When I was little, I totally believed in Santa Claus. I still don't know to this day how my Grammy and Grampy got those stockings filled and rang the sleigh bells in their little house without us knowing what was going on. I could have sworn I saw Santa's sleigh up in the sky when I was about 6. I don't remember when I figured "it" out, and I also don't remember being terribly disappointed about the whole thing, but I know that my mom kind of wishes they hadn't perpetuated the whole idea of Santa Claus with us.I just don't know what to think. I feel weird telling my kids all the traditional stories about him, but I want them to feel the magic of it all too. I don't really like decorating with Santa items, because I want my kids to appreciate the nativity and the life of Jesus Christ as the "reason for the season," so to speak. The past few years, we haven't made a big deal of the Santa thing. We hurry them off to bed Christmas Eve, but we don't tell them to listen for reindeer on the roof. We don't leave cookies out for him, and I don't think they even know about the chimney thing. Just a couple of days ago, Audrey said, "Mommy, is Santa REALLY real?" I just shrugged my shoulders, said, "I don't know!" and looked back down at the dish I was scrubbing. Have I ruined them? It's too late to start talking about it now! I'm conflicted.
What have you told your kids? How do you deal with the Santa Claus issue? Help! Comment or post away . . .
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13 comments:
Personally, I figured it out when I was six because Santa's present tags were written in my mom's handwriting. I knew she couldn't be an elf so ...
But it's a fine line because you eventually tell them that Santa is just a nice story that isn't real but an angel appearing to a boy was real. So I can see how it might confuse them. However, it's something that makes so many children so happy.
So do what makes you feel good -- but let them enjoy Santa a little while they can. One day they'll be old like us and they'll miss the magic of it all.
(And if they do figure it out, make sure they don't spoil it for less skeptical or inquisitive children.)
a lot of people will probably disagree with me on this, but my children don't believe in santa. . . or the tooth fairy. . . or the easter bunny. i tell them that they are fun stories to talk about, but that they aren't real. i am with mom on this one. i don't want to perpetuate a lie. i don't think it is that big of a deal. lincoln and jooj never believed in santa and they turned out all right.
I really try to focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas, but I haven't told my 4 and 1 year old that Santa is not real. I think I'll blog about it...
One time I really wanted to give Santa some cinnamon rolls. My mom wouldn't let me put them out. She kept saying she would do it "later." The next morning I woke up and looked for an empty plate, and there was none! When I confronted my mother, she admitted she hadn't really put out a plate. That, coupled with the facts that Santa's handwriting looked just like my dad's and his wrapping paper was exactly like ours, filled me in. I think I just went with the flow though after that and pretended to not notice anything fishy for a few more years.
I'm with Stephanie on this one - but will blog about it in the coming days.
My kids believe, but I don't go overboard. We concentrate on Christ more than anything, of course! My older boys know the truth and they also know that if they keep "believing" for the younger siblings, the presents keep coming. I still believe and Santa delivers a nice check into my stocking every year. I think the world has enough crap and I like that my kids have silly things like Santa, Easter Bunny, etc... to believe in.
That's a tough one because I can see both sides of the story. I understand us wanting our children to know and understand the true meaning of Christmas, but it has also NEVER hurt a child to believe in Santa or be excited for him. I don't think you have to make Santa a big deal, and I think it's a shame to say it's a "lie." Their children and it's Christmas and if we are confident in teaching our children about Christ a little Santa this and a little Santa that never hurt a child. It's Magic.
Tyler's mom heard a story from a daughter of a General Authority who said she didn't do Santa with her kids because she was old when she found out the truth and then it made her wonder if there really was a Jesus, etc. Mama loved Christmas so much and had so much fun with the Santa thing that I had a hard time giving it up. So Tyler and I compromised... we would do it until our kids asked, but never lie to them. Savannah asked at 2 so Emmaline never really believed. I told them the same thing Steph said.
I think you can teach them the best of both worlds. I grew up believing whole-heartedly in Santa, but I never remember thinking he was more important than Jesus! Let kids be kids.
oh, but santa makes Christmas so magical for kids! I think if you just focus MORE on "the true meaning of Christmas," you can still do the santa stuff & your kids won't be scarred for life after they learn 'the truth.' but if it is explained with the story of the real St Nicholas and that Santa represents the spirit of GIVING and KINDNESS etc it is something kids can understand. my siblings and I all believed in santa and the easter bunny etc and it was a very magical time - but not something we focussed on more than the Jesus part of the holiday... but I agree with tori - kids have a lot of scary stuff to worry about, let them be kids and enjoy the MAGIC of childhood.
(I STILL wish santa was real everytime I see a Christmas movie about him!)
I completely agree with everything Kristen said. She typed the words right out of my brain. Or something like that.
I forgot to say on my blog that we always had a birthday cake for Jesus. After all it is his birthday!
Love and Hugs
Grammy
I had the same problem...this is what I decided to go with:
"The truth is that Santa Claus shows us the giving heart of God, who is the orginal Father Christmas. Anyone who gives freely can be a Santa."
We also make gifts and practice being a Santa.
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