Religious Ed teacher telling kids there is no Santa

[MaryHelp777]

The Irish people used to believe in fairies and all sorts of customs.
That should never be brought back because it is a form of paganism.

I don’t get the whole Santa thing. It is Jesus Birthday after all. He is God of the Whole Universe. Santa isn’t real. They don’t measure up because Jesus is infinite. I would love to have all the glory put back on Jesus

 

[Maximilan_Kolbe]

I agree. I can’t for the life of me understand this obsession with Santa. Secular people need their own reason for the season, but surely Christians should avoid that nonsense and teach children about the faith. I think the teacher was right to tell them the truth given it was a RE class. It made sense in that context.

You act as if it is “either or” with Santa Claus or Jesus. My wife and I are on the fence about the Santa issue, given our desire for a Christ-centered season, but the whole notion of “lying” to your child being a reason is ridiculous. I doubt most people realize how many things get said that are technically untrue but that are done with no ill intent.

Perhaps the all or nothing message makes sense for people NOT posting on Catholic Answers, but for those of us grounded in their faith, and who were raised in strong Catholic environments, the Santa myth did nothing to inhibit our faith. While you can choose to allow the belief or not, neither decision makes you an ignorant secular buffoon the way you seem to portray it. It is merely a personal family choice, and unless the Catechism has prohibited it since my last perusal, these are just our opinions and nothing more.

And be careful which life lessons you want to take it upon yourself to educate my children on, unless your intent is to have an angry parent physically accost you, or you want a parent to decide your sexually naive children need to be educated on reality as well, regardless of your desires. Worry about your own kids.

 

[Mary_Estelle]

I knew it! Ronald Reagan was right all along. There is a Star Wars agenda between us Earthlings and the Christmas Grinches! And those Little Green Men so many have seen peeking through windows-they are Santas’ helpers on assignment. They are checking on who has been very good this past year and what Santa is able to provide for them for their kindness and goodness toward family and others.

The problem comes about as the Little Green Men, otherwise known as Elves, are becoming fewer and it is hard to replace them. And Santa himself is aging. So he has asked good parents everywhere to step up and help out, wherever and whenever they can. So many parents have answered the call to help Santa out. It is sad that not all Moms and Dads are able to do so, so Santa has asked everyone to help out where there is a need. And he wants us to remind everyone, young and old, that he is real; to tell his story and carry it forward.

Also, I think he told the late former President Ronald Reagan, the world is so vast and the so many expectant children who believe in the SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, that it became necessary for him to change his mode of travel and delivery of gifts and packages. Thus you will see so many stars twinkling on clear nights just about now and occasionally spot one brightly shinning and zooming across the heavens. Some people call them shooting stars, but WE know what they are, don’t we?

Parents and care tenders and lots of relatives have become Saint Nicks’ second line of helpers, after the Elves. I think St. Nick and all the Elves will be ready for a rest after the holidays. Just one more thing that Santa might have passed on to the :snowing::christmastree1:Late Great Ronald Reagan. While Santa loves cookies and milk everyone leaves out for him-he says to go easy on the sugar and goodies.

P. S. When I was small I did leave milk and cookies out for Santa. To this very day I don’t know where the milk and cookies went…but I can guess!

Have Holy, Joyous, Reverent Christmas everyone!!!

 

[runningdude]

Our just turned 9 year old granddaughter came home from religious ed crying that the teacher told them there was no such thing as Santa or Rudolf or any of it. It was all a myth. I am intending to find out exactly what the circumstances are around this incident. Did one of the kids in class maybe ask her if Santa was real or not? Or did she just decide on her own the kids need to know this is just a myth? I don’t yet know the details. But what upsets me is really two fold. Especially if she is one of those people who believes in total ‘reality’ thinking for children and came out with this declaration without any prompting, how does she know where a child is in their maturing into the knowledge of ‘The Santa Story’? Both of my older grandkids of course are fully aware of the truth, but we told them the story of course at appropriate ages about St. Nicholas that was so kind and generous to the children, and was in fact the real Santa. And that Christmas because of the birth of Christ is a truly mystical time of year because of that. Not that the birth of Christ is something ‘make believe’ at all don’t misunderstand, but because it is such a miracle that Christ did in fact come to us as a baby in the manger, it is truly a miraculous and mystical, wonderful and joyous time of year, and that many miracles do indeed happen at Christmas. They were not TRAUMATIZED in the least bit. Neither was their Mom when I told her as a child.

