Santa experiences: whose parents never lied to them? - Page 3

[Breeder]

My son believes in Santa Claus.

My husband and I have never told him that Santa is a Real Person.

My husband and I have never told him that Santa is NOT a Real Person.

We sing the songs and read The Night Before Christmas and when he asks a question (like "How does he get to all the houses in one night?") we say, "What do you think?" We've gotten some FANTASTIC responses we would never have heard otherwise.

If he ever pursues the question "is Santa real?" (and he was very close this year - I could tell he just wasn't quite ready to actually ask THE question) we have agreed that we will do what my parents did, tell him that yes, we bought the presents and ate the cookies. And then we will invite him to help in the game for his little brother and younger cousins. It was a really proud day for me when I was "in" on the game.

He has asked me if I believe in Santa, I answered truthfully, "I believe in the spirit of giving and happiness that Santa represents."

We want our children to figure out what they believe on their own both religiously and intellectually.

[AshleyB]

Originally Posted by Kirsten

To me, lying is a mistruth told for your own selfish gain. So little white lies told to save someone's feelings (when nothing can be done to change the fact) or stuff like Santa and the Easter bunny is not lying.

In many cases I think Santa is a mistruth told for the selfish gain of adults. Haven't you ever heard a parent, grandparent, or other family member remind a young child that Santa won't bring them any presents if the don't behave? I know that not all parents use threats of no presents or lumps of coal with their children (and that even fewer of them would ever carry out these threats), but I personally think a lie is a lie white or not. However, if parents insist on telling their kids that Santa is real then they need to make sure that it at least stays a white lie and get the extended family on board with not making Santa threats.

[lmk1]

Originally Posted by ProtoLawyer

I grew up Jewish, never did Santa as real, fictional, or otherwise, came out fine.

(This is my standard retort when people accuse me of ruining the magic and wonder of childhood by not doing Santa. I ask if they feel Jewish children are somehow deprived. That usually ends the conversation.)

Haha! I'm jewish too, and I asked my nephew if he believes in Santa, and he said "yes, but he only brings presents to Christian kids". He also believes in the Tooth Fairy, but then it's in his interest to do so, considering he makes a killing on each tooth!