Is it wrong to tell children about Santa Claus/Easter Bunny. etc?

[Renton405]

Of course there was a santa… His name was St. Nicholas

Is a great time to teach our children about this saint…

 

[dixieagle]

Of course there was a santa… His name was St. Nicholas

Is a great time to teach our children about this saint…

 

[Deusdonat]

Of course there was a santa… His name was St. Nicholas

Is a great time to teach our children about this saint…

Very true, there was a Saint Nicholas…who looked and acted nothing like the fat, caucasian white-bearded commercial figure we see poluting the minds,hearts and souls of our children.

There is an EXCELLENT book called “The Deliverance of Sister Cecilia” which chronicles the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia back in the 50’s, namely in the schools. The first thing they did was take away the bibles and replace them with fanciful folk-tales wherein the characters’ names were replaced with those of the apostles and the settings changed to the time of Jesus. They were so fanciful and far fetched (think: Jack and the Beanstalk) that of course children would come to the conclusion that they were simply folklore and not truth. The object was to prepare them for taking the next “logical” leap towards saying, “Well, if these stories aren’t really true, then the ones in the bible must not be either.”

The SAME THING has been happening in our society. Children are brought up believing in Santa Claus (note: NOT Saint Nicholas) who travels the world bringing children gifts on the birthday of Jesus. Then lo’ and behold, “Santa” never really existed. He was just a well-meaning warm-and-fuzzy story told by parents to their children. Hmm…

Up until the begining of the last century, Catholicism celebrated the TRUE traditions of Christmas; namely the Nativity and Epiphany wherein the biblical Magi brought gifts for Jesus, and by extension, to the children of the household.

I strongly urge every Catholic within ear shot to re-think their themes during Christmas. Instead of Santa Claus, why not talk about the Magi? Instead of a Chrismas Tree, why not decorate the table with the Nativity Scene? Instead of singing “Jingle Bells”, why not “O come all ye faithful”? And if you think doing both is just fine, then ask yourself what kind of message it is sending to impressionable minds.

 

[jgmes2001]

In Portugal, and probably other countries, the tradition used to be to say that the one delivering the presents on Christmas Eve was the Baby Jesus. I’m still not sure if this is better or worst than Santa Claus…

 

[Other_Eric]

In Portugal, and probably other countries, the tradition used to be to say that the one delivering the presents on Christmas Eve was the Baby Jesus. I’m still not sure if this is better or worst than Santa Claus…

I think that this story, while still problematic, is far better than Santa Claus.

 

[dixieagle]

Up until the begining of the last century, Catholicism celebrated the TRUE traditions of Christmas; namely the Nativity and Epiphany wherein the biblical Magi brought gifts for Jesus, and by extension, to the children of the household.

I strongly urge every Catholic within ear shot to re-think their themes during Christmas. Instead of Santa Claus, why not talk about the Magi? Instead of a Chrismas Tree, why not decorate the table with the Nativity Scene? Instead of singing “Jingle Bells”, why not “O come all ye faithful”? And if you think doing both is just fine, then ask yourself what kind of message it is sending to impressionable minds.

Thanks, but our family - and many others - did quite well by celebrating the real, meaningful and true aspects of Christmas and by enjoying the Santa Claus and Jingle Bells part, as well.

The message sent to our kids was that childhood is a time for innocence, fun and magic (and that they were fortunate to experience that) but that the birth of Christ is central and the main “reason for the season.” We also made sure that we made the season happier for other children who did not enjoy the same advantages by “playing Santa” ourselves. Believe me, our children “got it.” The proof is in the kind of people they have grown up to become.

 

[Other_Eric]

Thanks, but our family - and many others - did quite well by celebrating the real, meaningful and true aspects of Christmas and by enjoying the Santa Claus and Jingle Bells part, as well.

The message sent to our kids was that childhood is a time for innocence, fun and magic (and that they were fortunate to experience that) but that the birth of Christ is central and the main “reason for the season.” We also made sure that we made the season happier for other children who did not enjoy the same advantages by “playing Santa” ourselves. Believe me, our children “got it.” The proof is in the kind of people they have grown up to become.

What value is there to be had in encouraging children’s fantasies? Where is the charm in deceiving children into believing the most unlikely of stories? Why does the concept of “fun” need to be yoked to falsehoods and ill-conceived notions of innocence?

That one’s children grew up to be upstanding individuals is not evidence of the prudence behind the Santa Claus story. Upstanding individuals can be found to have sprung from the most depraved of environments. My inference would be that children brought up on Santa become well-balanced adults in spite of Santa, not because of him.