Secondly, these grandkids of mine have gone through very some very tough times in their family dynamics recently, and this was the LAST thing my poor little girl needed at this time. Not that the Santa thing is really life shattering, but she is almost at the age where this will be coming up anyway, and if this teacher knew what she has already in the last few weeks been through, I’m at least hoping she would have been wise enough to somehow gloss over the subject.

And I guess my third question is: Why would the Santa story take away from the Birth of Christ unless the Birth of Christ was not emphasized by the family as being number one? Heck, I even remember Mother Angelica on one of her Christmas programs asking one of the little ones about Santa.

Santa Claus = Saint (Ni)cholas. Saint Nicholas is in heaven, praying for children everywhere. It is contrary to the faith to say that “Santa” is not real!

Saint Nicholas may not slide down the chimney at midnight, but then again Saint George may not have slayed a Dragon. Pious fictions regarding the saints are a time honored tradition.

And to be fair, I have kind of a bad taste in my mouth about this Parish’s religious ed program, because when I had my daughter there, one of her teachers told them that NOTHING happened when they die. No Heaven, Hell or Purgatory…just NOTHINGNESS. Ha!! Believe me, I went marching down there and demanded that teacher be dismissed for teaching atheism vs. Catholicism…and thank the Lord, she was. Can’t even compare that incident with this one, of course, but I wonder what it is about some of these religious ed teachers? We will probably have to tell her the story of St. Nicholas before she was really ready thanks to this woman, and she has been through quite enough within the last few weeks for a child that just turned 9. So…yep…I am more than a little upset. Not sure how much of a deal to make out of it, or just to forget it and chalk it up to just another set back.

This was the appropriate action.

 

[bitterhope]

Santa Claus = Saint (Ni)cholas. Saint Nicholas is in heaven, praying for children everywhere. It is contrary to the faith to say that “Santa” is not real!

Saint Nicholas may not slide down the chimney at midnight, but then again Saint George may not have slayed a Dragon. Pious fictions regarding the saints are a time honored tradition.

This was the appropriate action.

I agree! It’s really no different than other traditions. There are lots of silly traditions around the world for different saints. And to be fair, St. Nicholas did toss gold coins in windows so the chimney thing isn’t too far off. It’s a very Catholic thing to do

 

[alphawoman]

If it is not a kind time to speak their own version of the truth, then why do it?

I’m in agreement on the details of teachers not having authority to make decisions in loco parentis on matters that are psychologically important to children.

That being said, I just wanted to address the bolded part above. I’m sure this is probably what you meant implicitly, EasterJoy, but I just wanted to clarify for others reading here. There aren’t different versions of truth around this. St. Nicholas is a historical person and saint recognized by the Church. Santa as depicted in stories of flying reindeer/present delivery/worldwide surveillance is a fictional character. Santa is based on St. Nicholas, but he isn’t St. Nicholas. Whether or not a parent chooses to incorporate Santa into family traditions does not change the truth, which is that Santa is not real.

But yes, it’s not the place of anyone other than the child’s parent to determine what tradition they follow and what the child is told.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I’m in agreement on the details of teachers not having authority to make decisions in loco parentis on matters that are psychologically important to children.

That being said, I just wanted to address the bolded part above. I’m sure this is probably what you meant implicitly, EasterJoy, but I just wanted to clarify for others reading here. There aren’t different versions of truth around this. St. Nicholas is a historical person and saint recognized by the Church. Santa as depicted in stories of flying reindeer/present delivery/worldwide surveillance is a fictional character. Santa is based on St. Nicholas, but he isn’t St. Nicholas. Whether or not a parent chooses to incorporate Santa into family traditions does not change the truth, which is that Santa is not real.

