Should I teach my kids about Santa Claus?

1. 97

   VVanNessposted 12 years ago

   Should I teach my children about Santa Claus?

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   1. 77

      wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The Santa Claus game is a very fun one for both parents and children.  It adds to the delight of parents at their children's enjoyment, it adds to the magic of Christmas for children, and it does no harm.
      
      I've never head of a kid calling their parent a liar over Santa - rather they are sad when it all ends.  Most  will even try to maintain the story for younger siblings, helping them enjoy and fun as much as they themselves did.

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2. 84

   insearchof truthposted 12 years ago

   This is a hard one. I grew up in a cult and Santa was taboo.  I felt like I was an outsider at school and missed out. Never had presents at Christmas.  My Mum hated being told a lie and thought we would too. My eldest daughter was taught about Santa, and now she knows the truth continues for the younger kids. She loves it and wasn't bitter at all. My husband grew up with it so I always respected his wishes despite my reservations about the lie. I hope this practical information helps you. There is no right or wrong, as a parent you make the best decision you can given all the information at the time. Your kids will cope, no matter what!

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3. 72

   SmartAndFunposted 12 years ago

   This isn't a "hard one" for me. My parents had us believing in Santa when we were little, and it was so much fun. I remember the anticipation so well. It was so fun decorating a special Christmas cookie for him and leaving it out with a glass of milk. Hanging stockings, making a wish list, trying my best to be good, all those things I remember well with great fondness and happiness. It was so much fun and so exciting. When I realized Santa was impossible, I was never angry at my parents or felt like I had been lied to. It was fun and I enjoyed every minute of it. It is part of what makes Christmas magical.
   
   My husband and I did the Santa thing with our kids, and I think it was just as fun for them as it was for me. Watching them look out the window, watching the NORAD Santa radar on the internet, leaving carrots for the reindeer, cookies and milk for Santa, they loved it all and (I'm hoping) cherish the memories. I know I cherish them, and took pictures of the cookies they made and keep the letters and notes they wrote to Santa in their keepsake chests. Sprinkling glittery oatmeal out on the lawn in the cold night air, in their pajamas, when they were five and two is one of the all-time cutest videos I have of my kids.
   
   Very small children are of course very gullible, but older children figure it out, and that is part of the fun of it, also. Watching your children learn to think for themselves and figure things out is also fun and rewarding.
   
   Every family is different, so follow what you think is right for you. We are easy-going, fun-loving people and Santa brought us some great memories. We don't take many things too seriously, and our kids are basically the same. They enjoyed Santa and knew it was all in good fun. They never accused of lying to them. We live in the Bible belt and know people who are so stoic and serious about their religion that they did not allow their kids to experience the Santa tradition. That is their choice, of course, but it is my belief that there is room for Santa and Christ in a child's life. The time that they are young enough to believe in Santa is very short. Santa is just one part of the Christmas season. It does not have to be the focus.

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4. 61

   Zelkiiroposted 12 years ago

   Perpetuating the myth of Santa Claus is actually quite fun, and it's nowhere near as harmful as the myth of God or the myth of good Michael Bay films.

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