An elderly Santa impersonator has just died, aged 82, during a Christmas party in Scotland, leaving children distraught and confused.
Not a good Christmas for either the Santa or the kids. So should we really hide behind the image of Santa or shouldn't we actually be honest and tell them the kids the truth ?
2006-12-22 03:41:37 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Whether or not you believe in Santa, I think it is still actually beneficial to tell children that he exists. This is because it is an incredibly good way of feeding their imagination, and helping to look beyond simple everyday possibilities. In the same way that telling them about the Tooth Fairy makes losing a tooth into something special, believing in Santa makes Christmas feel special too, for kids of all ages.
So, yes - it is kind to tell them that Santa exists. And don't worry about upsetting them with stories from the media such as the one you mention, where the elderly chap sadly died. Although it was a very sad thing to happen, especially for his family, this clearly wasn't the REAL Santa Claus, because the REAL Santa Claus only works on Christmas Eve, after the children have gone to bed !
Merry Christmas !
2006-12-23 22:12:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Santa is a magial time for kids, and although a terrible thing to witness, for anyone really ... the 'real' santa is magical, and the ones we see here at the stores etc, are Santa's helpers!! Thats what I tell my kids ... The real Santa is too busy in Lapland, and has to have helpers!! When children get to the age when they start querying things, then just tell them that Santa visits little children and that they will still get a stocking, but mummy fills it up. My eldest daughter is 24 now, and has not suffered any effects from this 'lie'!! Infact she has a wonderful imagination and with so much bad going on in this world, what possible harm can a fairy tale have? Children learn about fiction long before they learn about truth, and without the balance, wouldn't learn, good from bad! Just look at all the children's books that are popular .. teddy's that talk, little talking animals ... it keeps their imaginations fresh, and it certainly gives them something to believe in!
2006-12-22 03:59:39 · answer #2 · answered by lynne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi.
I agree with you & super.
My children knew from square one that St Nick, Santa, whatever was a Bishop, that handed out presents to the needy.
The Ho Ho Ho guys floating around, they know to be a copy of the original. OK, poor bloke perishing dressed as Santa is sad, but I am afraid that me & my sons cannot fail to raise a bit of a giggle.
No more Santa Claus, or Saint Clause, or Rudolph ?
You are correct - tell the kids the truth about everything.
Much the best policy in my opinion.
Merry Whatnots,
Bob
2006-12-22 03:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by Bob the Boat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL!
Well obviously he was just one of Santa's 'helpers'!
I think there's a case to be made for always telling the kids the truth, telling them how to think and not what so they can grow up with a little inbuilt resistance to superstitious nonsense but for children christmas is full of wonder and I don't think the unfortunate death of one kindly old man is a reason to rob them of hope.
I think the real St. Nicholas died about 1500 years ago but lets not dwell on reality too much.
2006-12-22 03:46:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that santa is human and had a reaction and had to go to the hospital. Tell him he recovered and if they find more presents under the tree then they will know he made it out ok.
2006-12-22 03:49:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
kids will know eventually...no need to ruin the Xmas for them
2006-12-22 03:49:37 · answer #6 · answered by gala-day 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats a good question a lot say no but just as many so yes???
2006-12-22 03:47:22 · answer #7 · answered by sukito 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LMAO. That's great.
2006-12-22 03:45:18 · answer #8 · answered by Meatball ;) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