I want my kids to understand the true meaning of Christmas. I want to tell them that santa is make believe, but there is no problem "pretending." In my family, the youngest of my siblings is 17, and we STILL pretend there is santa, with my parents leaving out unwrapped gifts. I don't want there to be any trust issues between my children & I. I don't want the day to come where they find out that santa isn't real, and know that I told them he is. I don't want them to think, "Well, is Jesus real???"
2007-11-13 05:04:49 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Thanks for you opinions! Now I'm leaning more towards just letting them believe what they want, as long as they know the TRUE meaning of Christmas. But the second they ask me if Santa is real, regardless of how old they are, I WILL tell them the truth!
2007-11-13 06:51:17 · update #1
In a word, NO. In fact I think it is our responsibility to our children to help them understand the difference between make believe and real. If they can discern the difference between the two it will act as a protection for them. Besides, we don't want them to lie to us or "trick" us, so be honest. They will still have fun at Christmas with Santa. "Honesty is the best policy."
2007-11-13 05:27:58 · answer #1 · answered by twistie 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I do not think it is wrong at all. BUT...a friend of mine did not "do" Santa for her kids, and when her daughter was like 3 or 4, some lady asked (the daughter) what Santa brought her for Christmas. Daughter said, "nothing" and lady said, "well, you must have been a very naughty girl." And there is the whole thing of, do you want your child to be the one to tell his/her whole Kindergarten class that Santa is not real? I do not disagree with your decision, but I just want to let you know of a couple things you might run into. So far I have told my daughter that Santa is kind of a symbol of the magic of Christmas. When she questions whether or not someone believe in Santa, she assumes that those people do not believe in "the magic of Christmas." She also assumes that grown ups do not believe in magic. The first time she asks me point blank, I plan on telling her the truth. Hope this helps, Good Luck!
2007-11-13 06:48:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know, finding out that Santa isn't real didn't give me trust issues with my parents. Kids will be confused if you tell them, "Santa isn't real, we're just pretending." They might think Jesus isn't real and everyone at church is just pretending, too.
It might be better to tell them that Santa isn't a real man in a red suit who has a habit of breaking and entering. Instead, tell them Santa exists as more of a Christmas spirit that everyone has inside them around the holidays.
Reading the New York Sun's 1897 "Yes, Virginia" piece might help you.
2007-11-13 05:15:39 · answer #3 · answered by Rachael 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You needn't tell kids that Santa is make-believe. He actually was a real being -- St. Nicholas. You can tell the story of St. Nicholas and allow them to enjoy the magical innocence of childhood. :)
It's also important, of course, to show children what Christmas is all about. As long as they know that it's the celebration of Christ's birth, then you've nothing to worry about.
My kids, 8 and 5, believe in Santa... and they also know what the true spirit of Christmas is. :)
The fact that you don't see doesn't mean it's not real, right? I believe in Jesus... have never seen Him.
2007-11-13 05:15:18 · answer #4 · answered by AV 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think your worrying too much. I went to church every Sunday when I was little, and I always thought Santa was real. Eventually kids figure it out on their own, and they don't get mad or anything like that. Kids know that magic isn't real, but there is a big difference between not believing in magic and not believing in God. I will tell you that Santa is one of the funnest things when you are little. I hope this helped.
2007-11-13 05:12:20 · answer #5 · answered by Shelbi =) 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Aren't you a barrel of fun.
Letting your children believe in Santa will not create a trust issue with you and your children.
Kids find out in their own time, and understand that Santa is a good fantasy.
There's no question as to whether Jesus was real - he was a real human being who did wonderful things during his time on earth. It's the son of god part, etc. that's up for interpretation and debate. The religious part is where 'belief' comes into play in that case.
2007-11-13 05:10:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
I had the same dilema but we told our kids there is a Santa and my 7 year old just asked if it was real and we told her the truth she didnt have any issues with wether or not God was real. We just told her its fun to have Santa and that she shouldnt ruin it for anyone else ...
2007-11-13 05:10:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i've got not got any childrens yet once I do, i don't plan on mendacity to them and saying there's a Santa. It agree which you should permit your babies have a good time with the magick of early existence. even nonetheless think of of it this way, in case you new child exhibits out which you lied to them approximately Santa how might they be attentive to what else you lied to them approximately? clarify to them the story of Santa and how he develop into loosely in step with a real guy or woman. in case you actual need to get to the fact tell them how he has Norse origins. the genuine reason Christmas is nicely known is via Christ. in the adventure that your son exhibits out which you lied approximately Santa, why ought to he have self assurance you once you tell him approximately Christ?
2016-09-29 04:07:23 · answer #8 · answered by delsignore 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
....Yes, there was a St Nicklous, and in his country of origin his spirit lives on each year. In the USA he is called SANTA CLAUS, a deritive of ST NICK. And his spirit lives on each year with giving wrapped gifts to people we want to share the gift of giving with. Your children will grow up and eventually know he is a Spirit of Giving, on the Birthday of Jesus. Telling your children about Santa's Elves too, as the world is so big with so many children it takes a lot of Elves to help Santa accomplish his big job. Your children will not think less of you in what ever you decide to do.
2007-11-13 05:40:14 · answer #9 · answered by Toffy 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am the youngest of 4 and we NEVER had trust issues with our parents about Santa Clause. It is part of the magic of the season. You can still teach them of the importance for the holiday, but let them have their fun too.
2007-11-13 05:28:46 · answer #10 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