Is it a sin to tell your kids that Santa Claus is real?

Question

But what would happen if Christians stopped lying to their kids about Santa? Would they lose interest in Christmas?

Answer 1

I bet it is.. False idols and whatnots. And yes they would lose interest real fast if there weren't presents and lights and jolly men in red suits

Answer 2

No. The story of Santa Claus comes from a true historical event. There was a Roman Catholic Bishop who would give anonymous gifts to the poor on Christmas Eve. Of course people eventually began to figure out who was giving the gifts. Anyway, parents carry on that tradition of giving secret gifts. When you tell your kids, you can tell them them that. To answer your other question, if you raise you children to believe that Christmas is not about the gifts but about Christ, then they will not lose interest in the day just because they learn that Santa (Saint Nicholas) is not alive any more. The point of giving gifts is to show people that you love them and to practice selflessness. So, if you teach your children that then there shouldn't be any problem. God bless you.

Answer 3

It's not a sin. But it's a lie. My parents never told me that Santa was real, so as not to cloud the religious aspects of Christmas. They told me, instead, about St. Nicholas of Myra and how his story was turned into the Santa Claus story. They definitely taught me what Christmas meant, and why we celebrate it. While other kids were crying at school after learning that Santa was fake, I'd already known it for many years.

Answer 4

The childhood myth of Santa Claus is one of those things which make being a child special.

Though I don't think that dispelling the myth would necessarily cause a loss of interest in Christmas I think that it would be a shame to deprive a child of a little make believe magic in the name of reality.

I come from a strong Christian upbringing and we played the Santa Claus game for many years and it was a special time in my life I look back on with fond memories; particularly since I lost my Santa Claus to the sequela of smoking in 2001.

I think the whole concept of referring to the Santa Claus myth as lying to children is a bit severe given the fact that there are already ample opportunities for them to grow up to fast and too soon already.

Answer 5

It is sin to tell your children anything that isn't real is real. Because we aren't suppose to lie.

There is truth about St. Nicholas though. Grab the truth of it and tell your kids what is true and tell them what part of the Santa Claus story is pretend.

I don't think it is a sin to pretend. Also, remember the Christ in the Christmas. You can tell them that Jesus Christ is real.

Answer 6

Technically it's lying. I've never told my son that Santa is real. I taught him the real meaning of Christmas. He hasn't lost interest in it. I don't understand the rationale of Christians who tell their kids Santa is real.

Answer 7

I do think telling a child that something is real, that is not, is a sin. But I know Christians who celebrate Christmas but do not tell their children that Santa is real, but do tell them the story anyway. Kids have interest in all kinds of things, real or otherwise. I know my nephew knows that Bob the Builder is pretend but he still gets excited when its time for the show to come on. Kids do not have to believe something is real to enjoy it.

Answer 8

All kids need to use their imaginations. It is such a hostile and hard world to live in. Why don't you just give it a break and let kids be kids and enjoy the imaginations of childhood while they can before the harsh reality of life takes it all away. You might as well take away the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny too and raise kids to be cynical and bitter. There is nothing wrong with stories and myths as long as when they are able to understand what the real meaning of Christmas is later.

Answer 9

'Real' is relative. Real can be in one's imagination; in one's heart and in one's childish beliefs.

I doubt seriously if allowing a child to believe in Santa is a sin...rather the spirit of God is personified in the Santa tale...as he gives to ALL...

It truly doesn't have to be an 'either/or' - Santa can be viewed as a 'spirit of Christmas' with all the generosity thereof.

Answer 10

I feel that you can have fun with the Santa thing...we did with our kids when they were younger. The more important thing in my opinion is that they are told about the REALITY of the Lord Jesus Christ and who HE is. If Santa and commercialism is what you decide to celebrate, this IMHO is a bigger problem.

Answer 11

My parents didn't teach us about Santa. We knew the "story", but it wasn't practiced. Our presents were from my parents and other family members. Santa rated right up there with the Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood...a story.