Poll: Does Santa Claus exist? More importantly, what will you tell your children?

[jezz8me]

I am not christian and i will not celebrate christmas. I will give my kids presents at christmas time and eat food on the 25th like my oarents did even though they are jewish so my kids don't miss out on all the things other kids get but i will not make them believe it is anything but a commercial, spoiling and glutenous way to end a year.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Also the fat man in the suit was a logo created by coca cola.. so yeah, hes probobly not real.

And our survey said Eh-Eh [http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp]

 

[TheIceface]

Well, my first wife had grand-parents that were Jehovah's witnesses (They don't celebrate holidays of any kind) so my daughter never had a real Christmas. Apparently her new fuck-toy and she celebrate Christmas at his parent's house, so they have to tell her about Santa Claus (Don't get me started on my bitter feelings on this). Darth Empyrean and I intend to tell Leia (or Andre if we are having a boy, we have the Ultrasound scheduled for next Monday) all about Santa. We both feel that that is the best thing about being young at Christmas time...

Here's something I take heavily into consideration: One day, my children (whom I have yet to have) will be smart enough to figure out that Santa Claus isn't real. Assuming that I've told them their entire life that he is real, this may be a particularly emotional blow to them. I'm sure they'll get over it eventually, but still, the fact remains that I have lied to my children, again and again even knowing they'd know the truth eventually.

I am a firm believer that the truth takes presidence over emotion at all times. I intend to abstain from any lie that simply makes my kids feel good at the time. This means no Easter-bunny or tooth-fairy. This also means that when good old rover finally dies, I won't tell the kids "oh he is just sleeping." or "He had to go away for a while.". I'll take that opportunity to instill truthful knowledge about the real world (as much of it as I personally understand) into my children rather than delaying the inevitable based on the sensationalism belief that children need to be happy all the time.

 

[Ultrajoe]

Well, my first wife had grand-parents that were Jehovah's witnesses (They don't celebrate holidays of any kind) so my daughter never had a real Christmas. Apparently her new fuck-toy and she celebrate Christmas at his parent's house, so they have to tell her about Santa Claus (Don't get me started on my bitter feelings on this). Darth Empyrean and I intend to tell Leia (or Andre if we are having a boy, we have the Ultrasound scheduled for next Monday) all about Santa. We both feel that that is the best thing about being young at Christmas time...

Here's something I take heavily into consideration: One day, my children (whom I have yet to have) will be smart enough to figure out that Santa Claus isn't real. Assuming that I've told them their entire life that he is real, this may be a particularly emotional blow to them. I'm sure they'll get over it eventually, but still, the fact remains that I have lied to my children, again and again even knowing they'd know the truth eventually.

I am a firm believer that the truth takes presidence over emotion at all times. I intend to abstain from any lie that simply makes my kids feel good at the time. This means no Easter-bunny or tooth-fairy. This also means that when good old rover finally dies, I won't tell the kids "oh he is just sleeping." or "He had to go away for a while.". I'll take that opportunity to instill truthful knowledge about the real world (as much of it as I personally understand) into my children rather than delaying the inevitable based on the sensationalism belief that children need to be happy all the time.

You do your children far too little credit. They will understand that you did it to give them the heady joys of all those Christmases past. Tell me, when you think of your childhood Christmases, do you see the bitterness of a lie or only remember that unbridled joy of waking up when the world was so innocent and Santa had brought you gifts?

Besides, as i said before, the world is too full of lies and fantasy to try and hide your child away from it. Don't coddle them, reality is far too unreal to unleash it upon them unprepared.

 

[TheIceface]

You do your children far too little credit. They will understand that you did it to give them the heady joys of all those Christmases past. Tell me, when you think of your childhood Christmases, do you see the bitterness of a lie or only remember that unbridled joy of waking up when the world was so innocent and Santa had brought you gifts?

Besides, as i said before, the world is too full of lies and fantasy to try and hide your child away from it. Don't coddle them, reality is far too unreal to unleash it upon them unprepared.

This is the exact core of disagreement I have with many people.

I think it is more important that someone is right than happy.

Does this mean my children will be less happy for knowing the truth? Perhaps, but not necessarily.

I would rather my kids be happy and excited that their parents cared enough for them to buy them thoughtful presents, etc, than have them be happy that someone they'll never meet brought them gifts. I'd rather they see how happy us parents are to give the gifts to the ones we love than dream of someone giving gifts to people because "its his job". Maybe even the kids will learn that you can get just as much satisfaction from giving something to someone you love as you can receiving a gift.

....heck, maybe the little brats will learn to share and be grateful, which would benefit them far more later in life, than being temporarily happy.

 

[TheIceface]

Also the fat man in the suit was a logo created by coca cola.. so yeah, hes probobly not real.

Heh heh, if it weren't for the Santa Claus thing, I doubt anyone would even know what reindeer are.

 

[PatientGrasshopper]

What kind of sadist wouldn't tell their children that santa is real? Let them have a magical imagination while they still can. They figure it out in the end anyway. Didn't we all?

One that wants to instill the values of honesty and trust in them.

If i have kids i will tell them Santa doesn't exist its the right thing to do so they dont think im a hipocrit if i tell them off for lying.

It may be the "right thing to do", but its also the boring thing to do. Christmas will always be more exciting if you believed in Santa.

What if stealing things or killing people is the more fun thing to do, does that mean you should do it?

Santa doesn't exist, anyone who believes he does is either mentally retarded or young enough to be mentally retarded. I, on the other hand, do exist. The ANTI-SANTA. Do teach your children to believe that fat do-gooder, get them to beleive in me. Only instead of giving preasents I'll break into your house at the begining of every year and steal all your favurite toys and belongings. For reasons that are none of your business.