 

[dixieagle]

What value is there to be had in encouraging children’s fantasies? Where is the charm in deceiving children into believing the most unlikely of stories? Why does the concept of “fun” need to be yoked to falsehoods and ill-conceived notions of innocence?

That one’s children grew up to be upstanding individuals is not evidence of the prudence behind the Santa Claus story. Upstanding individuals can be found to have sprung from the most depraved of environments. My inference would be that children brought up on Santa become well-balanced adults in spite of Santa, not because of him.

I don’t share your view that little ones should have their innocence and wonder shattered by “harsh realities”. They will find out soon enough that the world is a tough place; that in itself is enough reason to let them have a little magic while they can.

As long as parents are Christ-centered and loving, placing the main emphasis where it belongs, and familiarizing children with the wonderful story of the real St. Nick, I see no harm. Did you never enjoy fairy tales?

I’ve not yet met a child who decided that Jesus was not real because they had been allowed to enjoy the Santa story for a few short years; any halfway intelligent Catholic parent should be able to deal with that issue, if it ever comes up.

 

[Renton405]

Very true, there was a Saint Nicholas…who looked and acted nothing like the fat, caucasian white-bearded commercial figure we see poluting the minds,hearts and souls of our children.

There is an EXCELLENT book called “The Deliverance of Sister Cecilia” which chronicles the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia back in the 50’s, namely in the schools. The first thing they did was take away the bibles and replace them with fanciful folk-tales wherein the characters’ names were replaced with those of the apostles and the settings changed to the time of Jesus. They were so fanciful and far fetched (think: Jack and the Beanstalk) that of course children would come to the conclusion that they were simply folklore and not truth. The object was to prepare them for taking the next “logical” leap towards saying, “Well, if these stories aren’t really true, then the ones in the bible must not be either.”

The SAME THING has been happening in our society. Children are brought up believing in Santa Claus (note: NOT Saint Nicholas) who travels the world bringing children gifts on the birthday of Jesus. Then lo’ and behold, “Santa” never really existed. He was just a well-meaning warm-and-fuzzy story told by parents to their children. Hmm…

Up until the begining of the last century, Catholicism celebrated the TRUE traditions of Christmas; namely the Nativity and Epiphany wherein the biblical Magi brought gifts for Jesus, and by extension, to the children of the household.

I strongly urge every Catholic within ear shot to re-think their themes during Christmas. Instead of Santa Claus, why not talk about the Magi? Instead of a Chrismas Tree, why not decorate the table with the Nativity Scene? Instead of singing “Jingle Bells”, why not “O come all ye faithful”? And if you think doing both is just fine, then ask yourself what kind of message it is sending to impressionable minds.

Its interesting because there are many childrens books from places like TAN and Ignatius that have stories that are very compelling for the children. but the great thing is that they are learning about actual people. Just because its a childrens book dosen’t mean it has to be forelore tales and people who don’t really exist. You’d be surprised how much children get into the stories of saints like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Vincent…

Theres this children stories set made by TAN, that has childrens books on the saints, apostles and Jesus. I plan on buying the set when my wife gets pregnant(were trying )

And the real Santa(st nicolas) dosen’t look anything like what the red fat Santa is portrayed. Many pictures of saint nicolas show a fragile thin man. But at the same time St. Nicolas was known to be kinda harsh at times, espesially on heretics and people who were against the faith.

 

[Deusdonat]

I don’t share your view that little ones should have their innocence and wonder shattered by “harsh realities”. As long as parents are Christ-centered and loving, placing the main emphasis where it belongs, and familiarizing children with the wonderful story of the real St. Nick, I see no harm. Did you never enjoy fairy tales?

You don’t need to lie to children to encourage their sense of innocence or wonder. A child can find wonder in a lady-bug crawling on a flower or a cloud passing in the sky…or more importantly the wonder that God is looking after them. There are no lies or fantasies here. And fairy tales and other stories with lessons are GREAT, provided they understand they are just that. Saint Nicolas does not go around leaving toys for children. If this is made clear, then there are no problems.

I’ve known families that not only convince their children of Santa Clause, but they actually wake their groggy children in the morning by jingling bells from just outside the room and leave hoof prints in their yard, along with the half eaten cookies of course left out for “santa”. All cute and innocent, right?

 

[Other_Eric]

I don’t share your view that little ones should have their innocence and wonder shattered by “harsh realities”. They will find out soon enough that the world is a tough place; that in itself is enough reason to let them have a little magic while they can.

