Santa Clause

[kimberlyb0112]

I am curious as to what people's opinions are about a child's belief in Santa Clause..
when we grew up, we did..
but in my opinion, it seems like it takes the focus off of Christmas and what it is all
about.
When I have kids in the future, I don't think I am going to let them believe in Santa
Clause.. but I'm not sure yet

Just curious

 

[Sparkey]

Greetings kimberlyb0112,

As you may know, I'm a grandpa these days so my "children" have already "flown the coupe". Sure, I know that Santa isn't real. I'm also part of the generation that was born in the early 1950's. We may have different views. Part of my religious training was as a zealot and I have been taught about the origins of many myths celebrated by Christianity but "borrowed" from false religions.

It is my considered opinion that the decisions of the parents are primary here. God knows what effect will come in the future. My suggestion would be that you consider these things prayerfully with your husband and walk according to your conscience and joint decision in the matter. For now it might be wise to reserve your final say until you have at least met and heard the thoughts and heart of your future partner?

That aside, I'll tell you a little about the way of the "House of Sparrow". Yes we did have a Christmas Tree and when my boys were young (under 3 years old) they were not exposed to the harsh truth that Santa is a lie. They were told that they were loved and my heart understood the "santa myth" to be a type of our Heavenly Father who gives good gifts to His children. I hate the commercialism that I see that has been added continuously to this "holiday" that is more and more secular and less and less even pretending to be religious. If I were a parent today would I have cause to change my opinion about Christmas and Santa Clause? You bet. Sadly this is indeed the case.

Trying to bring a balanced answer to your question here but more I am asking our Father in Heaven to bless you, your relationships and your children. It is difficult to walk the narrow path and I'm further asking wisdom for those above you (in the chain of command) as well as understanding granted to your peers as you continue to make difficult choices and chase after God in all things. That He especially direct your path and steps today as you serve your country and me and that our Father / Daddy / Lord God remember with such sweet kindness and firmly outpushed Grace onto you during your lifetime always for the sacrifice you make today.

Your servant,
~Sparrrowhawke

 

[follower of Christ]

I am curious as to what people's opinions are about a child's belief in Santa Clause..
when we grew up, we did..
but in my opinion, it seems like it takes the focus off of Christmas and what it is all
about.
When I have kids in the future, I don't think I am going to let them believe in Santa
Clause.. but I'm not sure yet

Just curious

Honestly, I wouldnt even bring the whole Santa think up if you dont have to.
I am against it because during some very crucial formative years we are basically lying to our child, causing them to believe something that isnt true. What happens when we tell them about Jesus and Santa...when they find out one is a complete lie it certainly cant help them trust in their parents.

I very clearly remember the year that I realized that Santa was really my uncle. The year before I was oblivious and couldnt tell that it was my uncles voice I heard. The next year I was able to tell and I can remember all sorts of emotions and thoughts running thru my head. I absolutely wouldnt willingly do that to my own child.

I dont judge anyone else in the matter tho. These are just my own thoughts and opinions.

 

[Timf]

Consider all that Satan has been able to accomplish with this venerable cultural icon;

1. Getting children to see their own parents deceive them.
2. Elevation of the desire for gifts.
3. Diminishing of gratitude to Christ for His gift.
4. Learning deception is OK if it makes you feel good.
5. Providing a means for secular commercial and educational interests to hijack the greatest event in human history to advance their own agenda.
6. Teach that indulging emotional sentiment is of greater value than humble gratitude.
7. Taking the greatest act of selflessness and making it into the promotion of general selfishness.

 

[Sparkey]

FoC, Timf - are you saying that you scarred your children with this?
Are you warning from experience??

 

[Nick]

Santa Clause isn't real?

 

[Kilomech]

Santa Clause isn't real?

Oh now you guys have gone and done it! Poor Nick...