But yes, it’s not the place of anyone other than the child’s parent to determine what tradition they follow and what the child is told.

This is all true and a sad state of catechisis that we have to clarify this…

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

You act as if it is “either or” with Santa Claus or Jesus. My wife and I are on the fence about the Santa issue, given our desire for a Christ-centered season, but the whole notion of “lying” to your child being a reason is ridiculous. I doubt most people realize how many things get said that are technically untrue but that are done with no ill intent.

Perhaps the all or nothing message makes sense for people NOT posting on Catholic Answers, but for those of us grounded in their faith, and who were raised in strong Catholic environments, the Santa myth did nothing to inhibit our faith. While you can choose to allow the belief or not, neither decision makes you an ignorant secular buffoon the way you seem to portray it. It is merely a personal family choice, and unless the Catechism has prohibited it since my last perusal, these are just our opinions and nothing more.

And be careful which life lessons you want to take it upon yourself to educate my children on, unless your intent is to have an angry parent physically accost you, or you want a parent to decide your sexually naive children need to be educated on reality as well, regardless of your desires. Worry about your own kids.

What an aggressive, nasty post. I see you are new on the forum.

 

[CradleJourney]

This is something that I really don’t want to put out here, because I’m not sure of it myself, and I know that it’s usually not the case, but I’ve heard that parents have made the argument “If I lie to my child about Santa, then how can I expect them to believe me when I tell them about God.” Now, I believe in God, obviously, and I grew up with Santa, but in a way I kind of see where someone would be coming from, because as a kid, I thought about it, and it didn’t even have anything to do with Santa. I remember just thinking a few times, “What if this God thing, this Jesus thing, what if it’s all made up? What if it’s just a lie by adults, but they seem to believe, but what if they’re faking?”

I’ll take any slings or arrows that come my way, but I must testify that Santa is indeed real and I continue to believe in him and have no problem teaching my children the same - for it is not a lie. The issue is definition, age appropriateness, and a gradual understanding of cultural influence. My definition of Santa is the same as another poster shared - that of selfless giving done anonymously. Not only that but “magic” is involved in that selfless anonymous giving has a way of changing both the giver and the recipient to an extent beyond what one might otherwise expect.

Teaching my children to give selflessly for the joy of giving without need of recognition or thanks is a job I certainly wouldn’t want to attempt without the introduction of Santa.

And that’s where age appropriateness and cultural influence come in - where one can start pointing out that just like many other things in life (everything from space travel to religious denominations), there’s a number of books, movies, beliefs, and understandings - and very few are ever right or provide full information on the details. So one has to learn to watch, question, etc. what is provided. Because he doesn’t exist or function like the ABC Christmas special doesn’t mean Santa isn’t real, anymore than a 1940’s western should be regarded as a portrayal of life in the “wild west”.

Just like Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia explains that the children got to know him there so that they could better find him in their own world, the Santa story understood and presented properly helps them to eventually recognize the greatest selfless gift of all - the gift of our Savior.

So I’m sorry, I truly don’t understand this elaborate need to inform children there is no Santa, since I know he exists. Nor truly do I understand how one cannot see that it’s perfectly proper and indeed necessary, to shape that understanding as they grow.

If one doesn’t find this path helpful to them or their family shrug that’s fine. Like other tools that help and bless our lives, each person may find something different that works for them. But you’ll never convince me that Santa isn’t real to me

 

[Millie123]

I’ll take any slings or arrows that come my way, but I must testify that Santa is indeed real and I continue to believe in him and have no problem teaching my children the same - for it is not a lie. The issue is definition, age appropriateness, and a gradual understanding of cultural influence. My definition of Santa is the same as another poster shared - that of selfless giving done anonymously. Not only that but “magic” is involved in that selfless anonymous giving has a way of changing both the giver and the recipient to an extent beyond what one might otherwise expect.

Teaching my children to give selflessly for the joy of giving without need of recognition or thanks is a job I certainly wouldn’t want to attempt without the introduction of Santa.