As long as parents are Christ-centered and loving, placing the main emphasis where it belongs, and familiarizing children with the wonderful story of the real St. Nick, I see no harm. Did you never enjoy fairy tales?

I’ve not yet met a child who decided that Jesus was not real because they had been allowed to enjoy the Santa story for a few short years; any halfway intelligent Catholic parent should be able to deal with that issue, if it ever comes up.

It is obvious that you do not share my views on exposing children to harsh reality. What I am trying to get is some sort of reasonable defense of preserving their ignorance. You say that they will learn soon enough the harsh realities on their own but this is an abdication of parental responsibility. Why would any truly Christ-centered and loving parent essentially outsource that grim lesson to the uncaring world? I ask again what tangible interest is served in allowing children to believe in such nonsense for any length of time?

 

[Preacher_Vern]

This reminds me of the Harry Potter threads. I understood the opposite side and supported their decisions for thier individual families.

The same is true of the Santa story. Even though my family had the tradition of Santa, I don’t fault parents who decide not to do this. I understand that there isn’t a right or wrong decision when it comes to either Harry Potter or Santa.

Yet, as in the Harry Potter threads, there seems to be a minority of parents who are unable to understand that each side makes decisions that are best for their families. Just because someone does something different then another family doesn’t mean that either side is right or wrong.

I was explaining to my younger son that some kids get angry that Santa isn’t real. My son wanted to know what was wrong with loving your children so much that you want to give them gifts without getting any credit. In fact one of the things that I stressed to my kids is that you shouldn’t always want credit for the nice things you do. I used Santa and the tradition of parents playing him as an example.

But I am not saying that parents who don’t do Santa love their children less then I do or that their children don’t understand that they should do nice things for other people.

I feel a bit like Rodney King. “Can’ t we all just get along.”

It would be great if we all could get alone, it would be a better world, but that will never happen on this earth, thats way I am looking for HEAVEN.

 

[dixieagle]

It is obvious that you do not share my views on exposing children to harsh reality. What I am trying to get is some sort of reasonable defense of preserving their ignorance. You say that they will learn soon enough the harsh realities on their own but this is an abdication of parental responsibility. Why would any truly Christ-centered and loving parent essentially outsource that grim lesson to the uncaring world? I ask again what tangible interest is served in allowing children to believe in such nonsense for any length of time?

You’re reading more into my post than was there. I said nothing about youngsters learning that the world is a tough place “on their own.” Of course good Catholic parents will, as their children get older, help them develop the faith and acquire the sort of solid education that will prepare them for life. It is indeed a “grim lesson”, but one that can be introduced gradually.

Note that all this is predicated upon parents keeping Christ as the center of everything -all else is peripheral.

 

[dixieagle]

I’ve known families that not only convince their children of Santa Clause, but they actually wake their groggy children in the morning by jingling bells from just outside the room and leave hoof prints in their yard, along with the half eaten cookies of course left out for “santa”. All cute and innocent, right?

While I never expended that kind of energy on the Santa thing, I think there are a LOT of things that should concern us more than this.

 

[Other_Eric]

You’re reading more into my post than was there. I said nothing about youngsters learning that the world is a tough place “on their own.” Of course good Catholic parents will, as their children get older, help them develop the faith and acquire the sort of solid education that will prepare them for life. It is indeed a “grim lesson”, but one that can be introduced gradually.

Note that all this is predicated upon parents keeping Christ as the center of everything -all else is peripheral.

Let’s be clear on something: Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Light. How is that compatible with fooling impressionable, young children into believing what is, in the end, a fantastic lie? For the parents to be truly Christ-centered, the Santa Claus story can be nothing other than alien to that ethic.

Further, you have avoided my question a second time, so I will ask it again: what purpose is served in deceiving one’s children in such a fashion? What lessons do they glean from this falsehood that will prepare them for life in the adult world? Isn’t shallow recourse to such things as “innocence” and “wonder at fantasy” nothing more than a re-branding of ignorance and naïveté? Aren’t those things ultimately faults in one’s children that it is the parent’s job to remedy? If so, why delay in taking up this grave task? Why hesitate to dispel something that makes one’s children vulnerable?

 

[dixieagle]

Let’s be clear on something: Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Light. How is that compatible with fooling impressionable, young children into believing what is, in the end, a fantastic lie? For the parents to be truly Christ-centered, the Santa Claus story can be nothing other than alien to that ethic.

