Ok, I know every time somebody puts Christians only all the atheists have to make a comment but this question isn't about atheism or anything like that. I just want advice from fellow Christians. So, do you teach your kids about Santa Clause? I don't have kids yet but I will soon and I'm confused on this one. I'm concerned I'll feel like I'm lying to them if I do. Also, shouldn't Christmas be more about Christ than anything else, or is it possible to still include Santa and have Christ as the center of it all? Also, I don't remember when I found out Santa wasn't real but do children feel deceived when they learn this?
2007-12-01 11:21:53 · 24 answers · asked by Emily S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
amazing, atheist just HAD to answer, like most of them KNOW how our lives are...
I have no intention of teaching Santa. Jesus is the One who we look up to, not Santa.
As far as me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
2007-12-01 11:28:38 · answer #1 · answered by n9wff 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
When I learned that Santa wasnt real from a boy at school when I was nine I was gutted and Christmas was ruined in my mind. I just like everyone else thought Santa=Christmas.
I don't have kids yet but at age 16 I decided there would be no Santa in my life ever again after hearing in german class about the tradition in southern Germany. They dont have Santa there each child recieves gifts as a celebration of Jesus' birth. Yes I know its the same thing but at least that way Santa doesnt take from the true meaning of Christmas.
I don't know yet if I'll do that or just give them presents on New Years and allow Dec 25th to be Jesus' Day.
2007-12-01 11:32:55 · answer #2 · answered by Aingeal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is humanly impossible for one person to deliver billions of presents in less than 12 hours world wide.
If he does exist, then he must have a lot people helping him out, and I'm sure you know who they are.
A FEW years ago the assistant managing editor of the U.S. Catholic magazine wrote:
“Whereas the true lesson of Christmas is a message of divine mercy and sacrifice, Santa is the front man for greedy corporations, and the tutor in greed for millions of American children. He is the saint of gimme. He has become a total sellout to materialism and greed. He is in the pay of the big toy manufacturers and department stores. A greedy child is never appeased. A spoiled child appreciates nothing. An overindulged child is convinced that the major figure of Christmas is not Christ, but himself.”
This editor thought that Santa should have been left at the North Pole.
Our children, from and early age, knew, and were told there was no such person as Santa Claus, we never had a problem with them. We did not set one day out of the year to give presents to our children, it could be any day, week, or month.
2007-12-01 13:19:06 · answer #3 · answered by BJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question! I have been struggling with this one. I have a two year old and an infant. This is the first Christmas my 2 year old will "know whats going on" My mom is dying to take him to sit on Santa's lap and I am really on the fence on this one. I will most definitely celebrate the birth of Christ first and foremost and will likely tell Liam about a fun fairytale about a silly man who brings presents; accent on the fairytale. He wont totally understand at this age, Im sure. I dont want to take the fun santa image out per se; however focusing on what is truly important is key. Gods peace to you :)
2007-12-01 11:32:04 · answer #4 · answered by Loosid 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My little girl is three and this time of year she gets santa and jesus confused.. because of pictures she see of the two of them. We tell her about Jesus and what he has done for us and that santa is a nice person too. I feel like she is helping me understand and remember what christmas is really about. Every time she sees santa she says look mommy Jesus. I think that is awesome. When she is old enough to understand the difference I will tell her that Santa is just for fun but Jesus is the one that gives us the best gifts.
2007-12-01 11:34:23 · answer #5 · answered by Ashley C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should answer your own question. I think each situation is different. I do believe if we put as much effort into teaching our children about Jesus instead of Santa Clause the world would be a much better place and there would many more Children of Light.
2007-12-01 11:35:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did not need to, the media and retail merchants told them!!
When they were quiet young, I told them that the character of Santa was based upon a real person who likes to spread cheer and give to others. There is some truth to this......as they became older, they were taught to do likewise, helping Santa help others.
My only advice for you, when your children ask (whatever) give them an answer. Keep your answers simple and age appropiate.
2007-12-01 11:57:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I didn't - I felt like I couldn't face the day when I would have to say 'okay, you're right Santa wasn't real... but Jesus is....' so i just didn't teach Santa as real - actually I didn't say much at all about Santa.
2007-12-01 11:34:05 · answer #8 · answered by Daniel F 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a PK (preacher's kid), and I have a 5-year-younger brother. My parents were just like most people, and let us enjoy Santa... at the same time (like most Christians) teaching us about God and Jesus, Sunday School, church, and all. No conflict. No harm, no foul. Since they knew that we, like ALL kids, would outgrow Santa and know that it's all just for fun, for kids.
At the age of 9, I was reading a Donald Duck comic, and Santa and his reindeer were at the end of it. My father was next to me when I commented, "That can't be real."
He then said, "Don't let your brother know."
That instant confirmation surprised me, but of course, I complied.
2007-12-01 11:36:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honey I just put this in another answer. Santa is such a sweet part of childhood. Where would the world be without make believe things (Walt Disney was a great imagineer)?I wrote a poem once and it says: I bet Santa Claus and Jesus must really be great friends because they both make us so happy when Christmas time begins. Santa chose Jesus' birthday to make children happy. Santa will always be real in my heart.
2007-12-01 11:31:25 · answer #10 · answered by Pearl 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I have always told my kids there was no santa. I do not believe in telling them a lie. I asked my daughter the other day if this bothered her and she said no. I wanted them to know that everything we had or ever got came from God, because He loves us and cares about our wants and needs. Christmas has to do with Jesus not santa.
2007-12-01 11:27:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