Is lying to your kids about Santa Claus a sin?

Answer 1

Since lying is a sin, then technically yes.

It's sad because the whole idea of it is meant to add some magic and extra enjoyment to childrens lives. To allow them to see the world in a different way than adults are stuck with. But in the end, I think it can do more damage. Children at those ages are totally reliant on adults to teach them what's real and what isnt..So by playing up on the myth of Santa we are teaching them it is okay to lie and decieve, as long as it's to make someone happy. That's a bit of the wrong message, isn't it?

I was raised with the Santa belief system. My mom will still go on about him being real and I'm 18. Of course, she means it more in the sence of the 'heart' of Santa is real. The idea behind it all. It didn't really harm me, I'll admit that. But it means I had I go through the transition of learning it was a lie, along with the tooth fairy and easter bunny and stuff. In the end, I think teaching of Santa kind of shrouds the real meaning of Christmas, too. It becomes way more about presents than about giving and love and Jesus.

I'm struggling with the idea of if I will tell my children about Santa. Logically, and morally, I don't want to. I'd like them to grow up understanding the truth and that the 'idea' of Santa can live, but without the lies. The problem I face is that when they go to school and play with other children who do believe in Santa. Or when they see all the stuff on tv. They're either going to feel left out..or they'll cause problems when they tell the truth to their friends..who will in turn go home and tell their parents that my child said Santa's not real.

It's a sad chain reaction, really. Try to tell the truth, and the lies which have been told for so many years end up making the truth into the evil. Isn't that how lies always turn out, though? Even more reason we need to start teaching children the truth now..rather than fantasy. =\

Answer 2

I don't think it is lying. My parents still will put stuff under the tree for me from Santa and I'm 29. They never crushed the belief and I'm glad they didn't. In fact they use to do stuff to help us keep the belief alive. For instance, they had sleigh bells, they would video tape the tree after putting the presents under it and then would run out from behind the tree with a blanket over their shoulders and run off camera pretending to be Santa caught on film and they even had a Santa come to the house on Christmas Eve to deliver the presents. Santa even knew who everyone was at the house, grandparents and all. That was a cool one. Anyways, I don't look at it as a sin. Kids need to believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas for as long as you can keep them believing. I love watching the joy that this creates. They grow up too fast the way it is. Sit back and enjoy the holidays and the glow in their face when they get those presents from Santa.

Answer 3

I never approved of the whole Santa Claus story myself, and wanted my Christmas's with my children to be about Christ only. However, I was forced to bend to the wishes of the rest of my entire family (which is huge). Everyone complained that they wanted Santa in Christmas, and that if I didn't go along, I would be robbing their kids of something.

At Christmas the emphasis should be on Christ only.
Is it a sin? The scriptures say it's a sin to "bare false witness". I'll let you pray about the interpretation of that.

EDIT: I never told my kids there was a Santa Claus, and when they asked me about it, I told them the truth. They weren't allowed to repeat it to their cousins, however.

Answer 4

My kids don't believe he leaves presents under the tree and never have. They do know that Santa Claus started because there was a real man named Saint Nicholas and it is because of his love of Jesus that he gave all of his inherited wealth to those less fortunate than others. That is why the legend started was to teach people to be giving. How it has morphed into teaching your kid the give me's I will never know. If more people taught their children how it came to be a legend instead of referring to him as satan what a wonderful, giving world this would be, well at least once a year anyways.

Answer 5

Lying itself is the sin. Santa Claus doesn't exist. The Bible says that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).

Is that what you want for your soul?

Answer 6

I'm not sure if it's a sin but we removed Santa from our home years ago. My kids know the presents they get are from me and their dad. We open them on Christmas morning. I'm a Christian and decided that Santa is not the true meaning of Christmas and to teach my children what is right. We still have santa decor but they know the real reason and they have just as much fun on Christmas morning. It's all in how you present it.

Answer 7

Lying is a sin and Santa Clause is an idol so when you lie to your children about Santa Clause that is one sin and when you teach them to worship a dead person that brings them gifts that is another sin so really you are committing two sins with one stone. Yes.

Answer 8

My children grew up knowing Santa for who he was.He is the spirit that lives in every ones heart at Christmas time.The spirit of giving to those that have none,or little.To feed the hungry,or those who have no where else to go. That is Santa.That is what children should be taught.If we teach our children that we are not lying,therefor not sinning.

Answer 9

Lying about anything is a sin and the Bible says "all the liars" will not inherit God's Kingdom. Think about it--Satan is the father of the lie, so who would you be immitating if you lie to those you love most in the world??

Answer 10

Is lying to the IRS a sin? Is sleeping with your sister a sin? What do you think. Once the age of innocence is gone and they are left with hurt and confused feelings who do you think they are gonna turn to? The person that tried to tell them there is a fat guy in a red suit giving out presents or someone who is honest about the whole x-mas thing.