Should children be told Santa is real or not?
How is Santa typically known?
Santa is a legendary figure, typically depicted as a portly, jolly old man with a white beard, a red suit trimmed with white fur, and a red hat. He lives at the North Pole and works with elves to get everything ready for Christmas. He has a naughty and nice list and has a magic sledge pulled by magic flying reindeer. He also goes be the name of Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Old Saint Nick and more (mainly in different languages)
Should we tell children that Santa is real?
Believing in Santa can be a source of magic and fun for children, and many people feel there is no lasting harm in it as it makes children use their imagination more to create their own story in a way that they think of Santa as well as what they have been told. It’s important to focus on the spirit of Santa, which is generosity, kindness and giving, rather than who is bringing the gifts, which are the main factors in Santa’s story that adults tell children. Dr Matthew Lorber, a child psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital:
“Imagination is a normal part of development, and helps develop creative minds” ‘ He adds that the Santa myth is a “real story, it’s a real value and it’s something that inspires children” with the spirit of giving and kindness.
Should we tell children that Santa is not real?
Some parents want to avoid lying to their children and want them to learn the truth from them first. It can also be difficult to maintain the “lie” as children get older and their critical thinking skills develop, so they might try to catch Santa. However, if children do find out the hard way then they will possibly be extremely disappointed, confused and sad. Dr Joseph Millum, ‘if you don’t behave, then Father Christmas won’t bring you any presents, thats parenting by lying’, ‘Controlling a child’s behaviour with a lie like this is manipulative.’
Is there a compromise?
Yes, there is a compromise as you can tell children that Santa is real and you just help him get everything ready for Christmas Day. Children will then still use their imagination (and you’re not telling a complete lie to children) but you can keep up the lie and not worry about having to say that Santa is not real.
But then again who is really to say that Santa isn’t real or say that he is real…?
By Imogen and Zaynab 9D