How do you feel about Father Christmas?

Question

I've always thought that the concept of the big guy coming around and distributing gifts is an awful one - don't get me wrong, I'm not a "Scrooge" but I just think that its awful to tell kids this huge lie, and have to go to all sorts of lengths to make sure they don't "find out the truth".
Then there is the unfairness angle - the big guy gives rich kids expensive gifts, and poor kids cheap gifts, or none. What does this teach kids, I wonder ?
I'd be much happier if we told children that we're celebrating Jesus' birth, and that this makes us all feel happy, so we give each other a gift. That way, kids wouldn't expect endless expensive toys since they'd know that their families were the donors.
What do you think ? Do you love the big fellow, or not?

Answer 1

I love your idea of telling children we're celebrating the birth of Jesus and give each other gifts for that reason. It's also a great way to encourage them to make gifts instead of handing an expensive list to their parents every year.

Answer 2

Somewhere between the myth of Santa and the over abundance of gifts and the extreme decorating themes people have gotten carried away with, we have lost the true meaning of why we are celebrating Christmas.A lot of the joy has been lost in the race to outdo the neighbors with the lights and having the most gifts under the tree. The joy of Christmas used to be having family home, friends dropping by, attending church, having a big meal, exchanging a gift with family members. Now, Xmas decorations are in the stores in October, people max out credit cards buying $300/400 video games for kids plus that much more for a pair of jeans and sneakers. It`s all about the newest electronic gadgets, cell phones and plasma TV`s, the frantic shopping, the outlandish decorating. Where has Christmas gone ? As far as Santa, that depends on the parents ideals of what and when a child should be lied to or told the truth. My concept is that the child will enjoy the gift whether it came from Santa, an old Witch or mom and dad.

Answer 3

I love St Nick, Santa, whatever you call him. I watched (for the millionth time, I think) Santa Claus on tv tonite, and that bit at the end about if we would all give in the spirit of Santa Clause, we could have peace on earth, kinda says it for me. The" Yes Virginia There Is a Santa Claus" letter also pretty much says the way I feel about it.
I don;t think kids are too traumatized about the Santa lie, I know I wasn't, and my kids weren't. They figure it out by the time they are 8 or ten, and I have never known a kid who was angry about it. When my kids found out, they couldn't wait to play Santa to younger kids who still believed. They loved the idea and thought it was going to really be fun.
When I was growing up, Santa didn't bring expensive gifts. I only got one Santa gift + my stocking, and that was the way I did for my kids. The rest of the gifts came from the parents.
It has probably gotten way out of hand these days, I agree that is does seem unfair sometimes.

Answer 4

I was kinda like Debi C. in that I let them believe in Santa but when they started asking questions at about 8 I told them that Santa is real because "Santa" lives in the hearts of parents and other loving and caring people, who love to surprise you with gifts to celebrate the holidays. So we continued to celebrate the myth of Santa with each other. HOWEVER, I also made a big deal of the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus is the Real Reason for the Season! And also that the best Present is between the Past and the Future!

Answer 5

I so agree!!! When I was young I used to wonder why I got fewer gifts than the "bad" kids. When I had kids I told them the truth from the beginning and we still celebrated "Santa" but as a myth not a fact. I told them that Santa was a feeling we had and they knew who the gifts really came from even if the tag said Santa. None of my kids however passed that tradtion down to their children-they all do the traditional "Santa" but then again they are under 4.

Answer 6

I don't believe in Father Christmas. Nor do I believe in Santa Claus -- -- I was raised with a Hanukkah bush and eight presents from my family for each day of the holiday!

I agree - lying to a child is wrong. CJ

Answer 7

I dearly love Santa.

I have slept with him for over 50 years.

He played Santa for our community for 20 years.

And yes . . . .he did kiss me underneath the Christmas tree."

He loved playing the part of Santa and always refused money for doing it.

He has all of those cute little kids, Christmas lists they gave him through the years in a scrap book and hundreds of pictures of him with the children.

My cousin took over for him when he retired.

It's the parent's problem if they don't have the God given sense or wisdom to teach their children of the spirit of Christmas.

"Tis The Season To Be Merry"

Those who don't like it, just SHUT UP and go about your merry way.

I'm too old and lived too long to listen to this type of BS.

Answer 8

Father Christmas is a Scandanavian tradition. Inexpensive toys and treats. Father Christmas is just a kindly old gentleman with no magical powers, unlike SATAN CLAUS.

Answer 9

I let them believe in Santa, they learn about Jesus at the same time,Until they reach age 4or 5 let them be kids don't try and force Santa or the bible down there throats they don't understand either of them

Answer 10

I dont know, I have been right through the Bible and cant fnd any reference to him, or the elves or Christmas Bunny. Guess I got the wrong edition.
Still he sure upsets Muslims, Daddy can I have Christmas presents, No they are for Infidels, Gee addy how do I become an Infidel?" sure must be a fun time for non Christian families.