CraigHWhat do you tell your children about Santa?
December 22nd 2006 02:05
I'm in a bind. My son is three years old and most of his friends “believe” in Santa. That is to say their parents have told them that on Christmas eve a somewhat portly fellow in a red suit will come down the chimney and deposit some much anticipated presents for them on the hearth. Now most children believe what their parents tell them and no one would want to undermine that trust between parent and child, however, I won't tell my son that this is what happens on Christmas eve because … well, it's just not true. So if I simply tell my son “There's no such thing as Santa” I anticipate that before long some of his friend's parents will be coming to me and accusing me of running their children's Christmas. To avoid this rift, here's what I plan to do. I'll not say anything unless my son asks. Children have a remarkable way of working things out for themselves and so he might just find out about the Santa myth and not have a problem with the fact that the big fella doesn't visit our house. After all, there'll be no shortage of presents on Christmas day which I believe is the most important thing from a child's point of view.
If my son does ask about Santa I'll say that there is a popular story in Western culture about a mythical figure called Santa Clause who represents the spirit of generosity. I'll explain that many parents tell their children that Santa will visit their home because they think it makes Christmas more enjoyable for their children.
I'd be interested to hear how others explain Santa to their children. Please leave a comment and share your techniques.
If my son does ask about Santa I'll say that there is a popular story in Western culture about a mythical figure called Santa Clause who represents the spirit of generosity. I'll explain that many parents tell their children that Santa will visit their home because they think it makes Christmas more enjoyable for their children.
I'd be interested to hear how others explain Santa to their children. Please leave a comment and share your techniques.
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