Further, you have avoided my question a second time, so I will ask it again: what purpose is served in deceiving one’s children in such a fashion? What lessons do they glean from this falsehood that will prepare them for life in the adult world? Isn’t shallow recourse to such things as “innocence” and “wonder at fantasy” nothing more than a re-branding of ignorance and naïveté? Aren’t those things ultimately faults in one’s children that it is the parent’s job to remedy? If so, why delay in taking up this grave task? Why hesitate to dispel something that makes one’s children vulnerable?

Your mindset is so different from the reasonable, diligent, loving Catholic parents that I have known that I find it very difficult to even relate to it. Far from regarding innocence and naïveté in young children as “faults”, I think this should be the norm in little ones. What you perceive as “deceiving one’s children” I see, instead, as allowing them to enjoy one of childhood’s great delights.

I was brought up by very strict but loving adoptive parents in the 50s. From the outset, we visited the Catholic Charities office and I grew up knowing that I was adopted. I gradually became well aware of the unfairness of life, as classmates lost parents to cancer, a much-loved grandfather died, my father wrestled with job choices, etc. Christmas was the high point of the year, with Advent calendars and Nativity plays. I well remember Christmas Eve with Mass, the reading of the story of Christ’s birth, the gathering of family…and the wild anticipation of Santa’s arrival. I know that my childhood - and that of my own children - would have been a little less delightful without St. Nick.

BTW - I do find the Easter Bunny thing rather stupid; Santa, at least, can claim saintly origins.

 

[KinseyMcGuire]

Wow! This thread has turned out to be very interesting.

Personally, I’m glad my parents let me have Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. While I was kind of hurt and felt a little silly when the truth about Santa was revealed, I’m still very glad it was part of my growing up. What did it provide me? It made me realize that my parents loved me so much that they wanted me to have happiness in my childhood. And my parents were quite strict with me growing up, btw, but, while my upbringing was not as faith centered as I hope my children’s will be (my father is…well…I really do believe he’s a Christian, but he’s not comfortable with the whole religion thing) I feel confident that my parents have set a good example for me to raise my own children someday.

 

[Other_Eric]

Your mindset is so different from the reasonable, diligent, loving Catholic parents that I have known that I find it very difficult to even relate to it. Far from regarding innocence and naïveté in young children as “faults”, I think this should be the norm in little ones. What you perceive as “deceiving one’s children” I see, instead, as allowing them to enjoy one of childhood’s great delights.

I was brought up by very strict but loving adoptive parents in the 50s. From the outset, we visited the Catholic Charities office and I grew up knowing that I was adopted. I gradually became well aware of the unfairness of life, as classmates lost parents to cancer, a much-loved grandfather died, my father wrestled with job choices, etc. Christmas was the high point of the year, with Advent calendars and Nativity plays. I well remember Christmas Eve with Mass, the reading of the story of Christ’s birth, the gathering of family…and the wild anticipation of Santa’s arrival. I know that my childhood - and that of my own children - would have been a little less delightful without St. Nick.

BTW - I do find the Easter Bunny thing rather stupid; Santa, at least, can claim saintly origins.

Thankfully, I am not interested in you relating to my mindset. I don’t much care that my own mentality is at odds with whatever aesthetic you use to justify plying deception upon children. I merely ask that you answer the straightforward questions that I am asking you. Once again: what tangible purpose is served in lying to children about Santa Claus?

 

[stbruno]

While we never taught the kids to believe in the Easter bunny…we did an annual egg hunt as well as took the kids with us to church with our Easter baskets to be blessed…often by the bishop himself.
My children did believe in Santa aka St.Nick and loved every minute. And the tooth fairy just made losing your tooth more acceptable. Never gave them more than 25 cents, not dollars.

 

[Other_Eric]

Wow! This thread has turned out to be very interesting.

Personally, I’m glad my parents let me have Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. While I was kind of hurt and felt a little silly when the truth about Santa was revealed, I’m still very glad it was part of my growing up. What did it provide me? It made me realize that my parents loved me so much that they wanted me to have happiness in my childhood. And my parents were quite strict with me growing up, btw, but, while my upbringing was not as faith centered as I hope my children’s will be (my father is…well…I really do believe he’s a Christian, but he’s not comfortable with the whole religion thing) I feel confident that my parents have set a good example for me to raise my own children someday.

Why is it that you believe your childhood happiness to have been dependant upon belief in a pantheon of fantasy creatures? Wouldn’t the realization that your parents desired happiness for you have been better communicated had you realized that the gifts in question actually came from them and not some fictitious thing?