Comments on: Keeping it Real: What to Tell Kids About Santa

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 19:57:43 +0000

I’m in total agreement with you (I clicked over from Daring Young Mom.)

Kids today are pushed by the media, pop culture and even adults…I despise what that guitar teacher did…so why push it?

Besides, it’s all part of the magic and wonder of the season. I remember I was about 9 when I suspected Santa wasn’t real and when my mom confirmed it? Well, Christmas just wasn’t the same after that.

I say there’s nothing wrong with encouraging a little childhood wonder and magic. In fact, there is something sweet and innocent about the “Santa years.” I know some parents disagree, though.

By: hobbes

hobbes — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:19:43 +0000

I think the most telling comment in this thread is by Snafu Suz:
“I was 10, and it was HORRIBLE. I remember sobbing…�

I found out when I was in 1st grade, and it was fine. I was told that now I was in on the adults’ ’secret’ and to not let on to the other kids. What a great feeling! Then, I got to be on the other side of it, wink back at my folks, and it made me feel fantastic. Of course, I was still a kid, it doesn’t really matter HOW the presents get under the tree, as long as they get there. I still got stockings and presents from ’santa’, still do. And I sometimes give gifts to children and adults as ’santa’. It’s the spirit, not the literal, that counts for me. That message was given to me early and I’m very thankfull for it.

From my research, the evidence seems to point to this: the longer you wait, the more traumatic it is. I wonder if parents who were traumatized by the news as kids tend to wait longer to tell their own?

By: taylor

taylor — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 13:07:05 +0000

i now it`s a littel funny but steel i now when u become a parents it will be really really haed but i need to wate a long time from now im a kid and i now santa is not real

so thanks

By: Danny

Danny — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:46:49 +0000

I remember telling my son that there was no tooth fairy as he pulled all his teeth out i used to leave money from the tooth fairy. I was annoyed when i saw him with no teeth and i blurtted out that theres no tooth fairy and no farther Christmas. The expression on his face will live with me forever.
Innocence is a wonderful thing!
I was driving home in my truck one day when my son saw the sun breakthrough the clouds and shafts of sunlight radiadiated to the ground. He said ” is God talking to somebody, Dad ”
What a wonderful thought!
Becareful what you say on the spur of the moment.

By: Worker Mommy

Worker Mommy — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:27:04 +0000

I echo what Creative Type Dad said. We love Santa if for nothing else but that he gets B & J to behave Seriously though agreed it’s harmless and fun!

By: agibean

agibean — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 21:03:12 +0000

I disagree too. There can be plenty of magic even when your kids stop believing. Innocence is also highly overrated, IMO. One can be a child full of wonder and still understand a little of the way the world works.

For more on my opinions on Santa and innocence (along with a wonderful alternative to the Nutcracker), see my blog.

http://mylattebebe.wordpress.com/

By: Monique

Monique — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:16:43 +0000

I also disagree, but again- just telling this to my children, who will keep it to themselves. The last thing I want is for them to ruin someone else’s holiday. I want the kids to know about Saint Nicholas, and I hope that they will believe in real “magic” of the holidays.

Frankly- I don’t think they are missing out on anything, I work hard for them to have the same feelings of anticipation, and excitement.

By: molo (lil Brother)

molo (lil Brother) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:41:41 +0000

I like your plan sis. Just make sure you dont tell the Jim Gaffigan version of Christmas around them and everything will work out fine.

Although there is a certain magic to that story as well.

By: Painted Maypole

Painted Maypole — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:54:30 +0000

well, I disagree (although fear not, i am not going around telling all the children that there is no Santa… just my own) I wrote a post about this a while back. You can read it here:

http://paintedmaypole.blogspot.com/2007/09/on-magical-beings.html

By: An Ordinary Mom

An Ordinary Mom — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:51:15 +0000

I definitely believe in the magic and spirit of Christmas, and when you are little, Santa is just a great way to reinforce the idea … when done right!

Fabulous post, as usual !!