To OP: Well, what my dad's church (He's a pastor) does is they still use Santa for the younger children but, while Santa is visiting the younger children (they have someone dress up as him) instead of asking what gifts they would like that year, he tells them them about the birth of Jesus and why it's significant. The reason he gives us gifts and we give gifts to each other is to honour Jesus' birthday. This teaches the children the true meaning of Christmas and that it's not about receiving gifts, but about giving them.

In my own experience, I was not offended nor did I feel deceived by my parents when I discovered the truth about Santa. They didn't even have to tell me. It was pretty obvious when every box marked "Santa" was in my dad's handwriting. I know I couldn't have possibly have been THAT bad every year. My dad still continues the tradition, giving me gifts from "Santa" even though I'm an adult now and I let him do so. I think it's cute, and that Santa is more symbolic than anything. Besides, everyone knows that reindeer can't fly. >.<

 

[Nick]

Santa Clause isn't real?

Oh now you guys have gone and done it! Poor Nick...

To OP: Well, what my dad's church (He's a pastor) does is they still use Santa for the younger children but, while Santa is visiting the younger children (they have someone dress up as him) instead of asking what gifts they would like that year, he tells them them about the birth of Jesus and why it's significant. The reason he gives us gifts and we give gifts to each other is to honour Jesus' birthday. This teaches the children the true meaning of Christmas and that it's not about receiving gifts, but about giving them.

In my own experience, I was not offended nor did I feel deceived by my parents when I discovered the truth about Santa. They didn't even have to tell me. It was pretty obvious when every box marked "Santa" was in my dad's handwriting. I know I couldn't have possibly have been THAT bad every year. My dad still continues the tradition, giving me gifts from "Santa" even though I'm an adult now and I let him do so. I think it's cute, and that Santa is more symbolic than anything. Besides, everyone knows that reindeer can't fly. >.<

Same here.

I'll probably do the Santa thing to my kinds (if I have any), but the focus will be on Jesus obviously.

 

[jasoncran]

i knew santa wasnt real by the age of 6, because my jw days

 

[GodspromisesRyes]

well this can be a big issue, but it really is very simple: are christians allowed to lie? there ya go.


we cannot lie so how can we tell our children a thing is real that is not real, and then tell them also God is real and expect us to still believe we never lie once they are old enough to know santa isnt real?

the only reason people feel they need to lie and do such a thing is because they do not have the fullness of Christ in themselves and their children and families to bring true joy and happiness and contentment to their children so they are taught to LIE to get it done and make their childs childhood better.

another way to ask yourself is always " would Jesus have told a child the story of santa and told them he was real and go on deceiving them and buying gifts and labeling them santa and making cookies to put out for santa?" if Jesus would not do it- you dont do it either is a good way to live

 

[Sparkey]

• [list:rtjcbvt2]... "would Jesus have told a child the story ..."

[/list:u:rtjcbvt2]Would Jesus buy a car on credit and drive it around to impress his friends?

• [list:rtjcbvt2]"... this can be a big issue, but it really is very simple: are Christians allowed to lie?"

[/list:u:rtjcbvt2]Does Jesus lie when he calls his followers (us) sheep?

Is it okay to tone it down a couple notches here? We are clearly commanded to love each other. Neither the story of Santa, nor the overly harsh judgment of our neighbors is cause for damnation (IMHO). I'd ask for any who believe that I sinned by teaching my children about Santa simply ask God for me and trust Him to give me life.

My kids were also exposed to Walt Disney. Some criticize Americans because they teach children of the story of Snow White and how she fornicated with dwarfs. But let us not go there.

~Sparrowhawke

 

[kimberlyb0112]

Santa Clause isn't real?

Oops.. I'm sorry to disappoint you Nick! Also.. the tooth fairy.. the easter bunny.. yeah..they're fake too :yes

 

[GodspromisesRyes]

• [list:30etionj]... "would Jesus have told a child the story ..."

[/list:u:30etionj]Would Jesus buy a car on credit and drive it around to impress his friends?

• [list:30etionj]"... this can be a big issue, but it really is very simple: are Christians allowed to lie?"

