Believing in Santa Claus
Santa Claus, St. Nick, or Father Christmas. No matter what country you live in or what your child calls him, he is an icon of childhood. Every generation has had a relationship with this legendary man, but for some parents, the mythical story poses ethical dilemmas in parenting. “Am I lying to my child? Will my child distrust other beliefs our family holds when the truth comes out?”
The story of Santa is a special one and need not cause you to fear the inevitable day when your child asks, “Is Santa real?” There is so much you can do to let the role Santa plays in your child’s life be more memorable than miserable. This wonderful holiday story can teach your child some important values. Let’s start with a look at how you can use Santa’s example to teach values.
Joy
Is there anything better than seeing the face of a child holding a treasured gift? Today, your child is expected to grow up so quickly. The sheer delight of anticipation, happiness and fun that Santa brings should be a Christmas memory for every child.
Generosity
Santa’s biggest legacy is his desire to give without receiving. Use the story of Santa to encourage your child to be a person who enjoys giving. This holiday season, include your child in the ways you give of your time and talents to others.
Wonder
How does he get around the world in one night? Do reindeer really fly? Learning to question and make sense of the unbelievable is an important skill for your child. Thinking about this Christmas tale encourages critical thinking and reasoning skills. Join your child on the quest to understand.
Faith
Santa is your child’s first experience believing in something he cannot see. Believing in Santa is a beginning step in teaching your child about faith. I still believe in Santa. I believe that good exists and people do enjoy self-less giving.
Hope
We all want something to hope for. A word of caution here though–keep your child’s expectations realistic. The flip side of hope can be disappointment. Prepare your child as best you can for the reality of Christmas morning around your tree.
Worried about how to keep the myth alive without losing credibility with your child once she finds out the mythical nature of this Christmas tradition? Here are some dos and don’ts for keeping the focus of Christmas on the positive side of Santa.
Do
- Talk about the joys of giving that Santa represents.
- Discuss ways your child can be like Santa by being generous to others.
- Let your child enjoy the magic and wonder that is born of faith.
- Focus on sharing your religious or spiritual traditions and beliefs with your child.
- Tell the truth once your child really asks you to tell him.
Don’t
- Don’t lie to your child just to keep the myth alive. Answering questions by saying, “what do you think?” is your best bet.
- Don’t force your child to sit on Santa’s lap. He may be nice to think about, but a different story altogether when you have to meet or talk to him.
- Don’t tell your child until you are sure she is ready. Just because your child asks you doesn’t mean she really wants to know.
- Don’t focus on wish lists and what he will bring your child. Turn the focus instead on the key values he represents.
I think there is a strong case for keeping a child’s belief in Santa alive. For parents trying to keep the focus of Christmas on teaching values, Santa is more of an asset than a liability. Yet how you incorporate this celebrated gift giver into your holiday rituals is very individual.
Remember that everything your child experiences is an opportunity for learning. If this man in a red suit is part of your beloved holiday traditions, be sure to use the best lessons Santa has to offer. Giving is truly better than receiving and faith is the substance of things hoped for.
Reprint with Permission