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Do Your Kids (Still) Believe in Santa Claus?
Filed under: Holidays
Do your children still believe in Santa Claus, if they ever did? Do you? I bet not. It seems every generation is less and less inclined to believe in jolly old Saint Nick. And I can understand why. His outfit, for one thing--it's totally outdated. Red is so NOT the new black, nor will it ever be. Plus, with the obesity epidemic hitting the nation, Santa might want to consider hitting the gym and getting a tad more buff if he wants to be taken seriously. All those milk and cookie treats the kids have left him over the years really have taken a toll on the poor old elf's waistline.
Also, I'm pretty sure the elves are planning on unionizing, and I heard something about the ASPCA launching an investigation to see how Claus treats his reindeer. Something about not letting one of them participate in some alleged 'reindeer games.' Aside from that, with the economy in the pooper and a recession hanging over our heads, our belief in Santa continues to spiral ever further downward. Hard to convince a kid that Santa exists and will bring him toys and then in the next breath tell him Santa is having to scale it back a bit this year so that XBox will have to wait.
I guess it's not really practical to believe in Santa Claus at all. I mean, you can look the guy up online and find out all about him and get thousands of opinions and facts about his existence--where's the mystery in that? Well, I guess the belief in Santa Claus is to provide some mystery. And to put a little magic back into things when they're cold and stark, like the weather or our current state of existence. Nothing can replace the feeling I still get as an adult laying down to sleep Christmas Eve, the same feeling I had when I was a kid. All was silent and still, perfect for listening for the sound of reindeer hooves or someone sliding down the chimney. There was so much anticipation in the air it hung like mistletoe over me. I believed because I wanted to believe, not because I had factual information proving Santa was real. And I think our kids need that more now than ever--or, maybe we do. I know I do.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
11-15-2008 @ 2:17PM
Joy said...Your last two sentences say it all.
Reply
11-15-2008 @ 2:45PM
2Joys said...If you don't believe - you don't receive!
Reply
11-15-2008 @ 4:20PM
Secret Mommy said...I believe in Santa Claus. And I've never let any old Scrooge change my beliefs.
(The hilarious thing to my family about my belief in Santa is that in regards to religion I consider myself an athiest. :)
Reply
11-15-2008 @ 7:35PM
Graeme said...The Santa you see is a creation if the Coca-Cola company during the early 1900's. The original had a green coat.
When did we start to lie to our children for fun... I do not know.
I do know its time to stop.
Create an idea for them, but, do not call it fact.
Call it a myth.
I , myself , believe there once lived a kind person that did give gifts to children in his villiage. Coal was given to children that were other than good. He did not reward bad children.
Before you offer a Christmas gift to a child ask the child if they deserve it. You will give it to them any-way. Still ask them.
Remind them this is a gift from a mythical source.
It may, or may-not, have consequences.
It is always better to be a good person and try your best.
Let them know that.
"What is right and what is wrong according to the 'law of the land' ". Let each person decide.
Christmas is a time to recognize this fact.
In the end we all know the difference.
Graeme Berke
Reply
11-15-2008 @ 9:50PM
Jenni said...You mean Santa's not real? I'm gonig to go call my mom and have a long talk with her!
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 11:04AM
Terry said...Santa Claus made my childhood Christmas holidays magical & left me with memories that have lasted my whole life. I have passed this down to my son who at 11 yrs still believes in Santa. Give kids a break, huh? They grow up too fast as it is.
11-16-2008 @ 1:37PM
Jenni said...Yes, I also remember knowing at 8 that there was no "real" Santa, but playing along always made it fun. And even now as an adult, I get presents from "santa" from my mom. It's just a fun, sentimental game. They still go through the motions, when we spend the night there Christmas eve, to fill the stockings and put out presents after everyone goes to bed.
No matter how old you are, there is just a great magical feeling waking up and seeing those stockings full that were empty the night before.
This to say that you 11 year old probably is playing along, but has long since figured it all out.
11-16-2008 @ 12:35AM
stevenf said...We'll find out when global warming melts the North Pole.
Reply
12-06-2008 @ 8:45AM
fonwonda said...In Enlightment: Never believe believers, just Santa Clause self!
Reply