[/list:u:30etionj]Does Jesus lie when he calls his followers (us) sheep?

Is it okay to tone it down a couple notches here? We are clearly commanded to love each other. Neither the story of Santa, nor the overly harsh judgment of our neighbors is cause for damnation (IMHO). I'd ask for any who believe that I sinned by teaching my children about Santa simply ask God for me and trust Him to give me life.

My kids were also exposed to Walt Disney. Some criticize Americans because they teach children of the story of Snow White and how she fornicated with dwarfs. But let us not go there.

~Sparrowhawke

no jesus would not buy a car on credit and drive around to impress his friends, and no Jesus does not lie when he calls us his sheep that is true.
i am not not loving you or anyone else, just speaking about the matter itself. i dont think any is damned over this but it is a lie. Does God forgive lies? of course. my oldest son was told santa was real by me and when he was a couple years older and i had conviction over this lie i told him the truth and God forgave me. i did not tell any of my younger children santa was real but instead told them that santa is a lie and is not real. i was not trying to give harsh judgement of any person- but only calling a spade a spade. i also think little " white lies" or " fibs" are really just plain lies. but i love everyone who told their kids about santa and dont think its a damnation situation at all.

 

[Nick]

That's a thing that's always bothered me - we're lying to our children when we tell them Santa is real, especially when they ask. It's pretty hypocritcal.

 

[Kilomech]

That's a thing that's always bothered me - we're lying to our children when we tell them Santa is real, especially when they ask. It's pretty hypocritcal.

Well, then why not give them a more honest answer?

When my son asks, I'm going to tell him exactly this: "I don't know, I've never been to the North Pole." And that's the truth, I have no idea if Santa exists or not and I most certainly have never been to the North Pole. No need to tell them, "Yes, Santa is definitely real without a doubt in my mind" because that may lead to one of two things when they get older and discover that Santa may indeed not be real. Number 1. Mom and Dad are a little bit naive. Or, number 2, Mom and Dad are big stinking liars.

Or they could just turn out like me and not care either way.

 

[handy]

We did the Santa fun with our kids. We never really lied, just did things like Kilomech said, "I've never been to the North Pole but..."

Now both are old enough to understand that there isn't a Santa, (sorry Nick) nor the Easter Bunny, nor the Tooth Fairy. But, nonetheless the Santa present still shows up under the tree, the basket with candy is there on Easter mornings and a tooth is still worth a buck.

It didn't hurt their walk with God, or interfere with their understanding of Who Christ is, the miracle of His birth, His loving, sacrificial death for us, and His resurrection.

A while back, when there was a question regarding Santa on the forum, and the Christians were saying that it was lying to the kids. (I always felt it was more like a fun, interactive story.) So, I asked my daughter if she felt like we had betrayed her and her brother by having them believe in Santa when he wasn't real.

She looked at me as if I had gone bonkers, sort of (figuratively speaking) and said, "Nooo, why would you think that?"

Kids get it, they really do.

But, as always in matters such as these, we must let Romans 14:22-23 be the guide. If one really feels that sharing the Santa story with the kids isn't right, then do not do it. Whatever is not from faith is sin.

 

[Twisted Hawk]

I don't think Santa is the best story to share with a child, but that doesn't mean there should not miss out on the traditions. What I recommend doing is making a costume, and then coming into the house later on. Or better yet, have a friend of yours show up to your house in a costume. Tell them it's someone you know, and that they will find out later who the person is. I don't consider this lying.

 

[Twisted Hawk]

That's a thing that's always bothered me - we're lying to our children when we tell them Santa is real, especially when they ask. It's pretty hypocritcal.

Well, then why not give them a more honest answer?

When my son asks, I'm going to tell him exactly this: "I don't know, I've never been to the North Pole." And that's the truth, I have no idea if Santa exists or not and I most certainly have never been to the North Pole. No need to tell them, "Yes, Santa is definitely real without a doubt in my mind" because that may lead to one of two things when they get older and discover that Santa may indeed not be real. Number 1. Mom and Dad are a little bit naive. Or, number 2, Mom and Dad are big stinking liars.

