Santa Claus is blasphemous

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That sounded like “These two lesbians walk into a bar, and…”

I’ll delete my answer. I’m too tired to give a…😉
 
Having very prominent Asperger traits, the sentimentality of the “Yes, Virginia” column doesn’t really appeal to me, just kind of provokes an eye-roll and sigh. If a lie (or fable, or story, whatever we’re calling it) is going to be worth supporting, it has to has a strong purpose–saving lives, for example, like the priests and nuns mentioned earlier in the thread, or keeping my kid from being trapped in the crawlspace with an invisible alligator, like I said earlier. The benefits of the Santa story don’t outweigh to detriment, in my eyes. Again, sentimentality isn’t my language and usually just irritates me–it doesn’t make sense. If I want to get across a message of the virtues attached to giving to loved ones and the needy, I can make that point more clearly (and without the vices of teaching kids how to become selfish and more excited about getting presents, or about the parents’ obsession with buying just the right thing or mounds of new ****) using Jesus directly as an example, in combination with the message of what Christmas is really about–the birth of the God-Man who gave all.

Again, I don’t think people turn out bad or lose their faith if they were brought up in Santa houses–I was, and I think I’m pretty much okay. What flaws I have didn’t come from Santa. I’m not offended by other people using the Santa story, or Tooth Fairy (also not happening in our house, but we’re still way before that stage), or the Easter Bunny (actually one year with my grandparents we ate fried rabbit for lunch on Easter Sunday, not out of spite but because I shot a rabbit and Grandpappy wanted to teach me a lesson about shooting animals–if I shoot it, I have to clean it and eat it. I was about twelve. I haven’t shot anything but bottles since then.) I just don’t want your kids to be scandalized when mine raise their eyebrows or snicker (probably too young for that now, but down the line).

Actually, the Easter Bunny really irritates me. Maybe it was spite.

@damian clarke I like that quote. I agree–there’s quite a bit to it.
 
Speaking from personal experience, I was very traumatized to find out that Santa was not real as a child.

I was a very gullible child and trusted my parents fully, I never had a reason not to. I held Santa and believed in him the same way I believed in God, obviously knowing the difference of course, just that the basic premise for both is that nothing is impossible and miracles exist etc.

As an adult, I have severe trust issues, it caused or helped in my straying in the faith a few years ago (indirectly, mostly related to trust and believing in impossible sounding ideas), I cannot form meaningful relationships with people, Im dissocial, etc.

All my friends told me it was a lie, but I didnt believe them and defended Santa to the death. I used to feel like atheists would one day be telling me “I told you so” too.

In my opinion, Santa is a cruel lie and I would never participate in that tradition with my children.
 
Godfollower said:
Wait . . . .

Santa isn’t real?!

:bighanky:
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Of course Santa is real, as for all of the common attributes, eg elves reindeer, north pole, etc: they help turn him into the most important fairy tale we have. We learn of someone who gives, and gives, and gives; never expecting anything in return; and a legion of helpers. All with the sole motivation to help young children find joy when celebrating the incarnation.

“fairy tales are more than true. It’s not that we learn dragons exist, it’s that we learn dragons can be defeated”. GKC
 
Speedypizza said:
What is so funny here is that you say all of this is to somehow protect people. The sad fact is that what you have done is once again scared off any intelligent, rational person looking at becoming Catholic. It really is a good thing I fell in love with the Church before I came here, because if not, I am not sure I would be coming in. In my brief time here I have had to fight with young earth creationists, anti-pepsi people, anti-AD&D people, anti-Harry Potter nuts, people who are trying to tell me that watching South Park is a sin, and other ultra-right wing people on 10 other issues.

Please do me a favor and seek help! You are clearly not okay at some deep level. Your anger and hatred comes through loud and clear. If we could just get people this upset about the real problems in our Church, we would once again be a powerful religion the world over. If we could get people this fired up about talking to people about the faith, we would be filling RCIA classes with record amounts of converts.

