My hubby and I have decided not to play Santa Clause for our two boys (6 & 2). We believe there's more to Christmas that we want our children to learn about. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and also about spending this special time with family. I don't see the point in "lying" about something to try and make Christmas more exciting for them - I mean isn't that the reason why we do it? Are we all not completely shattered when we find out it's all been a big "fib"? I just can't see a good reason why we should play Santa Clause. They still gets presents! My Dad in particular thinks we are mean for not playing Santa Clause. What do you ppl think?
2006-12-14 10:45:32 · 14 answers · asked by Cherie 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I agree. My wife and I have always told our children the truth about Christmas and gift giving. We don't believe in lying to them about Santa either. We tell them the idea or concept of Santa is about people giving of themselves to others as Jesus would want us to do. We all share the spirit of Santa when we give to each other. We told them up front that Mom and Dad are Santa to them. They in turn can be Santa to others as they give gifts to their friends and family. It is good and appropriate to tell them the whole story up front. We also tell them to be discreet and not spoil the myth for their friends if that is what they want to believe for a while. Keep up the good work.
2006-12-14 10:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by rac 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Who is PLAYING Santa Clause? There is a Santa, silly! Santa is the "spirit" of Christmas. Jesus IS the reason and one way of showing it is by showing the "spirit". Be a secret Santa to the person or family in need; shovel your neighbor's walk, who is unable; adopt that child or family at work, KUDL, Wal-Mart or elsewhere; drop an extra dollar or change into the bell ringer's bucket; help out at a soup kitchen; donate those used coats, hats, gloves or scarves; bake cookies to share with a neighbor, elderly home or boys and girls homes; visit the elderly, drop them a note or run errands for them and/or visit or donate to children's hospitals or women's shelter. Show your boys this "spirit" while spending time with them while you do it.
Always make plans on your next Santa project as Santa is around all year. He is busy making presents and planning on visiting the good boys and girls. Those who have helped others. Share that with your boys. As the years go by the paper packages are replaced by doing unto others. That is why the idea of Santa is so real. The excitement you feel when you know He is coming, He has left you a gift and that He will return. Jesus gives us that excitement and commands us to share it with others. What better way to share but through the "spirit" of His birth.
2006-12-14 11:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by Lilly K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should. With Santa Claus I always looked forward to looking under the tree to see what I got from Santa. You cant tell me that you never couldnt wait until Christmas for Santa to come. You can still teach them that giving is better than receiving. By taking them to a store to get something for the whole family. You just have to take them to the Dollar Tree. My mom did that with us almost every year. It really works!
2006-12-14 11:00:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is important for kids to be kids. The most important thing that we have as kids is out Imagination. You never hear of a child having a bad life when they hear the truth about Santa. Heck We all have alittle Santa in us. As your children grow, they will also grow to understand the real meaning about CHristmas. No matter what I am sure you will make the right choice!
2006-12-14 10:55:15 · answer #4 · answered by nygnut2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can tell them that St Nicholas was once a real person, a kindly monk who gave presents to the children in his village every Christmas (it's true). Over the centuries, his kindness and generosity became so legendary that people enjoy pretending to be Santa, and he has become a symbol of selfless giving and bringing joy to children.
You don't have to lie, but let them enjoy the symbolism and the pretending that happens in movies and malls, while still recognizing the truth. Most kids know the difference between reality and pretend, but pretend is still fun.
2006-12-14 11:02:30 · answer #5 · answered by KC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh but it's fun, come on you have to at least admit that. It is a fun idea to think there is some real magic going on at Christmas time.
I understand what you are saying, but my 6 year old still thinks there is a Santa. I thought there was a Santa when I was a kid too.
It is important for them to know why we truly celebrate yes, and my child knows this and I explain it to her, but the whole Santa thing is still a fun experience.
2006-12-14 10:54:16 · answer #6 · answered by GirlUdontKnow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I think that the boys won't understand.They are only 6 & 2.Also I dont get your question kind of.I think you mean they are not getting presents.Or that you all will tell them Santa is not real.Please DONT tell them that Santa is not real.They will most likely find out on their own.They are tooo young.Wait untill they are at least 10.They'll mostly be little angels.About not getting them presents,that is your choice.But the 6 yr old will be most likely be disapoinent.He is only 6 and he probably wont understand your reasoning.Good Luck.MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
2006-12-14 11:01:00 · answer #7 · answered by mia19367 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I see the point that you are stating but what do you do for Easter? I have a eleven year old daughter and I know she does not believe in Santa but she knows how it makes me happy playing along. The way I understand ithere was a man named St. Nicholas that made toys for children. What about Valentine's Day? How about the tooth fairy? I think doing what you fell is right in your heart is the right way to raise your children.
2006-12-14 11:04:20 · answer #8 · answered by Vicki 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is your decision and your reasons are, well, fairly reasonable.
However: is the Statue of Liberty real? Is the NBC Peacock real? Is Uncle Sam real? Why do we have these symbols? Because these symbols stand for something.
Santa Claus has come to stand for Christmas--and he is based upon a real saint, Saint Nicholas. You can tell your kids the story of Nicholas and his generosity, and enjoy Santa Claus as a mythical character who symbolizes the generosity of Christmas.
2006-12-14 11:15:18 · answer #9 · answered by MNL_1221 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should let Grampa call this number:
Santa Claus
800-972-6242 and carry on the "legend" of Santa,children are only little once,and what is wrong with letting them have a little "magic" in their hearts and let them decide if they want to BELIEVE or not?
2006-12-14 15:27:30 · answer #10 · answered by grbarnaba 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