So are you the Grinch then?

 

[jim_doki]

I had neither Santa nor god as a child. I turned out more normal then most of the people at my school. Coincidence? no way in hell.

How can someone be "More normal"?

i'm crazy, but it would be irresponsible and unfair to blame my lunacy on my parents not telling me about santa. I'm much happier this way anyway. I figured it out myself. This isn't a deception as such, more like a game. I dont think anybody who tells their kids about the santa mythos would be considered bad parents for lying to their kids.

 

[PatientGrasshopper]

I had neither Santa nor god as a child. I turned out more normal then most of the people at my school. Coincidence? no way in hell.

How can someone be "More normal"?

i'm crazy, but it would be irresponsible and unfair to blame my lunacy on my parents not telling me about santa. I'm much happier this way anyway. I figured it out myself. This isn't a deception as such, more like a game. I dont think anybody who tells their kids about the santa mythos would be considered bad parents for lying to their kids.

What about those parents who perpetuate the lie even after the kid has figured out he doesn't exist? Yes parents like that do exist. They get mad at their kid when they say he doesn't exist.

 

[jim_doki]

What about those parents who perpetuate the lie even after the kid has figured out he doesn't exist? Yes parents like that do exist. They get mad at their kid when they say he doesn't exist.

In that situation they should be bad parents for not insisting their kids talk to them when they get doubts. If the kid figures it out and wants confirmation, that's different. I would happily tell it what it wanted to know. like i've stated previously, the important thing for me is seeing my kids start questioning what i tell them

 

[sidhe3141]

I'm Jewish, so I'm just going to say no.

Also I have to ask, where the hell did Santa come from? I mean, how could anyone think that a fat guy in a red suit would be relevant to the birth of Jesus?

I actually learned this from Colbert. anyway, a dutch legend of a guy names Sinterklaus, who'd put fruits and nuts in your shoes if you were good, or have his elves kidnap you if you weren't.

His current image. (Jolly fat bloke in a red suit-thingy) was created by Coca-Cola

Really? I thought it was Macys.
As for me, any kid I bring up is going to be raised as a scientist, and thus I'm not going to use Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the rest of that stuff.

 

[qbert4ever]

One thing I've seen some people here say (or at least imply), is that just because you don't tell you're kids that Santa is real, you're hiding him from view completely. This does not have to be true. I don't plan on telling my kids there's a guy in a red jumpsuit that comes into our house late at night every year, but I would explain that Santa is somebody to look at as an idea of how to treat others, no matter what time of year it is. Kind of like Superman, only not as fat.

And more zombie/alien killing. Shades of gray people, shades of gray.

 

[Aardvark Soup]

In the Netherlands we have got Sinterklaas [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas], who is very similair to Santa Claus. And yes, I would tell that he exists. Despite of the commercialisation it is still a pretty fun tradition and almost everyone tells their children about it.

 

[Alex_P]

I'm not gonna tell my kids Santa is real.

But maybe I won't try very hard to dissuade them right away, either. >.>

It's a harmless way to learn a very important lesson.

-- Alex

 

[Twilight_guy]

I think this topic has become a question of cold logic and truth verses romantic imaginings and ideals. Both have merits and flaws but you can't say that one is "better" or "worst" they just are. They're two theories that exist.

Not really. Saying that he's not real is the truth, saying he is real is a lie. There's a very, very big difference between them.

I wasn't saying that they are the same. I was pointing out that they are different systems of belief and thinking. They are very different. That's why they might be incompatible to compare.

Then they are not theories. Choose your words more carefully please.

Let me rephrase myself: They're two theories that exist about child rearing.
Santa is not real, true, but telling or not telling kids that he exists is part of two, or more, distinct theories of child up-bringing. Sorry for any confusion.

Also, I think its easier to say now that you'd raise your kids this way or that way, but when you actually get to where you have kids you may act different. Ideals and realties in actually situations vary greatly. Although that's not the point of the topic.

 

[PatientGrasshopper]

I think this topic has become a question of cold logic and truth verses romantic imaginings and ideals. Both have merits and flaws but you can't say that one is "better" or "worst" they just are. They're two theories that exist.

Not really. Saying that he's not real is the truth, saying he is real is a lie. There's a very, very big difference between them.

I wasn't saying that they are the same. I was pointing out that they are different systems of belief and thinking. They are very different. That's why they might be incompatible to compare.

Then they are not theories. Choose your words more carefully please.

Let me rephrase myself: They're two theories that exist about child rearing.
Santa is not real, true, but telling or not telling kids that he exists is part of two, or more, distinct theories of child up-bringing. Sorry for any confusion.

Also, I think its easier to say now that you'd raise your kids this way or that way, but when you actually get to where you have kids you may act different. Ideals and realties in actually situations vary greatly. Although that's not the point of the topic.

So what kind of child expert would advocate lying to your kids unless of course it is something that is none of their business or they are not ready for yet, but Santa doesn't fall into this category. What would Dr. Spock say?

 

[Eipok Kruden]

If I ever have children, which I probably won't, I won't lie to them and make them think some fat man in a red suit with a big white beard watches them all year and knows everything they do and then breaks into their house and gives them stuff once a year. I'd give them presents like all parents do, but I wouldn't make them think it's Santa. I think they should know that their parents are the ones giving them the presents, not some fat guy they've never met.

 

[odatnarat]

its nice to let children believe that santa exists.. haha someone the kids would look forward to every christmas and make them behave like good boys if their belief that santa would not be giving gifts to naughty ones. haha and he's like the official christmas mascot.. haha