Or they could just turn out like me and not care either way.

I wouldn't recommend that. That's stretching the truth completely. People that stretch the truth remind me of Dial the Truth Ministries(www.av1611.org) where they relate DC Talk to Marlyn Manson when they used Simon Maxwell for their Jesus Freak video. I also read alot of their blogs, and they are stretching the truth WAY TOO MUCH when they associate certain symbols with satanic imagery. This struck me after they claimed a coiled snake on Metallica's black album had 666. Do you really think they meant for a coiled snake to exhibit the 666 symbol? By that logic, slinkys are satanic when stretches out, as you can clearly see different strands of 666.

Sorry to say this, but it sounds like your trying to stretch some truth when telling your child this. That's like saying I don't know the Hamburgler is a real person, as I do not know where he lives. Plus, you already know Santa does not exists, so by saying you don't know is a lie.

 

[stovebolts]

I think you are all making way to big of a deal out of this

My kid's love Santa Claus, even the one that's 23 ... and when they found out that Mom and I were Santa, they were just fine with that...

Now then, had the presents stopped coming when they "found out"... But alas, Mom and Dad... aka Santa Claus... See, Santa does exist :D

 

[sheshisown]

Hi santanians~

Nope, I am not making ANY statement about this subject per se~ Just thought the name was funny. hahahahahaha sometimes being silly is my BEST defense, never like to take myself TOO seriously~ oh God help me to listen to my own words here~

Anyway I will tell you about my own experiences with Santa the Claus. It seems that Santa came with a clause in my life as a child.

Well~ My family was a bit poor growing up, so there was hardly any show of Santa at Christmas time. My mom raised us four girls working 2-3 jobs at a time. She was VERY practical~ so we never had a tree, or a turkey, or any of the dressings of Christmas.

However, she always gave each of us a present, often home-made things. Dolls made out of rags, TRUE rag dolls. A store-bought game (checkers) for all to share, etcetera.

But one year, we watched some nice men walk up to our garage <converted into a tiny house> carrying a tree, and presents and bags of food! WOW! :crazy My sisters and i were SO pleased! We had a wonderful meal and so much food for months to come! This Christmas moment is an embedded precious memory for me. :heart


However, they came from one of those clubs, that hepl people, like Elks or something, I was only six so I do not remember. One of our neighbors <so my oldest sister told us later> had sent them. My poor hard-working proud momma was so ashamed that we were strickly told never to share what we got (or did not get) for Christmas after that.


TIME sped on...

I was married to an Armenian gentleman with two little girls of my own. :D We worked hard installing carpet together and earned an excellent living! We bought them everything we could afford, they were spoiled little girls. Except they had to wear the clothes that their Grandma, the Armenian seamtress made... She had VERY old fashioned ideas of style. Oh well.

Now on to Christmas day.
How did my girls get their presents? Was it from a golly old fat man in a red fury suit? :christmas OH NO! They had to kiss the knarled hand of a man (often their dad) dressed in red, with a humped back and a cane he hit people with~ the Armenian Santa was angry and rude to everyone! If they did as they were told he would give them one of their presents... But sometimes he would offer the gift in an extended and, then JERK it suddenly away! I had to wipe a few tears away...

WHY did they do it? To teach them to be suspicious of strange old men with humped backs and canes, I guessed... The man playing Armenian santa would have an egg to sit on placed in his chair, and usually got the cane knocked out from under him too! All the Armenians laughed and laughed! LOL.

So~ Santa Claus was a joke to my girls... and to me. I am kind of glad that I did not lie to them about a really kind dude who brought gifts and goodies every year ~ but I never had the opportunity...

Does any of this teach a moral? I don't think so. :toofunny

What purpose does it serve, I would like to know, to employ our renewed minds to such drither? Perhaps it just gives us the opportunity to "get to know one another better", huh?

sheshisown~