*The following blog point is expressed from the views of a Canadian who does celebrate Christmas each December. This is not meant to be taken as an insult to anyone who does A) not celebrate Christmas or B) is unable to purchase gifts for children, it is simply meant to be an opinion piece on a common debate topic.*
Each year, come December 24, many kids around the world get excited for the big day, Christmas, where both Santa and their parents bring exciting gifts and toys during the night. Many children are excited by the idea of the jolly man in the red and white suit with his seven reindeer coming through the chimney to deliver gifts. However, come a certain age, children begin to realise these gifts are just their parents giving Christmas a little bit of magic.
The question often asked, however, is is it right to LIE to our children in telling them about Santa, Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or any other names he may go by? We are told never to lie to our children, but to build trust and teach them the truth about the world. But is this a lie? Or is it just something to spur the imagination, add to the enchantment of Christmas day?
I was raised with the belief of Santa Claus, and once I discovered the truth, I was not angry about the lie, but glad I got to experience it at the time. However, a friend of mine has told me that he will not be telling his child about Santa, because as a strong believer in the Christian faith, he doesn't wish for his boy to believe the Bible as just another story like Santa.
I would like to express personally that I do not believe this can be quite classified as lying to children so much as giving them something to be excited about and imagine, however I would like your opinion also. Will you enlighten your kids to the Santa fantasy? Do you believe it is a lie that shouldn't be imposed upon our youth? Please let me know by commenting below.
Each year, come December 24, many kids around the world get excited for the big day, Christmas, where both Santa and their parents bring exciting gifts and toys during the night. Many children are excited by the idea of the jolly man in the red and white suit with his seven reindeer coming through the chimney to deliver gifts. However, come a certain age, children begin to realise these gifts are just their parents giving Christmas a little bit of magic.
The question often asked, however, is is it right to LIE to our children in telling them about Santa, Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or any other names he may go by? We are told never to lie to our children, but to build trust and teach them the truth about the world. But is this a lie? Or is it just something to spur the imagination, add to the enchantment of Christmas day?
I was raised with the belief of Santa Claus, and once I discovered the truth, I was not angry about the lie, but glad I got to experience it at the time. However, a friend of mine has told me that he will not be telling his child about Santa, because as a strong believer in the Christian faith, he doesn't wish for his boy to believe the Bible as just another story like Santa.
I would like to express personally that I do not believe this can be quite classified as lying to children so much as giving them something to be excited about and imagine, however I would like your opinion also. Will you enlighten your kids to the Santa fantasy? Do you believe it is a lie that shouldn't be imposed upon our youth? Please let me know by commenting below.
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