By: Hannah Wooters
Some people believe in Santa because it brings joy and excitement, especially during the holiday season. The idea of a jolly, gift-giving figure adds to the magic and wonder of childhood. It’s a way to embrace imagination and create lasting memories. Plus, believing in Santa can be a fun tradition for families to enjoy together! But have you ever really thought about it?
Does an old man who flies in a sleigh pulled by eight flying reindeer sound realistic? That’s because parents around the world tell their young children that Santa is a jolly old man who flies in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer stopping at every house, putting presents under every child's Christmas tree in the span of twelve hours every christmas.
But what really happens is, parents shop for gifts and put them under the christmas tree writing “From Santa” on the wrapping paper. Why do parents tell their children this anyway? “To keep the magic of Christmas alive for little children,” says McKenna Henderson. The magic of Christmas doesn’t come from thinking about an old man giving each child a Christmas present.
The magic of Christmas should come from being with your family and spending time on the holidays. This might include sledding, building snowmen, opening presents, Christmas dinner, etc. Why should parents not lie to their children about Santa Claus? McKenna Henderson stated, “To not get their hopes up in the future,” this is a great statement, parents should not get their children's hopes up because it can lead to disappointment and hurt feelings. It is important to manage expectations and be realistic to avoid unnecessary heartache.
It is very important for parents to be honest with their children. When parents lie, it can break the trust between them and their children. Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and when it is broken, it can be hard to repair. Plus, being honest with kids helps them develop a sense of integrity and teaches them the value of truthfulness. So, it is always best for parents to be open and honest with their children.
This image is showing a baby finding out Santa isn't real. Photo courtesy of News.com