Friday, December 10, 2010
Santa?
I suppose this is post is in the season of the holidays but in contrast to some of the things mentioned in the last post. As a Christian mom, I have been trying to teach my children the true meaning and purpose of Christmas. Now for many of you that also have similar beliefs, where does Santa fit in? I am not one of those people that believes that I can keep my children away from the commercialism or the hype of a big jolly man dressed in red, especially when different members of family and friends enjoy this part of the season. I have decided that I will tell my kids of the stories (or let them watch the Christmas shows) that have Santa as the main character since I don't really want them clueless when Grandma asks if they want to put some milk and cookies out! (just an example) Along with this, I have also told my kids that Santa is not real *gasp*. The problem I have now encountered is that my soon to be 5yr old, when asked anything reguarding Santa, proudly and smugly announces "Santa's not real". Why is that a problem you ask? Often this announcement comes in the presence of children hold on to the fact that Santa is real (and shocked parents who do not want there children to find out this devistating fact). So where do I find the balance between teaching my children what I think is right and being considerate to what others are trying to teach their children?
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3 comments:
Sounds like your way of dealing with Santa is similar to mine. I enjoy watching the movies and I don't want to take that from the children. I make sure to tell the children that there once was a Santa. They do not believe that Santa brings them presents. My dilemma right now is deciding if I want to take them to Story Time in two weeks as it will be a Christmas party with Santa included. Not sure if I want the influence of all the other children who believe he is real.
I am sorry I can't help with your dilemma, as it is my own. I have a friend whose children were taught that Santa wasn't real, her kids (these children are the ages of my older children) would go around telling others Santa was not real and that really bothered me, mostly because she didn't seem to see it as a problem.
I may just check back to see if you get any helpful responses.
I'm sure you've tried talking to him about it already...but that's my only idea. :) Brilliant, I know. haha. :) I think what I'd do with Tate though is sit him down and explain to him that some people think Santa is real and that it makes them very sad and upset when you go and tell them that Santa is not real. I'd also ask him how he would feel if someone came and told him that somebody he loved wasn't real...just to make him think. :) And then I might go over when he CAN tell someone that Santa isn't real - like if someone asks him if he thinks Santa is real or not. Lastly, when we're having an issue with Tate saying something he shouldn't or at an inappropriate time we talk about it right before we go out the door...and remind him what is kind to do, what is not kind, and what he should/shouldn't say or tell others.
It's kind of a basic idea...but I find that it works pretty well for Tate so far. :) Good luck!
I think there's no harm in little children believing in Santa. It's a sort of magical time full of memories they might treasure later on.
But I was surprised in Canada that so many kids still believed at an "old" age (being school kids). My nephews & nieces at the age of 5 already have serious doubts about Sinterklaas, and I remember knowing the truth at grade 1 too. However I always knew how important it was not too tell to younger kids. So I agree with the previous suggestions to explain why it is important not to blurt out to everybody that Santa is not real.
I think Christmas and Santa are more difficult for you than it is for us in Europe. We do not mingle those together, so Christmas has always been mainly for me a family gathering, a time to go to church, to celebrate and also a time for solidarity. Yes, there were presents, but they were given to me by my parents showing their love for me.
We celebrate Sinterklaas (the original Santa) on Dec 6th so the entire putting a shoe/sock and writing letters and present anticipation does not mix up the story of christmas. When I read your post I'm gratefull for that. I never realised that it might be hard to have the true meaning from Christmas come across.
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