Santa Claus Paradox
Thursday, December 20, 2007 4 commentsLike most kids I grew up believing in Santa Claus until I was in first or second grade. I am wondering if this is the best way to go when I become a future parent. On one hand I think that it might be confusing for children to tell them someone exists, tell them to be good and have them find out that it was all a hoax. What will happen when I tell them about God and Jesus? Will they become skeptical? . I don't know of any circumstance which that happened, but why lie to your children?
The main reason I can come up with to support the Santa Claus lie is that kids are not as innocent as they once were. They don't use their imagination like they once had to. Granted they can if forced to, but are we forcing children to mature more faster with the entertainment (cartoons, toys, etc) that they are exposed to? Today young children want cell phones and ipods.
I can see both sides in the situation and am glad that I have a long time before I have to make a decision. What approach do you take? Is this an innocent act to liven up the holidays? Or is it a method to dupe your children for personal reasons? Note that in this question I am not implying that you are replacing Santa with the real meaning of Christmas, just adding.
Do you remember when you found out Santa wasn't real? What was your reaction? Did it effect your view on God and Jesus when and if they taught you about Him? I grew up believing in Santa, and I remember when I found out he wasn't real. You kindof have the feeling before they tell you, because you catch on to little clues, and reasoning kicks in. It didn't affect my belief in God as a child though. It didn't plant distrust in me toward my parents. Belief in Santa when you are a child is a very minor event. After all, all kids are looking forward to are the presents, regardless of their source, right?
Additionally, belief in God is sprititual. It's a two way relationship that you can feel and experience. Maybe not as much as a child, but when you really know for yourself. You don't get that so much with Santa.
I remember as well. I was so ticked at my parents. Didn't quit trusting, but it made me very, very cynical.
Never told my kids that Santa is real, but we watch enough movies that they know about him. We are just honest and tell them the truth. They still like Santa. There is so much to like about him. Even if he isn't physically alive.
We do the same thing Roland. Our children are well aware of Santa, but not because we perpetuate the belief. We don't write from Santa on any of their gifts, but we let them believe what they want to believe. If you ask my 5 year old why Christmas is important, she will tell you "It's a celebration of Jesus Birth." I don't really know what the exact right approach is on the Santa thing, but Craig, when you have kids you'll find that there are a lot of things where your guess is as good as mine on how to raise them.
Merry Christmas!
You guess while raising while raising your kids?!?!
Me too! ;)