Santa Claus is coming soon, to share gifts and make some people’s wishes come true. Everybody loves Santa, but nobody really knows Santa, they only care about what is being shared. Giving gifts has been an age-old tradition across cultures, signifying love, respect, gratitude, and goodwill. Yet, the act of giving extends far beyond the material exchange—it carries a profound spiritual, emotional, and social significance that enriches both the giver and the recipient. In many ways, blessings arise from giving gifts, creating a ripple effect of positivity. Anybody can be Santa, once they're giving out gifts to people, especially during Christmas festivities. 

When we give without expecting anything in return, we experience the joy of generosity. This act taps into a deep sense of fulfillment, creating a connection between ourselves and others. Studies in psychology reveal that giving activates regions in the brain associated with happiness, meaning that the giver often feels as joyful—if not more so—than the recipient. The proverb "it is more blessed to give than to receive" perfectly captures this sentiment.

Charity is often perceived as a pure, altruistic act driven by compassion and a desire to improve the lives of others. Yet, history and contemporary society reveal an intriguing paradox: even individuals deemed "evil" or morally corrupt are known to engage in acts of charity. This phenomenon prompts questions about the motivations behind such actions and whether philanthropy absolves one of wrongdoing or merely serves as a tool for personal gain.

Historical and Contemporary Examples: Throughout history, figures accused of heinous acts or widespread corruption have used charitable deeds to build their legacies. For example:

• Andrew Carnegie: A 19th-century industrialist, Carnegie amassed enormous wealth during a time when his businesses were criticized for exploiting workers. Despite this, he gave away most of his fortune to establish libraries, schools, and cultural institutions, earning him a reputation as a leading philanthropist.
• Drug Cartels and Mafias: Organized crime groups, such as drug cartels in Latin America, are known to fund schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in impoverished communities. While their primary activities involve violence and illicit trade, their charitable efforts often buy public loyalty and improve their image locally.
• Modern Corporations: Some corporations with questionable practices, such as environmental pollution or labor exploitation, donate millions to charities and disaster relief, presenting themselves as socially responsible entities.

Motivations Behind Charitable Acts by "Evil" Individuals: Hitherto, Santa shared gifts secretly without anyone knowing who he/she is, the act was mysterious. Contemporary, Santa shares gifts publicly so as to be seen running charities. Likewise, Santa now uses gifts for rally and campaign propaganda. People are so desperate for validations from other people. Hence, it’s difficult to commend the saint and not commend the sinner. After all, who are we to judge? Understanding the motivations behind such acts sheds light on this paradox:

• Reputation Management: Charity can be a means to rehabilitate a tarnished image. Publicized donations and philanthropic projects distract from moral failings or unethical actions, often swaying public opinion.
• Power and Influence: Giving to communities or funding social initiatives can increase a benefactor’s influence. It may secure loyalty, silence critics, or build alliances.
• Guilt or Redemption: For some individuals, acts of charity stem from genuine remorse or a desire for redemption. However, the extent to which these actions offset their past deeds remains a matter of debate.
• Pragmatic Benefits: In some cases, charitable giving provides tax advantages or serves as a strategic investment in social or economic capital.

Ethical Implications: The charitable acts of morally dubious individuals challenge society’s understanding of virtue and ethics. On one hand, the tangible benefits of such acts—better schools, healthcare access, or disaster relief—are undeniable. On the other hand, accepting these contributions may seem to condone or overlook the harm caused by these benefactors.

Some argue that good outcomes should be judged independently of their sources, emphasizing the positive impact on society. Others contend that the motivations behind charity matter, as they reflect deeper questions about justice and accountability.

The Dilemma of Legacy: "Evil" individuals giving to charity pose a complex question: should philanthropy absolve them of wrongdoing, or does their legacy remain tarnished by their misdeeds? For figures like Carnegie, the public narrative often highlights their philanthropic contributions while downplaying the exploitative practices that enabled their wealth. The resulting dual legacy demonstrates how charity can shape, but not entirely erase, public memory.

Giving strengthens personal and social relationships. Whether it is a thoughtful present for a loved one, a donation to those in need, or sharing time and talents, such gestures foster connections. Gifts often serve as symbols of affection and appreciation, bridging gaps, healing wounds, and reinforcing bonds.

Becoming a Santa without a Stain: Yes, Santa may not be a saint, but doesn’t mean Santa should be stained. Giving strengthens personal and social relationships. Whether it is a thoughtful present for a loved one, a donation to those in need, or sharing time and talents, such gestures foster connections. Gifts often serve as symbols of affection and appreciation, bridging gaps, healing wounds, and reinforcing bonds.

Giving helps us appreciate what we have. By recognizing others' needs and addressing them, we cultivate gratitude for our own blessings. This gratitude fosters humility, reminding us that no matter our position in life, we have something valuable to offer, be it tangible or intangible.

One of the most beautiful outcomes of giving is its contagious nature. Acts of generosity inspire others to give, creating a ripple effect of kindness and goodwill. When someone benefits from your gift, they are often inspired to help others, perpetuating a cycle of blessings that spreads through communities and societies.

Spiritual and Moral Rewards: Many spiritual and cultural traditions emphasize the blessings of giving. In Christianity, giving is seen as an act of worship and obedience to God. In Islam, charity is one of the Five Pillars, reinforcing a sense of duty and compassion. In Hinduism and Buddhism, acts of selflessness contribute to good karma and spiritual growth. Across faiths, the giver is believed to receive divine blessings, manifesting in peace, prosperity, and protection.

Gifts are not limited to material items. Time, attention, encouragement, and knowledge are equally valuable. Volunteering, mentoring, or simply listening to someone in need can have a lasting impact. Such acts of giving remind us that even small gestures can yield immense blessings.

Between You and I:

The act of giving gifts is a source of endless blessings, not only for the recipient but also for the giver and the broader community. It transcends materialism, enriching lives with love, gratitude, and spiritual fulfillment. By embracing a mindset of giving, we open our hearts to the true essence of humanity, creating a world filled with kindness and abundance

Charitable acts by morally corrupt individuals are a reminder that good and evil are not always distinct or mutually exclusive. They also highlight the complexities of human motivations and the tension between individual morality and societal benefit. While the outcomes of such generosity can undeniably improve lives, society must remain vigilant, ensuring that acts of charity do not serve as a smokescreen for systemic harm or personal absolution. It’s alright to accept gifts, but beware of the givers.

Yes, Santa is not a saint. But who are you to judge?

EMEKA CHIBUIKEM V. ⭐

GLOBAL SCHOOLS ADVOCATE.🌲

X: VICTORVIRI