Oh, and as for your theory that teaching kids about Santa will make them think God is a lie. How about if we try this on for size. My parents did not teach me about Santa because they were ultra-right wing Baptists. Only one problem with your idea… IT WAS PART OF WHAT DROVE ME AWAY FROM GOD!!! I always felt cheated by my parents. I always felt like something special was ripped from me because of that. I think it is what drove me into the occult for so many years. I WAS LOOKING FOR THE MAGIC THAT WAS NEVER IN MY OWN CHILDHOOD!!!

Pax :signofcross:
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👍
 
pnewton said:
I note the Catholic Church has not said the tradition of Santa Claus is the sin of lying, so we can disagree.
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I hope I’m not adding oil to the fire, but, I would think it so amusing if the controversy ever got to the point – (though super unlikely that it ever would, of course) – to where the Church had to declare in an official capacity whether partaking in the Santa tradition is an act of lying or not. Oh! It would be all over the news headlines!!
 
Query:

For those who object to perpetuating Santa Claus, do you have similar objections regarding the tradition of St. Nicholas leaving a small gift (chocolate, oranges, etc) in shoes or stockings on the Feast of St. Nicholas, December 6th?

Thanks,
VC
 
I’m stunned there is even a controversy. I never thought in my life people could object to belief in Santa Claus.
 
kbwall said:
I don’t even have to go into the fact that most of the imagery surrounding Santa Claus is Pagan in origin. That’s nothing but a cheap shot. There’s so many other reasons to hate Santa. Also, I am in no way against the blessed Saint Nicholas, he was a good guy. I’m not talking about an olden day saint who gave toys to poor children who had nothing, I’m talking about the guy in a red suit with elves and magical reindeer.

First off, it’s nothing but a blatant lie. I don’t care how much people try to butter it up by calling it childhood innocence. What is that supposed to mean anyway? It is nothing more than a lie, pure and simple. You’re telling them something that you know good and well is not true, sounds like a lie. Just to go into the further illogical-ness of it, many parents are upset when the truth is exposed. Many tiptoe around the subject when kids are around, like it’s something sacred. It’s nothing but a lie people! Parents shouldn’t be mad somebody told their kid the truth. Oh, and just like real lies, it requires more and more lies to keep it going. Best example: Telling kids that mall Santas are Santa’s helpers when kids get smart enough to realize Santa can’t be at every mall every Christmas.

Second, Santa takes away the main focus of the holiday, which is Jesus. Christmas has become a secular holiday, for the most part. And no, calling them “Christmas Trees” instead of “Holiday Trees” doesn’t help. That whole “Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays” is trivial and stupid, they’re nothing but words. Christmas has become secular all on its own, as it has essentially become national gift giving day, with almost no religious conotations to it at all. Santa has almost completely replaced Jesus.

And many conservatives try to blame liberals/atheists on the seculariation of Christmas. Nope, you guys did that all on your own. Let’s see, you took your religious holiday, purposefully removed all the religious symbolism, and replaced it with Santa, deer, elves, etc. You then essentially demanded the holiday take center stage in American culture, knowing full well that not all of America was Christian. And now they’re mad because they’ve essentially lost their holiday. No, you didn’t lose it, you gave it away and have only yourselves to blame.

Third, it’s stupid. OK, not a sin, but a valid point still. Go through the trouble of getting your child a Christmas present, and then giving credit to a guy who doesn’t even exist for no apparent reason. What a bizarre custom.

Fourth, it sends kids a horrible message. I saved the worst for last, as there are two bad messages Santa sends children. The first being that it’s OK to lie to people. I’ve already explained how Santa is a lie with my first point. The second message is its ties to religion. Let’s see, let’s convince our children that there’s an old guy with a beard. Even though you’ve never seen him or met him, he will reward you if you’re good. Hmm, sound famliar? There’s a reason atheists call God “Santa for adults”. Also, kids usually learn about God and Santa from the same source (their parents), so when one is found to be false, why should they believe anything their parents say about God? The fact that this blatant lie is also centered around one of the biggest Christian holidays doesn’t help matters either.

