Atheists and Christians and Santa Claus?

Question

As an atheist, agnostic or Christian, what do you think parents should tell their children about Santa Claus?

If applicable, did you follow your own advice?

Finally, please categorize yourself.

Answer 1

I think that parents should let their children believe in Santa Claus, children should be exactly that - children! And as they hit a certain age, if they already dont know, parents should explain to them who Santa is, and the meaning of Santa. Also parents should also let them know what the real meaning of Christmas is.
Yes, I have followed my own advice, and it has gone well. I have 6 kids and it has not failed me on how I work it. The category that I put myself in is a Christian Witch. Blessings, Mare~

Answer 2

Santa Claus has nothing to do with religion. He's a fun icon that every child should at one time or another believe in. It's awesome to get mystery presents from some unknown being. It's magical, and every child should experience the joy of Christmas and Santa Claus. I'm neither a Christian nor an Atheist. No matter what religion I am, I would celebrate Christmas with my child(ren).

Answer 3

I'm an atheist and I totally support Santa Claus. It's fun for the kids and it's the only way to get them into bed on Christmas Eve.

Answer 4

I think that Santa Claus is a harmless fantasy, up to a point. When children begin to question & no later than age 8, I think, they deserve to know the truth. I think most kids figure it out by then. I know I did & so did my kids, which made it easier on their mom & me.
As a Christian, I appreciate the religious origins of the Santa Claus myth. It was inspired by a real person, St. Nicholas, who was renowned for his generosity. Follow the link to learn more.

Answer 5

When we got older and questioned the existance of Santa Claus, we were told that Santa is not a real person, but it is the spirit of Christmas is what is important. I am a Christian.

Answer 6

My Ex and I taught her kids that Santa Claus was a game played by society for the benefit of children. We told the that santa didn't exist as children are taught of him today, instead we told them who Saint Klaus really was. As a result of this teaching, the kids still had fun with the Santa game, but they knew that we weren't going to lie to them about it. I was Christian during this time.

Answer 7

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas (or Nikolas, Nikolaos), who was born during the third century in Patara. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ Words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor, ” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Santa does exist… And he’s a Greek. His alternative name, St. Nicholas, reflects his true identity. In Asia Minor at the Greco-Roman city of Myra in about AD 300, a pious young man named Nikolaos was born. He was one of the youngest men to ever become a priest, and his devotion and piety were renowned. So was his practicality. In a time when extra daughters might be sold into slavery if the family couldn’ t afford a dowry for them, Nikolaos stepped forward, providing funds to destitute women and men, sometimes to assist in their marriages, other times to just relieve their crippling poverty. Some tales have him throwing bags of gold down the chimney, a precursor of the modern Santa’ s travel down the chimney.

I believe as parents you have to stress to them the importance of helping the needy. I don't think there is nothing wrong with telling them of Santa Claus although as a Christian, I have to inform them that the essence of Christmas is not Santa Claus but Jesus Christ. However like Jesus, St. Nicholas gave out a part of himself to help the needy and the poor and I think that is the most important thing that my children have to remember all the time. I don't mind if they will wait for Santa on Christmas Eve. I myself believe in the spirit of Christmas, Santa Claus and the birth of our Savior and I am a normal human being, but a kid at heart. That is why I like giving small gifts during Christmas time.

Answer 8

I believe the idea of Santa Clause is a cruel concept. Why? Well, poor kids know about it too, and sadly they don't get any presents. Their parents are going insane trying to buy them presents, and chances are they'll commit suicide and the kids will be the ones suffering. Meanwhile the rich kid is getting ten presents from each parent.

I would definately tell my children the truth; there is nothing better than the truth. Finally, I am Christian, and I previously attended a Fundamentalist Baptist Church.

Answer 9

I am a christian and I think they should teach the children that santa claus is a myth and that the parents are the real santa claus I should hope that the parents would teach them the truth and not let them learn when they get older that it was a lie. but that just my opinion

Answer 10

I grew up as a Methodist and the family went to church every Sunday. I quit going when I graduated from high school.
I thought it was magical and fun when I was a little kid. Santa only left one present for us. Everything else was from my parents. We always knew Christmas celebrated the birth of Jesus and the main emphasis was on the manger story.. Santa was just a jolly ol' elf who brought us one present each.