And that’s where age appropriateness and cultural influence come in - where one can start pointing out that just like many other things in life (everything from space travel to religious denominations), there’s a number of books, movies, beliefs, and understandings - and very few are ever right or provide full information on the details. So one has to learn to watch, question, etc. what is provided. Because he doesn’t exist or function like the ABC Christmas special doesn’t mean Santa isn’t real, anymore than a 1940’s western should be regarded as a portrayal of life in the “wild west”.

Just like Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia explains that the children got to know him there so that they could better find him in their own world, the Santa story understood and presented properly helps them to eventually recognize the greatest selfless gift of all - the gift of our Savior.

So I’m sorry, I truly don’t understand this elaborate need to inform children there is no Santa, since I know he exists. Nor truly do I understand how one cannot see that it’s perfectly proper and indeed necessary, to shape that understanding as they grow.

If one doesn’t find this path helpful to them or their family shrug that’s fine. Like other tools that help and bless our lives, each person may find something different that works for them. But you’ll never convince me that Santa isn’t real to me

Those who don’t believe in Santa Claus also believe in selfless giving too.
It’s Part of Christ’s sermon on the mount:
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, AND LEND TO THEM WITHOUT EXPECTING TO GET ANYTHING BACK. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

There is nothing at all wrong in giving to others without expecting anything in return, this is what Christ taught…I believe in it too…it’s part of Our Lord’s sermon on the mount. But I’m not going to call it magic. I’m going to call it charity (one of the seven heavenly virtue). And I’m not going to give credit for this teaching to Santa Claus…but to Christ who was the teacher who taught it.

 

[alphawoman]

CradleJourney:

Teaching my children to give selflessly for the joy of giving without need of recognition or thanks is a job I certainly wouldn’t want to attempt without the introduction of Santa.

Really? Church teaching is replete with examples of ways to give generously and selflessly without seeking recognition. What about anonymous charity, volunteer work, praying for others, caring for those who have nothing to give in return, etc? That’s just a day in the life of a Catholic. We have our perfect example of giving: Jesus! Santa may work well for your family, and it’s obvious your heart is in the right place, but I just don’t see how Santa becomes the sine qua non of instruction in generosity.

 

[alphawoman]

Those who don’t believe in Santa Claus also believe in selfless giving too.
It’s Part of Christ’s sermon on the mount:
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, AND LEND TO THEM WITHOUT EXPECTING TO GET ANYTHING BACK. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

There is nothing at all wrong in giving to others without expecting anything in return, this is what Christ taught…I believe in it too…it’s part of Our Lord’s sermon on the mount. But I’m not going to call it magic. I’m going to call it charity (one of the seven heavenly virtue). And I’m not going to give credit for this teaching to Santa Claus…but to Christ who was the teacher who taught it.

I’m with Millie on this post. And why call grace “magic”? That seems to be setting children up for confusion if they mistake occult practice for virtues!

 

[Evania]

And be careful which life lessons you want to take it upon yourself to educate my children on, unless your intent is to have an angry parent physically accost you, or you want a parent to decide your sexually naive children need to be educated on reality as well, regardless of your desires. Worry about your own kids.

I know someone posted a negative reply to your post, but I see what you are saying and I agree. People may hold a position about whether they approve of incorporating Santa into the holidays, but just because they hold a strong opinion on something, that shouldn’t translate into making a decision for other families.

People are like this with other issues too. Their opinion ( however strong that they think it is), is still just that- an opinion. And everyone has one. Such people need to ask themselves if it would be okay if others were to “educate” their children on their opinions as well. I get what you were saying and no I don’t think it was “nasty”.

 

[alphawoman]

What an aggressive, nasty post. I see you are new on the forum.

Yeah, I don’t see how threatening physical violence or scandalizing others’ children is, in any way, acceptable. A parent whose parental rights have been disrespected would be justifiably angry, but retaliation in kind or worse is not a Catholic attitude.

I have to assume this was intended to be read as ironic hyperbole.

