What should I tell my daughter who asks why Santa doesn't deliver gifts to the poor and homeless?

Question

My family celebrates Chanukah. Trying to avoid the commercialism of the holidays and to teach my daughter that not everyone gets toys like you see on tv, I've used this opportunity to teach of those less fortunate and the meaning of presents. However, my daughter (5 years) asked me why, if Santa goes to every house, don't poor people get gifts? And, if they don't have a house for a tree, where does Santa put the gifts? And, if Santa knows where you're sleeping and knows when you're awake, why can't he find the homeless and deliver them presents? I'm at a loss on how to answer this one...any help??? Thank you!

Answer 1

This is so heartbreaking. I can only imagine how caring your family is that your daughter at five would be so compassionate. She is the first five year old t make me cry. Tell her that they couldn't send santa a letter and help her write one to send on behalph of the poor and homeless. Then go and buy a toy and give it to toys for tots..let her pick it out. I think this will help her feel like she helped them. I can't believe this I am bawling right now.Your child is special and she is going to great things. You have to be so proud of her. Happy Holidays......More people should think on your daughter's level. It's amazing to me that a five year old would so unselfishly think of other people that way. God bless you. I cannot stop crying.

Answer 2

I would tell her some truth, she is 5yrs old for crying out loud, no need to lie, but no need to be harsh either.

Tell her that just because someone doesn't get a gift on christmas doesn't mean they are not going to get a gift. Maybe there is a more special gift coming to them that takes more time, like the home, or a family etc...that even Santa needs help sometimes (like all the Santa's in the store that help since he cannot be everywhere all at once). This will stimulate her thoughts even more on how OTHERS are helping people and not just 'santa'. We do Chanukkah too and have the same questions, we do not quash Santa Claus, why do that to my kids or the others they may 'say' it too. A little 'belief' in something isn't going to hurt, but I make sure my kids know that PEOPLE are the biggest givers and helpers out there.

Answer 3

Tell her that because homeless people are exactly that homeless and hard to keep track of, Santa reaches these children through Toys for Tots, Angel Trees and the Salvation Army. These helpers deliver to shelters and places where the homeless stay sometimes. I worked for an agency for children where A Car and a Motor Cycle Club bought gifts and sponsored holiday parties for the Children. Santa works through other people in the cases. Tell her also that many organizations help to provide holiday meals as well. Maybe she would like to donate food or a toy herself. I think there is time for her to learn the harsher truths, but you have to admire the way her mind is working.

Answer 4

I would just distract her and say that Santa believes in the gift of giving so Santa asks people who are not poor to help those who are poor in the spirit of the holiday. Then, you could go to the toy store and buy a toy or two and then take it to somewhere that is collecting toys for needy children. Maybe this will teach your child a valuable lesson.

Answer 5

Its hard to explain it to them at this age ... I think that maybe you should show help her out by showing its good to give by donating a toy or buying a gift from an angel tree for those who are not so fortunate and maybe include the homeless in her prayers.

Your daughter is wonderful little girl and if you guide her in the right way she'll be someone who may wipe homelessness out .. god bless you & your family!! (I'll be buying some extra presents tomorrow).

Answer 6

feels like a real honest question. The Santa concept could make you think of they must do much extra useful. Ah, what a legend we've spun. i think of i became in the 9-10 area whilst issues in simple terms did no longer upload up suitable for me. on the grounds that I had youthful siblings, my curious questions have been continually quashed. i think the very fact, with particularly of protection of the fable, is that mom & dad ought to pay some back to santa by using fact the three hundred and sixty 5 days is going on.

Answer 7

I am guessing gifts are exchanged in your home and being 5 years old asking quality questions she isn't going to really understand a long complicated answer about why some have and some don't have.

Give her something believable like sometimes the ones who don't get gifts on Christmas will get a lot of gifts from the real gift giver Jesus, some other day.

Answer 8

I admire you for this, trying to teach your daughter that tv does not always show what is right. I think that sometimes children can be mislead by tv into thinking that because its on tv that everything is just that way. Let your daughter know that not everyone will have a happy christmas, but there are a lot of really good people trying to help them. above all be honest with her.

Answer 9

You can help yourself right now by appealing to a few agencies that will give your child a Christmas. I really have a hard time dealing with so many that come Christmas can't provide something for their own children. Christmas comes on December 25th every year. It has for the past 2000 or so years.
Like putting money back to pay the electric bill, people need to put back a little each pay for Christmas. No borrowing from it.

Answer 10

Just say-truthfully-that their parents can't afford presents like she gets-that some parents are just poor for a while & need help.
Point out that Santa does not leave ALL the presents & some children have no Grandparents at all. She sounds like a caring & curious child!