Is Santa Claus a Harmful Lie?
As parents, we all want our children to grow loving, caring and most of all – honest. We tell them stories about the consequences of lying and how trust matters a lot. This Christmas season, we also teach them the spirit of compassion with the help of no other than Santa Claus. But since Santa is merely a concept, does it mean we are encouraging the use of lies? Is the “Santa lie” a threat to children’s capacity to trust?
We all have stories to tell about Santa Clause. We were once children and most of us believed in him. Do you remember the time when you used to hang your stocking in the fireplace but you had to sleep so Santa could deliver your presents? However, you couldn’t sleep because you were very excited! Have you ever wished you got to ride in his sleigh? Those were the days. But somehow, your beliefs about Santa still have an impact to you.
How did you react when you first found out that Santa did not exist? While some children get to accept this fact easily, some don’t. For others, knowing that Santa is a lie is one of the most heartbreaking experiences in life. Some even carry the disappointment through to adulthood believe it or not.
Should you or should you not tell them?
Maybe at this very time, your child is asking you already if Santa is real or not. Maybe they’ve been writing letters and wish-lists and it breaks your heart when you find out your child’s only wish is to be able to ride in the magic sleigh with Santa. Sure you can give her sweets, toys, and other things she may want, but to let her ride in the sleigh and visit the toy factory in the North Pole, you might be tempted to tell your child there is no Santa!
Experts agree that there’s no harm in allowing children to believe in Santa Claus. He is a figure that makes Christmas more magical, enjoyable and exciting. The key is to understand whether your child is prepared to know the truth or not. Some children won’t believe that Santa is a lie even when their peers tell them so. There are children who want to believe in fantasy and there is nothing wrong with that. Some kids really want to know that truth and that’s fine too.
But instead of depicting Santa to be a ‘different and magical’ entity, you want to reform your child’s concept about him. Santa reminds us of the Christmas spirit, which is all about giving. Santa gives gifts because he wants children to develop compassion. Instead of portraying a mythical Santa who rides on a sleigh, maybe you can depict a Santa that’s more like you – a parent.
When your child asks you if Santa is real, bugging you to tell the truth, she is probably ready to know. If she told you her peers say Santa isn’t real but she doesn’t believe them, maybe you can tell your child that everyone can choose to believe what makes them happy. There’s no right or wrong answer. But everyone should respect what others believe in.
Dear Readers,
How do you feel about the Santa Claus fib? Can it have negative or positive repercussions?
Source of this article:
Santa Claus: Innocent Fantasy or Harmful Lie?
Parenting Crisis: The Santa Claus Lie
©Copyright 2012 by http://www.NaturalTherapyForAll.com Counselling Leeds - All Rights Reserved.