ANSWERS: 19
  • Its not lying, its harmless fun, kids should be kids. There is plenty of time to grow up later :-)
  • If you feel bad about it, then dont say anything until it comes up :) then when it does, you can say the truth, or if shes really into it, give a very confusing answer? hahaha no just tell the truth if she ever asks.
  • I think it's too much of a blanket generalization to say that ''all lying is wrong'' and we ''should never lie''. Sometimes lying is necessary, or suitable for a situation, as is bending the truth. When I was younger I didn't really believe in Santa, in fact I think I only really ever got presents on one Christmas. Part of this was due to the fact my father wasn't a Christian, and the other part (after my parents split up) was that my mother really wasn't enthusiastic about such things. So it's not really a tradition I'm used to. I don't see why I would tell my child a fat guy in a suit was going to bring him/her presents, in the long run I don't see where it's going to be beneficial. Yes, we will probably celebrate Hanukkah, but I don't intend to invest in the commercial aspect of Christianity because Hallmark or whoever tell me I should. Obviously my partner (/the child's father) will get an equal say in this too, so it isn't a firm stance, but generally I am reluctant to promote the belief in Santa.
  • good question. I think there is alot of marketing with picures of Santa claus and his raindeer etc on silly gifts that you don't need to buy. Spending that day with special people is what its all about! :)
  • There is a difference between a lie and a legend. Santa is a legend in the spirit of faith,goodness and joy. I still believe in the legend and what it stands for even though he doesn't come down the chimmeny every year!
  • I remember believing in santa when I was young,it was so fun and exciting and christmas eve putting cookies and milk out,not being able to sleep that night,opening the packages in the morning.The Santa Clause and Reindeer are a big part of that.I think it is good for the kids to be told and to believe in Santa and the easter bunny,and the tooth fairy, its just fun for them and for the adults.
  • I lower myself enough to lie to children on an almost daily basis. When we go shopping and I let my child hand my debit card to the cashier I say that she's paying. When my child makes a giant mess in the kitchen mixing random ingedients into a bowl while I'm baking I tell her she's helping. When She/they scribble on a paper with some crayons and it looks like nothing I tell them it's a wonderful job and a beautiful picture. At bedtime I list off all the people they know and say they are all going to bed too. I read fictional books mulitpule times a day. I tell them beer is "yucky". I read Christmas books to my children and if they ever ask if there's a Santa I believe a simple "Some people think so" will suffice.
  • I have to agree with the majority, Matt. I have never seen any harm in the Christmas "tradition" of Santa and gifts. Sure, he doesn't live at the North Pole, (I think!), and some do consider it lying. But, I always considered it harmless fun. I agree with "Kiss". I remember the almost uncontrollable excitement and the fun of opening your gifts and running outside to play and see what everyone else got. I have never heard of one person being damaged in some way by the tradition, (tho', in today's world, I would never say never). But, to each, his own. I would never ridicule you for your beliefs. As long as your child is happy, I say fine. But, please do tell her not to tell other children at school. I remember the 1st time each of my kids came home saying "so & so" said there is no Santa! They were shattered!
  • I love the excitement in my granddaughters eyes and loved it in my sons eyes. I am not lying to her though, I am giving her the joy of dreams and make believe. I don't think any parent was hated for telling their child about Santa.
  • I told my son that Santa Clause is a legend and that we just pretend the gifts are from him. He does not believe me. So many people asked him about what Santa was brining him that he believes Santa is real. If you don't want to tell your child that Santa is real that is up to you. I don't think it will harm her in any way.
  • Tell her that Santa is a fictional character based on several real people that gave presents to children ... such as Chris Cringle or Saint Nicholas ... http://www.lone-star.net/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm
  • Personally, I have no interest in having my children believe such a story is true. For that reason, I've abdicated Santa indoctrination to my wife. She also has no interest in having our children believe such a story is true. We both like the story. I hope our kids like the story and think of it as fondly as they would any other fun story or legend. This would be the philosophy my wife's parents applied. Mine didn't however. (Of course mine were shocked and gained a good story to tell when my brother and I used the scientific method to determine which mall Santa was the real one. We told each a different story and waited to see what we got. The real one was the Santa at my Mom's work. She quit that job, however, before the next Christmas. I also reportedly "fired" my mom when I discovered the fabrication.) In my mind, it would be lying to try to convince my children that the story is true. There are plenty of ways to fill a child's heart with joy without having to resort to fabricating reality.
  • I believed in Santa as a kid. it was always fun. and, sure, I was disappointed when I found it he wasn't real. but, I don't feel I was hurt. I was never mad at my parents for "lying." I guess it depends on how it's presented to a child. Of course, I don't have kids, but I do have nieces.
  • Although I am not a parent, I believe that you have made the right decision on not telling your child about Santa, or at least, not teaching her that he is real. A child being raised and taught there is a Santa Clause, and then finding out that Santa is not real later on, can be very destructive to his/her faith. I personally think what you are doing right now with your child is the better option then telling her about Santa being real, which would be lying to your child. I hope that this helps. :) Thank you and may God bless you. :) -In Jesus' Name.
  • I think you don't have to lie to your children about some magic man who comes in the night and gives presents. It's really dumb, adults just do it for themselves mainly.
  • I used to think I shouldn't tell the kids about Santa Claus, and we didn't, but we didn't try to stop them from believing in him, either. One day it dawned on me that Santa Claus is America's chief cultural icon--and that it makes us who we are, an extremely generous people. Generosity is built into our souls before we are even old enough to think about it. Santa Claus is a good cultural institution to have.
  • We treat Santa like any other fairytale. I loved the stories as a kid, so I wanted my kids to hear them too. We just don't tell the stories like they are true. But a fairytale. It worked with my son, he doesn't believe, but loves to draw pictures of Santa and whatnot. But our daughter thinks we are lying, that Santa is real, because her friends at school say so. We tried!
  • Ever read her Green Eggs and Ham? Ever play 'Got your nose'? Ever tell her she's the most perfect baby in the world? Santa is a game, not a lie. Besides, it's probably a good thing to teach her there are good things in the world to look forward to.
  • My parents (50 years ago) never introduced me to the jolly red elf, and I appriciated the respect. My parents NEVER lied to me, or glossed over harsh realities. I feel I personally am stronger due to their methods.... BUT each child and family is different. You know your own situation best Now good luck!!

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