I’m not trying to say God is as fake as Santa. What I’m saying is that teaching your kids about Santa makes them more likely to doubt God.
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I agree
 
Verbum_Caro said:
Query:

For those who object to perpetuating Santa Claus, do you have similar objections regarding the tradition of St. Nicholas leaving a small gift (chocolate, oranges, etc) in shoes or stockings on the Feast of St. Nicholas, December 6th?

Thanks,
VC
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I haven’t done this, but I would be less disinclined because St Nicholas is actually a holy figure, and not a total fabrication as Santa has become. It’s closer to target, but still off the mark. So, I guess, it’s less objectionable than an outright lie (to call it that), but still not something I personally would probably do.

That said, I have heard some people’s tradition of attributing gifts to Baby Jesus, and this is most acceptable of the practices because, theologically, while the parent is actually the first-person giver, all gifts come from the Father of Lights and it is only by the grace of God (not Santa, that is) that the parent can give a gift at all. If you can dig it. But mostly I don’t see the point in attributing gifts to anyone but the giver, if only for the reason that teaching by close example (a parent) is more effective to children than a distant or imaginary example (Santa). That is, my kid will learn more from seeing, “Hey, Mom is making a sacrifice out of her love to give so-and-so something special,” rather than “Yay Santa flings out gifts to everyone.”
 
Mortification said:
Speaking from personal experience, I was very traumatized to find out that Santa was not real as a child.

I was a very gullible child and trusted my parents fully, I never had a reason not to. I held Santa and believed in him the same way I believed in God, obviously knowing the difference of course, just that the basic premise for both is that nothing is impossible and miracles exist etc.

As an adult, I have severe trust issues, it caused or helped in my straying in the faith a few years ago (indirectly, mostly related to trust and believing in impossible sounding ideas), I cannot form meaningful relationships with people, Im dissocial, etc.

All my friends told me it was a lie, but I didnt believe them and defended Santa to the death. I used to feel like atheists would one day be telling me “I told you so” too.

In my opinion, Santa is a cruel lie and I would never participate in that tradition with my children.
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Well, aren’t you the lucky one, then, being able to blame all your personality issues on Santa.

“Your Honour, Santa made me do it.”

Oh, this cracks me up…
 
Honestly, are you not all grown adults? I stand at a staggering eighteen years and yet I can understand what it is about such snide and pompous remarks that disinterests honest persons from wanting to convert. Especially during a beautiful liturgical season, is there really room for the negativity? I promise, there is enough spite and anger in this world without these rude and inconsiderate comments.

Our Savior spent much of His time on this Earth with prostitutes and tax collectors and those who it seems would be degraded and condemned by this forum. Does this have anything to do with Santa Claus? Directly, no, but could a moderator or someone please advocate for a sense of decency and respectful address? This forum is for helping, not for breaking spirits and humiliating the souls of persons honestly seeking information.

I understand that this is not a post in response to the question posted by the original poster , and honestly I have no stake in this particular debate aside from curiosity as I do not have young children; I do know that there are many more important things in life than whether or not Santa Claus is a part of my family. Yes, I grew up believing in the lad for a very few short years. However, I promise the fable of a magical man dropping presents off under our family Christmas tree never squandered my belief in the perfect atonement of my sins upon a wooden cross.

Please, if for the very least, consider how your comments come off when read across an internet forum by honest individuals earnestly searching for honest answers. My goodness, Jesus Christ made it quite clear that love is the Greatest Commandment, how often are these answers done out of love and not pride?

With all respect and love and humility, I am just an honest sinner begging to be comforted in the arms of Jesus Christ… Please, I am not even asking questions that reflect anything as important on this forum as others are and my heart breaks with the lack of charity.

