
Consulting with other Santas, I learned that the tradition of children surrendering a binkie (pacifier) to Santa is spread as far as Europe where apparently it is a big thing. Here’s what I gleaned from other Santas:
“The child is told that they don’t need it anymore and that they can give it to Santa so he can give it to a new baby that needs one. This is what parents have told the child in preparation to give it up.”- Santa Tom.
“That’s a custom in northern Europe. The Santas carry a big collection of surrendered pacifiers. In Copenhagen they decorate trees with the suckies.”-Santa Peter.
So there you have it! Another unsolved mystery put to rest. I especially like the part about the “new baby needing it,” but I doubt that it’s the ultimate destination for these little one’s binkies.
Ho ho, ho. It’s off to work I go. Maybe a slow start to Monday since school’s not out for the holidays yet.
And oh yes! I had roast lamb last night. Yum, yum, Thanks so much!
Santa Rich Dwyer
Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga