Parents Forum

Tom · 04-12-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaytee

what happens when they go to school, are they going to ruin it for the otehrs?

Definitely we would not intend for that to happen. But I'm not sure what's going to keep the other children from "ruining it" for my child by telling her santa does exist!

Both myself and my wife were raised without believing in "santa magic". I personally don't remember if talking to another child was an issue for me - my wife specifically remembers this never being an issue. She was taught in the spirit of santa which I think somewhat eliminated the "santa doesn't exist" response from her.

I do hear what you're saying and part of me thinks that way too. I think right now though the analytical side is still winning. Good food for thought in any case.

Kaytee · 04-12-2007, 02:02 PM

Thats true, its good to know that it never came up for you or your wife while in school.

CaringDad101 · 04-21-2007, 08:29 PM

Very interesting topic ha ha. I believe its worth telling your kids that Santa and the Easter Bunny...etc. Or else holidays will be just days to receive and give gifts.

Kaytee · 04-22-2007, 07:10 AM

I also believe it is very important to teach kids the real reason behind the holidays.

Melissa · 06-07-2007, 07:14 PM

I know this is an old thread, but I'm putting this out there anyway. Just so you know who I am, I'm a middle class, middle aged, home-owning, tax paying regular soccer mom (except I'm actually a swim mom) and I believe in fairies. I saw one when I was about 7 (up close and for about a full minute) and I am not kidding. I think I saw another one a couple of years ago. Again, not kidding.

In Celtic countries believing in "the good folk" is ancient. An interesting book with documented accounts of experiences with fairies and other "earth spirits" is The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries by WY Evans-Wentz.

Athough I consider myself something of a "cafeteria protestant," We teach our kids that everyone has their own spiritual path and that all faiths are valid for the followers (an obvious exception to this would be a faith that preached hatred). In this vein I wouldn't dis fairy-faith (even if I'd never seen one) anymore than I would Judaism, Buddhism, etc.

Go ahead and have a laugh at my expense, but if you are ever curious, check out the book. One thing to learn is that some fairies are pretty wicked

Kaytee · 06-07-2007, 08:50 PM

I don't think anyone will laugh at you. I believe in Santa!!!

newdad06 · 06-08-2007, 07:16 AM

Okay, since people are still talking about this one, I've got to chime in. I have to agree with Kaytee's stance on Santa. He is real. Everytime I parent writes out "From Santa" on a present the spirit of giving (a.k.a. Santa) continues. But, this isn't really want I want to argue. Here are four points I'd like to make.

1. The development of imagination helps with wrapping our heads around abstract ideas, whether they are trying to understant the concepts of freedom, mathematics, religion, virtues, etc... They need practice when they are young and these figures are embracable and fun.

2. These figures, if you present them properly teach selflessness. All three give unto others and ask for little in return, be nice, have faith, and take care of your teeth.

3. I am not big into the commercialism of Christmas and yet I can say that some of my most fond moments as a child are those Christmas Eves when my family would go to midnight mass, sing the carols and then struggling to stay awake to see Santa and the reindeer. If a child can have a special and comforting memory like that, why deny them of it? In the long run, they aren't going to chastize you for "lying" to them about Santa nor are their abilities to grasp reality going to be impared by believing in Santa.

4. I son's first Christmas was this last one and it was the best Christmas I have had since I was a kid. I can't wait for him to get even older so that I can watch him get excited. But, even this last year, stuff like decorating the Christmas tree became fun again. The whole holiday season becomes magical again, when children are in the house. Why deny yourself the joy of the holidays and the spirit of giving. Honestely, if you exchange presents, it is more fun to see them come from Santa than from Mom and Dad. I know those were the ones I always looked for as a kid, and now I know that it takes away a bit of the "Those are from me" syndrome, where you compare what you give to what you got. It's not perfect but it is closer to the spirit of selfless giving. And when we are caught up in the holiday spirit we are experiencing the Joy that this time of year is meant to express. To just say "Jesus is the reason for the season" is not enough to understand it. What is the season if it is not a time of Joy and celebration. Thank Jesus for the season by enjoying it.

Melissa · 06-08-2007, 08:27 AM

When my older daughter turned 8 she was really questioning Santa's existence. My husband went online and showed her every version of Santa Claus from all over the world. He said that for so many people to believe in him, it's unlikely he's just made up. He said it may be that he doesn't visit our house, but that we follow through with the gift giving because we believe in the spirit behind it.

She is 10 now and last year I whispered something to her about our younger girl and Santa, saying, "don't tell P." My big girl said, with all conviction, "I still believe in him."

I have to note here though that we really try not to make the holidays a big consumerist bash. We try to give meaningful gifts and spend lots of times with friends and family. Each year everyone in our household gives everyone else and ornament, most of them are home made. We secretly put them on the tree waiting for the recipient to discover them. This is one of the most fun rituals.

newdad06 · 06-08-2007, 10:34 AM

I love your tradition of secret ornaments. My mother always bought my sister and I an ornament that encampsulated our year so that when we were started our family we already had a series of ornaments for the tree. I have carried that tradion on with my family. but, I think I might also want to add a tradition similar to yours.

newdad06 · 06-08-2007, 10:53 AM

This quote just showed up, thought I 'd share it here.

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."
-- Burton Hillis

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