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Santa Claus

Do We Tell Our Kids the Truth About Santa?

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For many parents who have allowed their children to believe in Santa Claus from the time they were able to conceive his connection with Christmas, concerns about the truth may arise as children grow up. Growing up kids are equivalent to unending questions that would tend to test the veracity of the existence of the jolly man in red. The truth about Santa is not much of a concern for children who did not grow up with the belief but rather those who have treasured memories of the man who leaves gifts for children on Christmas Eve.

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The Accepted Truth

In the adult world, Santa Claus come in the form of dads or any male figure bearing gifts primarily for the benefit of children. Although there appears to be some historical connections of how such a character came to be, the Santa that we now know is not exactly a precise manifestation. Never the less, many parents allow and encourage belief in Santa Claus to continue a tradition that has been started a long time ago.

This perpetuates a belief that not all are in agreement with. With respect to all kinds of belief with regards to the existence of Santa, we have to acknowledge that Santa and what he represents bring cheers to many people, children and adults alike. So many of us, including myself, chose the path towards Santa with our kids, in spite of knowing the “truth”.

Telling the Kids

Do we tell our kids the truth about Santa Claus? When do we do it? Why will we do it?

Personally, I don’t see any reason to rock the boat and declare one Christmas Day to our kids that there is no Santa Claus. In time, they will discover for themselves what the truth is. Like us who have gone before them, they will discover and will take it matter-of-factly so there is no pressing reason to destroy the belief right now.

Now, parents should know when their children are going overboard with the belief in Santa Claus and guide them along the way. Santa may not be real but the joy he brings to children is real enough and that is good enough for me. Will I tell my youngest kid the truth about Santa? Not just yet. Let her enjoy her Christmas as a child as I did mine.

 

Should We Encourage Belief In Santa?

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2158.jpgAfter writing that post on cancelling Christmas, another controversial thought came to mind: is it right for us, parents, to encourage our children to believe in Santa? We all know (well, adults at least) that Santa is not real, a myth. There are even children who know and acknowledge this; but we cannot deny the thrill that ran through our veins when, as children, we would anxiously await what Santa was going to give us every Christmas.

On the one hand, we know that we are allowing our children to be kids and enjoy the magic of the season. The rationale is that even if Santa is not a real person, he does exist in spirit. Whenever a person exercises generosity of spirit without expecting anything in return, isn’t that something that Santa would do?

On the other hand, perpetuating the myth can be likened to lying to the kids. We already know that this person does not exist as we do, and yet we use him to make our children happy. We might even invoke his name when we want our children to behave.

I am sure that more than one of you guys has had these thoughts at least once. Did you ever resolve the issue?

Me, I think that I shall stick to allowing my kids to believe that Santa does exist. At least for now. They have all their adult lives to know the real deal. They will have 30, 40, even 50 years to spend knowing that Santa is really just daddy and mommy. Why spoil their childhood when they are clearly enjoying the wait and anticipation associated with Santa and his gifts?

I believe that allowing the Santa myth to go on is one way of nurturing their childhood innocence, their sense of wonder at certain things. Again, when they reach the age of 10 (maybe earlier for some), they will certainly learn the truth. It’s just like with many other things in life – children will have to grow up and learn that life is not all roses; but do we hurry up and destroy their innocence before we absolutely have to? I don’t think so. It’s the same thing with Santa. The kids are enjoying the whole idea – let them. When they start getting confused and start asking questions, then let’s deal with it. For now, why not enjoy the wonder and amazement in their eyes?