Regarding Santa Claus [NO KIDS ALLOWED]

[godofallu]

Because it makes children happy. Have you ever seen a little kids face light up on Christmas? Priceless.

 

[Gmans uncle]

I was always a little disturbed by the concept of an old man watching me when I slept... So I was bloody relieved when I found out the truth (I faked still believing for a few more years though, wanted to milk all I could milk out of it.)

 

[DalekJaas]

Same reason parents force their kids to believe in Jesus, because they can be manipulated into believing stupid crap at a young age.

 

[Gunner_Guardian]

I personally was proud when I figured out santa wasn't real because I figured it was a test. Basically it was to teach me not to blindly listen to authority and think things through on your own.

I think everyone has different reasons for keeping up the myth but in the end I think it does more good then harm.

 

[TomLikesGuitar]

Probably because we enjoyed the myth when we were kids, and it wasn't some traumatic event when we found it wasn't real.

Trauma isn't always instantaneous.

I remember exactly what I was doing when I found out Santa wasn't real. I was in the Shop-Rite parking lot with my mom and sister, and they told me. I immediately asked if God was real... and my mom said "Of course God is real." From that day forth, I set out to find all the things I was lied to about and it has almost become my life goal to find the truth about all things.

I went to a Catholic middle school, and once I found out about Santa, I started to question the existence of the Catholic God. I came to the conclusion that the Catholic God is a ludicrous, impossible fairy-tale, and eventually realized that all Gods are generally the same in that respect.

Now some might say, "That's wonderful that you were able to become enlightened." but it really isn't. I'm constantly paranoid that the world is lying to me about every single thing, and the more I pry, the more I find out it's true. We are lied to about everything from war to weed and in finding out the truth, you lose faith in mankind. If I had stayed a good little Christian boy, I would probably be a doctor or something by now, but instead, I'm a pothead who works at a convenience store.

Do I blame my parents for lying about Santa? No, they were just fucking around, and a lot of people just let it slide when they find out the truth... But for me, learning the truth behind a lie as huge as the Santa myth made me come to terms with life in ways that many people don't, and if you look hard enough, you'll find that Santa is the most harmless in a string of lies that reaches back for multiple millenia.

 

[AhumbleKnight]

The majority of responces here have been along the lines of '...because it's fun and magical and makes kids happy, you don't want to make them unhappy and bitter like you...'

Bah. What a load of crap. Not once was it mentioned in the original post that people shouldn't do the Christmas thing. Virgo was talking specificaly about Santa and lieing to children. I have a kid. We do the Christmas thing. I am not going to lie to my child. She won't get pressents from Santa because Santa is not real. She will get presents from the people who love her and are real. That is awesome. That is fun. That makes her happy. Not only is she getting new things to play with but she is also surrounded by family. How is that, in any way, taking away her fun.

My favourite Christmas song, and what Christmas is really about (for me and Tim Minchin at least)

 

[DeadFOAM]

What is it with this website and its members? I have never seen so many stuck up, emotionless, no-fun-allowed kinda people in the same place.

At least, I have never seen so many "so dark and edgy" teenagers pretending to be like that.

You have to be fair though, its really only a handful of "dark and edgy" people here. The rest are calling them out on it.

OT: It's harmless fun. The OP is still surly about a little white lie. Can we just move on and let kids be kids?

 

[AhumbleKnight]

OT: It's harmless fun. The OP is still surly about a little white lie. Can we just move on and let kids be kids?

Why do we need Santa for kids to be kids. Kids have awesome imaginations and create their own interesting fun games every day. They don't need their parents to lie to them for that to happen.

 

[The Virgo]

Same reason parents force their kids to believe in Jesus, because they can be manipulated into believing stupid crap at a young age.

*snip*

Woah, woah, woah, guys, I specifically said not to turn this topic into a debate about God.

Also, no, you may not turn this into a religious debate comparing it to God/Jesus/Moses/Mohammad/etc. We're talking about Santa, not God. Debates between atheists and believers never become more than flame-wars. Thank you for keeping it nice.

Remember reading this? Or did you even bother to read? Please guys, none of that in this thread, because, as I said, debates about God never turn into anything more than flame war.

When i have a son or daughter, im going to trick him/her into thinking im Santa. Say "I'll be back in the morning" and go out the door with a big sack on christmas eve night. ((And then climb in through my bedroom window and go to bed.))

Show up in the morning with snow on my boots, the smell of deer on my clothes and the last few presents in my bag. Then when they think im Santa, i'll tell them you, "cant tell anyone, not even your mother "

Childhood is about fantasy and whimsy. You have to build up all that happiness, so when the soul crushing depression that is High School bares down on you, you have a nice little reserve to fall on. Besides, whats more fun then saying the stupidest thing you can think of to a child and they believe it. "Yeah, People in China have to walk on their hands. If they let go, they fall into space! D: See, the world is a Dodecaoctahedron. And babies come from space! Theyre hidden inside Meteorites!" /worst father ever

XD No, dude, BEST father ever! XD Or at least, best father until they find out it was all bullshit. ;-) I got a book called "Loads More Lies to Tell Small Kids" that was great, like if you change the channel, the person who was on TV dies or that or that the reason there are so many beer cans on beaches is because starfish are always drunk. That's why they're always laying down. XD Best one, though: If they name a hurricane after you, you have to pay for all the damage! >

Also, while we're on the subject, I can't help but link this video ...

