I know that some people don't celebrate christmas because of religious reasons, but....?

Question

I've been thinking about not doing santa clause. I think that children should know the difference between make believe and reality. I'll still celebrate christmas just the same except no presents from santa and I would tell him that santa is a make believe person. Does anyone else do this?

Answer 1

No,i will not do it.the whole thing makes it very interesting and fun for them.Santa will come,he'll bring presents,he'll get down through chimney,then he'll sit down for cookeis and milk.It's not going to last for ever.Next thing you know they'll know the truth.Why not have fun with it while it lasts.We will always see santa,hear stories about santa and see him all over tv during Chirstmas.So he will not go away,no matter what you do.You will only take the fun out of your childrens lives.

Answer 2

I know this is a controversial opinion but, I have always brought my kids up with the promise (to myself) that I tell them the truth. Therefore, I would never make up stories and convince my kids to believe something like the whole idea of Santa actually being real. I have no problem with the story as a fantasy, and explaining it to children as something fun that grownups do for kids as part of the holiday. Also Santa can be talked about as magical and as an idea or spirit. But I really have an issue over telling kids that there's this big fat man who lives in the north pole and flies through the sky with reindeer and toys -- and that this is a reality, and trying to convince little kids that it really is true. Not only that but, once kids are old enough to really question the story, I think it gets even worse when grownups try so hard to keep kids believing when they know it just couldn't be. I personally think there is something wrong with leading kids on to believe something that is clearly absurd. I don't like the whole idea of trying to convince kids of something magical just so grownups can enjoy the innocence of kids.

Answer 3

Christmas in America today is celebrated basically in four ways:

1. Celebration of the coming of Santa Claus

2. Celebration of the coming of Christ and the coming of Santa Claus

3. Celebration of a secular nature (no Christ, no Santa Claus)

4. Celebration of Christ's birth

For the first option, If you think lying is wrong then don't lie to your child. The second (and fourth--although they may not think so) option is what people do who have a broad road mentality. The second group want the world's tradition and religion. The third although an honest recognition of the true meaning of the day, still fails to remove itself from the traditions of men. The fourth is the way of many professed "Christians", however did you know Christmas is not really Jesus birthday? Since even this is a lie the final option is to not celebrate it at all. The question is to ask yourself is why do YOU want to celebrate it? The motivation is the key element that will dictate the decisions you make.

Jesus desires people to worship Him in Spirit and truth (John 4:24), not with traditions of men and material objects (Colossians 2:8), and definitely not the way pagans worshiped their idols which is where the  X-mas traditions came from. (Deuteronomy 12:30-32 also see Lev.10 to find out how God views people worshiping Him in their own way!)

In conclusion, if you are not going to live for God enjoy it because this life is all you have.

Answer 4

Why do you feel that children need to know the difference between reality and make believe?  Especially when they are young? If your kid is like 12 and still believes in Santa, then tell him the truth.  Otherwise, wait a little longer.  No need to ruin the magic for your child if there is no real reason to.

Answer 5

don't ruin the magic of childhood for your kids! children don't need to know the difference between pretend and reality when it comes to things like that. they need to have some time to be kids and enjoy the things like that because it passes really quickly and then you have the rest of your life to have reality. childhood only comes around once and thats really the only time anyone can make believe but really actually believe its true.

Answer 6

We don't do Christmas, but my Mom and the rest of my family do...so i told my sons that it was a holiday that other people celebrate. They see Santa on cartoons, and he's just another cartoon character to them.

Answer 7

W don't do Santa mostly because of the commercialism associated with it. The kids will know the actual history behind St. Nick. But Santa is just a way for companies to make money, and the kids will know the history of that too.

For those who think it can't be magical, it still can. But it should be for the right reasons. The real history is magical enough, if told properly and understood.

Answer 8

i think thats kinda mean children so belive in santa and the tooth fariy thats what separats us from them dont smash there hopes befor they can have them

Answer 9

My boys know the story of santa and we have fun with the santa idea as in it being a magical story kind of thing but we don't go overboard with the Santa stuff.  It is just a fun little thing for kids to talk about i think.  Just like the easter bunny or the tooth fairy.  They learn over time that magic is just an illusion.

Answer 10

I like that idea. I was so upset when I found out I was lied to about Santa. I felt betrayed by my parents and stupid for believing. I was 7 when I found out. My kids never bought the story so why even start it?

Answer 11

Santa only gives little things in our house. I've never understood why people tell their kids that Santa brings all the gifts - no wonder kids don't appreciate that things cost money. And aren't the kids confused that their parents aren't giving them anything?