 

[Evania]

Yeah, I don’t see how threatening physical violence or scandalizing others’ children is, in any way, acceptable. A parent whose parental rights have been disrespected would be justifiably angry, but retaliation in kind or worse is not a Catholic attitude.

I have to assume this was intended to be read as ironic hyperbole.

I agree with everything you said, but I don’t think that’s the point he was trying to make. I don’t think the poster himself was threatening to retaliate, but pointing out that like you suggested that there are plenty of parents who would be very angry at having someone “educate” or make “decisions” for their children and family on something that was outside of their boundaries.

Of course, we don’t know the whole story in this particular case, but if in fact the teacher did take it upon herself to educate other people’s children on Santa based on what her opinion was, it wasn’t her call to make. I think we all know there are people out there that hold such a strong opinion on things that they are blind or don’t care about someone feeling differently and will proceed accordingly, even if that runs roughshod over someone else’s rights. For goodness sake, there was a poster who stated earlier that they believed that children shouldn’t make their First Communion if they still believe in Santa. Did she mean only her kids? Probably not.
All I can say is, thank goodness, the Church feels differently.

In any event, I think the OP is throwing out scenarios that such a person could encounter. No one is suggesting violence or scandalizing children as retaliation. I think they were asking if these people would appreciate it if their kids were taught something that they felt strongly against? They were pointing out that the principle of the matter is letting people raise their own kids. Sometimes it doesn’t take a village to raise children, sometimes it just takes a family. I obviously don’t know the poster personally, but that was my take on it.

 

[alphawoman]

I agree with everything you said, but I don’t think that’s the point he was trying to make. I don’t think the poster himself was threatening to retaliate, but pointing out that like you suggested that there are plenty of parents who would be very angry at having someone “educate” or make “decisions” for their children and family on something that was outside of their boundaries.

Of course, we don’t know the whole story in this particular case, but if in fact the teacher did take it upon herself to educate other people’s children on Santa based on what her opinion was, it wasn’t her call to make. I think we all know there are people out there that hold such a strong opinion on things that they are blind or don’t care about someone feeling differently and will proceed accordingly, even if that runs roughshod over someone else’s rights. For goodness sake, there was a poster who stated earlier that they believed that children shouldn’t make their First Communion if they still believe in Santa. Did she mean only her kids? Probably not.
All I can say is, thank goodness, the Church feels differently.

In any event, I think the OP is throwing out scenarios that such a person could encounter. No one is suggesting violence or scandalizing children as retaliation. I think they were asking if these people would appreciate it if their kids were taught something that they felt strongly against? They were pointing out that the principle of the matter is letting people raise their own kids. Sometimes it doesn’t take a village to raise children, sometimes it just takes a family. I obviously don’t know the poster personally, but that was my take on it.

Fair! Thanks for your reply , Evania.

 

[Maximilan_Kolbe]

I agree with everything you said, but I don’t think that’s the point he was trying to make. I don’t think the poster himself was threatening to retaliate, but pointing out that like you suggested that there are plenty of parents who would be very angry at having someone “educate” or make “decisions” for their children and family on something that was outside of their boundaries.

Of course, we don’t know the whole story in this particular case, but if in fact the teacher did take it upon herself to educate other people’s children on Santa based on what her opinion was, it wasn’t her call to make. I think we all know there are people out there that hold such a strong opinion on things that they are blind or don’t care about someone feeling differently and will proceed accordingly, even if that runs roughshod over someone else’s rights. For goodness sake, there was a poster who stated earlier that they believed that children shouldn’t make their First Communion if they still believe in Santa. Did she mean only her kids? Probably not.
All I can say is, thank goodness, the Church feels differently.

In any event, I think the OP is throwing out scenarios that such a person could encounter. No one is suggesting violence or scandalizing children as retaliation. I think they were asking if these people would appreciate it if their kids were taught something that they felt strongly against? They were pointing out that the principle of the matter is letting people raise their own kids. Sometimes it doesn’t take a village to raise children, sometimes it just takes a family. I obviously don’t know the poster personally, but that was my take on it.