Spoiler: A related video ...

My dad hated this because "it was mean to do that because Christmas is such a special time to them, blah, blah, blah ..." Sometimes I really hate his bleeding heart. -_-'

 

[woodaba]

Look this does not matter if it is truth fiction real or fake this santa clause was once adopted as a story of old saint nick from germany where the parents were to poor to promote such an idea where saint nick was an old toy maker that whittled in his free time he gave his creations to kids when he passed by nothing more he became over glorified by being dubbed a saint after his death and renamed santa clause when translated is saintly cause. now it is used to promote consumerism on winter solstice pagan holiday later made to be hedonistic then was made to be christian based giving underlying "tones." Anger is unnecessary in this I personally do not celebrate any holiday due to my religious beliefs saying why have festivities on one given day why can it not be every day what make this day different and don't say christmas cheer or some nonsense like that.

I see Santa didn't give you any punctuation marks for Christmas.

Haha, What? Really, you pity the guy that finds joy in the little things while you're over there thinking that being a cynical egotistical "realist" on every small children's fairytale is the proper way to live a life?

Yeah, I'm envious of you. Sounds like you really are living large over there bud.

I am, actually. What about it? And if it weren't for us cynics, there would be 50 suckers every minute born and 232 to take them.

Hating and questioning every pointless tradition, holiday, and mythical creatures just to prove that you're somehow smarter for pointing out why simple fun things that have never harmed anyone (except you, from the sounds of it) is a laughably pointless way to lead your life.

No, I wasn't harmed by it, but I'm a bit disappointed in my parents who, when I confronted them and told them to tell me the truth about Santa many, many years ago, still lied to me. Bastards.

*snip*

Well hello, JoJo, we meet again.

Hmmm, that's a pretty interesting quote you have there. Of course, I have to wonder, won't the child feel even more bitter after seeing Santa proven to exist in that quote? Maybe she will, maybe she won't. How long ago was that from?

But, name me one person you know who grew up with psychological problems because their parents pervaded a myth.

Well, Ed Gein grew up being raised by a sadistic, religious mother who had him believe that all men were sex-addicts and sinners (not trying to overstep my own rules, just stating a fact). He then became a necrophile and grave robber who made furniture and other things out of skin and body parts (like a belt made of nipples and a lampshade made of skin) and killed two women. Not comparable with Santa, of course, that wasn't my intention at all, but that was a myth he grew up with and it made him insane. Also, Ted Bundy was supposedly abused by his grandfather and was told that his mother was actually his sister and, as a result, felt lied to and angry. We all know how well that worked out. Again, not even comparable with Santa and I would berate anyone who would make a comparison, but you said people who grew up with psychological problems due to believing a myth and Gein is a fine example. Psychological problems because of Santa, though? Not very likely. Bitterness or slight anger? Possible.

Its just harmless fun. Its not tricking you, cause no kid ever actually gets coal. It is something magical for the children and the parent. Have you ever see a child on Christmas morning? I tell you, that sight warmed my cold, black heart. I consider myself a cynic much like you, but this is one issue where I will happily side with the masses. It is something beautiful.

Really? Parents don't actually give coal? Huh. If I had a kid whom I had taught the Santa tradition to and he had been an annoying brat all year, I would put some charcoal in his stocking.

And while I don't doubt that, for some like you, the sight of a magic-filled child on Christmas morning would be a heartwarming scene, I would probably sit there wondering when the hell it was going to be over so I could leave and buy games on Steam on sale for super cheap! Now that's something I believe in! GABEN CLAUS! He has a workshop in Bellevue, Washington and his helpers are programmers, mappers, hat makers and people who run Steam! And the reason he's fat is because he goes around eating all of the milk and cookies! XD

*Episode Three gets put on hold for 50,000 years*

Plus, I remember when I was a kid, one kid in our class had parents like yourself. They always told him that Santa is not real. He grew up pretty much unharmed by it, (his asbergers syndrome, I assume, is unrelated) ...

Tonight on Jerry Springer: I got asbergers from not believing in Santa! XD Sorry, I had to do that! Please continue.

... but one day, he was feeling spiteful, and to a class filled with little kids who were incredibly excited for the arrival of Santa Claus, announced that he was not real. I think we all had an inkling by this stage, (I know I did) but this was the straw that broke the camels back. We were all very angry and very upset.

If your objective is to prevent this from happening, then fair enough. But always remember, if you do this, your child could end up being that jealous, vindictive, asshole that just had to spoil it for everyone.

Well, he certainly was a buzz-killer. That's why I at least put the [NO KIDS ALLOWED] notice on the thread topic. That way, if they come on here and see the "awful" truth, it won't really be my fault. Nor anyone's fault who posted here.

