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Keeping Away The Santa Claus Myth

I have three children of 5, 3, and 1. Having been raised without a belief in Santa Claus, I have chosen to raise my children the same. This was backed up by my wife who still remembers how upsetting it was to find out Santa didn't exist. I planned on making sure that the kids knew Santa didn't exist and that they didn't tell others that Santa didn't exist because that is their parents job. However, my oldest child has heard about Santa so much via commercials, cartoons, and school kids that he believes that Santa exists now. I try to explain that he doesn't, but he now thinks in a fashion that if everyone believes, he must be real. Any idea's on how to keep my kids from believing in Santa? I really didn't expect it to be this difficult.

Myth Claus Santa The Keeping

You can't really change their minds. They have to grow out of it. I wasn't all that upset over it when I discovered that Santa didn't exist. The way I understood it was that Santa Claus is just a metaphor for the Spirit of Christmas -- giving to those in need, and spreading peace, goodwill, and happiness.

It's not such a horrible thing, Konq, and since you didn't force the idea on him, he doesn't think *you* lied to or betrayed him. "This, too, shall pass..."

Edited: FarSeer on 15th Dec, 2005 - 5:32am

Keeping Away The Santa Claus Myth Christmas

I did not teach Felipe about Santa Claus either but watching cartoons, television commercials and just by going shopping everything is about Santa Claus. He does not fully understand who this Santa Claus is and he knows that at Christmas time when he gets presents, he gets them from his parents. I don't think there is nothing you can do about that Kon, if you do not want him to believe on that, he will just forget about it when he gets older, one thing for sure: he will not be able to say you all taught him about it.

Myth Claus Santa The Keeping

My son recently went to the doctor and she asked him what did he ask Santa for Christmas, he said "No, Santa Claus, is Jesus's birthday". The doctor paused for a minute and said "I can understand that".

What is surprising though is getting those kind of questions in Church where the focus should be Christ and not Santa Claus.

Myth Claus Santa The Keeping

Well, I don't think there is anyting wrong, personally, with a child believing in Santa Clause, but that's just me.

I think it's awesome that your son's reaction was just that. It's a great testament to what he is being taught about Christmas.

Keeping Away The Santa Claus Myth

I think a lot depends on how one is raised and their memories (or trauma) of finding out the truth. I remember feeling disappointed when I found out about Santa, but it didn't last long and I also remember the magic that Santa Clause brought to the holiday. I do think there should be less focus on Santa and more on Christ and Santa is becoming more of a marketing gimmick all the time it seems. Balance is the key, in my opinion.