I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas. I have a wonderful friend whose grandfather just passed away on the 19th and another friend who has a friend whose father is terminally ill and in danger of passing soon; please pray for these souls and for all of us. I love you all and may you all have a wonderful evening (or morning or day or night wherever you are).

God bless!
 
nickybr38 said:
… Is it possible to take your faith too seriously??? We should look at our immortal souls and just say 🤷 well, I tried… that’s good enough???
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That’s not quite what I mean here. What I mean is that some people have a tendency to approach their faith with overmuch rigor, leading to an arid, joyless legalism, and not a joyous encounter with Our Savior. This is ultimately an extension of taking oneself too seriously; we confine ourselves to rigid, narrow, staid notions of what the faith really is, and then proceed to bash people over the head with our preconceived notions. This is an attitude rooted in fear–if we truly believe that we know Truth Himself, we should not have to behave defensively and rigidly. As Archbishop Sheen said, “The Church is like a caged lion, she doesn’t need defending–just let her out of the cage.” When I speak of people taking their faith too seriously I mean it on the personal level–people put their faith in a very, very small box and then vigorously defend it to the last. When they do this, they miss out on the fullness of the depth and breadth of the beauty that is the faith once for all delivered to the saints.

-ACEGC
 
IMHO, OP’s entire post came off as “I hate this, and I hate that…”

In response, I like, and agree with, the post by SpeedyPizza from a few pages back.

Again IMHO, the problems we have in life do NOT derive from belief in Santa Claus.

To anyone who really, REALLY thinks fostering a belief in Santa is sinful, or a “horrible lie,” or whatever, all I can say is: What a sad world you live in.

And to lurkers who read those posts, I add: Those posters are NOT indicative of the central message of Catholicism.

Also: I for one fully intend to log onto the web on Christmas Eve and watch NORAD track Santa on radar as he flies around the world. My heart will beat faster when I see he’s headed in my direction…

…Because I have been a VERY GOOD BOY this year.

…so Merry Christmas to all…and to all a GOOD NITE.

-VdT
 
VonDerTann said:
IMHO, OP’s entire post came off as “I hate this, and I hate that…”

In response, I like, and agree with, the post by SpeedyPizza from a few pages back.

Again IMHO, the problems we have in life do NOT derive from belief in Santa Claus.

To anyone who really, REALLY thinks fostering a belief in Santa is sinful, or a “horrible lie,” or whatever, all I can say is: What a sad world you live in.

And to lurkers who read those posts, I add: Those posters are NOT indicative of the central message of Catholicism.

Also: I for one fully intend to log onto the web on Christmas Eve and watch NORAD track Santa on radar as he flies around the world. My heart will beat faster when I see he’s headed in my direction.

Merry Christmas to all…and to all a GOOD NITE.

-VdT
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Only two more sleeps! :bounce:

And this, from an Australian newspaper -
**WITH Christmas fast approaching, the North American Aerospace Defense Command has started the countdown to its annual Santa tracker. ** For more than 50 years the joint American and Canadian air defence command (NORAD) has kept an eye on Santa as he leaves his North Pole headquarters to deliver presents around the world - keeping excited kids up-to-date on his exact whereabouts.
NORAD says it uses four high-tech systems to track Santa - radar, satellites, Santa cams and fighter jets.
“Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allows our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa,” it says.
Once the agency has compiled its data on December 24, the information is pushed into Google Maps and Google Earth so that families all over the world can follow Santa via a special NORAD website…
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Also: I for one fully intend to log onto the web on Christmas Eve and watch NORAD track Santa on radar as he flies around the world. My heart will beat faster when I see he’s headed in my direction.
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I’ll be doing the same! I wish Ringo was narrating it again. :o

Merry Christmas!
 
I admit it, I hope Santa brings me a Fran Tarkenton jersey this year, like I wore when I was a kid.
 
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