Thanks. And you are correct. I never said anyone deserves to be beaten with a hickory stick. I did say however don’t be surprised if you go around with that attitude educating other’s children as to your worldview that someone is going to come after you with a lot of anger or outrage.

I’ll never defend physical violence in this regard, but I can certainly understand it. Once you start threatening someone’s children (which is what you do when you start deciding what things they need to be “educated” on behind another parent’s back), all bets are off…

Like I said, what other things should our children be told about when we aren’t around? This is a decision for parents and their own family. To take it upon oneself to step in uninvited is the pinnacle of arrogance and rudeness.

And to CM, did you seriously call out someone for being “new”? Dude, this isn’t high school. Get over your Senior-ness. No one cares.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Thanks. And you are correct. I never said anyone deserves to be beaten with a hickory stick. I did say however don’t be surprised if you go around with that attitude educating other’s children as to your worldview that someone is going to come after you with a lot of anger or outrage.

I’ll never defend physical violence in this regard, but I can certainly understand it. Once you start threatening someone’s children (which is what you do when you start deciding what things they need to be “educated” on behind another parent’s back), all bets are off…

Like I said, what other things should our children be told about when we aren’t around? This is a decision for parents and their own family. To take it upon oneself to step in uninvited is the pinnacle of arrogance and rudeness.

And to CM, did you seriously call out someone for being “new”? Dude, this isn’t high school. Get over your Senior-ness. No one cares.

You do realize that parents sign the kids up, drop them off and expect they will be taught about the faith right?! That would include teaching them about saints and which ones exist… What does Santa mean again?

 

[Maximilan_Kolbe]

You do realize that parents sign the kids up, drop them off and expect they will be taught about the faith right?! That would include teaching them about saints and which ones exist… What does Santa mean again?

Of course. And it is an implausible stretch to say teaching a child about the Saints equates to boldly proclaiming “Santa isn’t real, suck it up you welp.” And you want to show me where in the Catechism it forbids a child’s enjoyment of the Santa myth, I am happy to read it. You act as though these teachers are a bunch of ignorant, incapable automotons who cannot think for themselves or do two things at once. Do you know how easy it would be to teach about Christmas, St. Nicholas, Advent, and the like and NOT have to confirm, deny, or address Santa? This isn’t graduate level electromagnetic theory, for pete’s sake.

A deft and effective teacher wouldn’t even address Santa, since that has a different place in each family. Likewise, when teaching about easter, any easter bunny questions can simply be referred to the parents, since “we, as a class, are focusing our Lord’s death and Resurrection - the whole reason we celebrate Easter!”

Now if you are going to claim the classes need to only be brutally honest about all things in existence, so be it. Here are the things we discuss that are irrelevant to the class as well:

• The Holocaust
• Food poisoning
• Physical abuse
• Alcoholism
• The creepy guy undet the Elmo muppet

They have nothing to do with the syllabus, but let’s force them in for arbitrary reasons because THEY ARE REAL, and OUR KIDS MUST BE SHOWN THE TRUTH.

Compare it to most Catholic schools; I don’t know a single one that makes it a policy that all students must denounce Santa Claus. Do I expect them to teach that he was real, or even bring him up? Certainly not. They don’t even have to mention the concept, since the season is about Christ. Santa was never present on my Catholic school growing up, but the school certainly recognized many of the kids believed in him, and didn’t walk around squashing that. They simply taught us about that Christmas truly was from a young age.

But “not promoting something” is not nor has it ever been the same thing as “going out of your way to ensure no one in the vicinity believes something.”

Ironically, I am not even totally onboard with Santa, but I am onboard with raising my own children, and not having my authority usurped. If you can highlight in the syllabus or Catechism where the teacher has to bring up herself the notion of the Santa falsehood and crush it, I’ll give her a pass. Otherwise, I suspect she was just free-lancing, even if she was well-intended.

 

[SilverLight]

I would be rather upset if this happened to my child. While I believe in being logical when possible I think we all need a little bit of imagination and myths to believe in.