But that's my problem with children and why I don't want any. There's no way to correctly raise one. Something that may not even remotely bother one child may turn one into a paranoid schizophrenic. Let me give you an example:

- "Acid Bath Murderer" John Haigh, as a child, ran outside after a WWII bombing at his London home. The bomb came with "a horrifying shriek, and as I staggered up, bruised and bewildered, a head rolled against my foot." Joel Peter Witkin, a well-known artist who's work is admittedly gruesome but fascinating, experienced the same event after witnessing a car accident. So what makes one person become a serial killer, and another a famous artist? -

link: http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/events_5.html

There's just no right way to raise a child. Hence why I don't want one.

And here we come to the crux of it. You sir, hate children. That does not make you a bad person. My first girlfriend despised children. There is no manual that says "Raising Kids for Dummies". However, it is not incredibly difficult to know how to raise a child. You have to be dedicated, you have to be patient, you have to be strong. You make these points about incredibly traumatic events, and bombs, and child abuse. THIS IS FUCKING SANTA CLAUS. Yes, it is a lie. But you know what? WE LIE EVERY DAY. Actors lie as part of their profession! Being traumatised because of the Santa lie is like being traumatised by learning that James Bond is a fictional character. Santa is a harmless, fun thing for parents. As a parent, I know this. You are not a parent. You do not know. You also, as I predict, find children repulsive. Santa claus is NOT FOR YOU. IT IS FOR US. STOP TRYING TO BE A SMARTARSE, AND LET US GO ABOUT OUR BUSINESS.

 

[JoJo]

*snip*

Well hello, JoJo, we meet again.

Hmmm, that's a pretty interesting quote you have there. Of course, I have to wonder, won't the child feel even more bitter after seeing Santa proven to exist in that quote? Maybe she will, maybe she won't. How long ago was that from?

First published in 1897. I doubt she'd feel bitter, there was an article in the Christmas special edition of NewScientist on this subject a couple of years ago, debating whether it was beneficial or not to advocate the Santa myth. The general conclusion was that it's okay, since most kids when they do find out feel mature and grown-up that they are "in on the secret" too rather than disappointed by Santa's lack of existence.

 

[Sectan]

If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is a troll-baited trap.

It's one of those threads that everyone will want to respond to so this guy gets a shiny "OMG YOUR THREAD IS POPULAR" badge.



Anyways, My parents told me about Santa. I believed it until I was 11. I wasn't all heart broken when I found out.

 

[Hosker]

The real question is why not?

 

[DeadFOAM]

OT: It's harmless fun. The OP is still surly about a little white lie. Can we just move on and let kids be kids?

Why do we need Santa for kids to be kids. Kids have awesome imaginations and create their own interesting fun games every day. They don't need their parents to lie to them for that to happen.

I was unaware that belief in Santa was the sole criteria for kids to be kids.

What parent tells their kid everything? Are you saying that kids should be told where babies come from immediately? Will kids be told that a large percentage of the world is in turmoil? Pain, murder, and rape are common?

Santa is a part of childhood. It's a magical and joyous thing that brings happiness to many kids. Life is hard enough.

 

[Biodeamon]

I don't think you really need to put the warning up for kids.

escapist won't let anyone in under 13 and by they've pretty found their dead dad in the chimney in a santa outfit by that age. (you can haz a cookie if you get the reference)

 

[Necron_warrior]

To be fair, I don't understand how a kid knowing Santa doesn't exist would make Christmas any less fun.
I mean, the kids still gonna get presents, that's what's fun about it right?

 

[D Moness]

I don't think you really need to put the warning up for kids.

escapist won't let anyone in under 13 and by they've pretty found their dead dad in the chimney in a santa outfit by that age. (you can haz a cookie if you get the reference)

Wasn't that from the gremlins (been a long time since i saw that but i think it was that).

As for santa , each parent their own (if they tell or do not tell the kids) just do not tell me what i should or should not tell my kids (if i had kids)

 

[lacktheknack]

Spoiler: The Easter Bunny isn't real either.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;__;,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I SUPPOSE YOU'LL BE TELLING ME THAT THE TOOTH FAIRY DOESN'T EXIST EITHER, YOU MONSTER.

OT: I never believed in Santa Claus, my parents never bothered with him, and I don't see why people keep doing it either. I'm not going to mention him to my kids. They'll have to do what I did... figure stuff out myself when everyone in Kindergarten starts getting misty-eyed in December.

 

[Biodeamon]

I don't think you really need to put the warning up for kids.

escapist won't let anyone in under 13 and by they've pretty found their dead dad in the chimney in a santa outfit by that age. (you can haz a cookie if you get the reference)

Wasn't that from the gremlins (been a long time since i saw that but i think it was that).

As for santa , each parent their own (if they tell or do not tell the kids) just do not tell me what i should or should not tell my kids (if i had kids)

yes, it was from gremlins. here's a cookie

also i think it's best not give my kids false illusions there's aready to many in the world causing too many problems

 

[Varanfan9]

Santa Claus? Who's that. Everyone knows Santa Christ is the only true Christmas Icon.
Honestly though I think its cause it contriputes to a young child's imaginations. Kids want the wymsical and magical not the cold hard reality. Let them learn that as they grow up.