I just read The Case for Keeping Santa by Lynne Griffin (@Lynne_Griffin). She discusses the positive values promoted by the stories surrounding Santa Claus. For example:
Joy
Create some joyful childhood memories.
“Santa’s biggest legacy is his desire to give without receiving.”
Wonder
“How does he get around the world in one night? Do reindeer really fly? Learning to question and make sense of the unbelievable is an important skill for a child. Just thinking about this Christmas tale encourages critical thinking and reasoning skills. Join your child on the quest to understand.”
Faith
“Santa Claus is your child’s first experience believing in something he cannot see. Believing in Santa is a beginning step toward teaching your child about faith. Spirituality is based on learning to trust in a higher power, in God.”
Hope
This lesson keeps us all going. Utilizing this story bolsters a child’s desire for better days to come. Of course, as Lynne points out, it can be equally dangerous if not tempered.
She also gives some tips for answering the inevitable questions that will come as children mature. “Don’t lie just to keep the myth alive.”
I recently participated in a discussion with others about what and when to tell a child about Santa and the Christian position on Christmas. Ted Torreson authored the post Why I Won’t Be Teaching My Children About Santa Claus. As a pastor, he makes the case that perhaps we do our children a disservice by not telling them about the reason for the season and the real story of St. Nicolas.
As parents, we want to teach our kids about faith, love and life. But, we also want them to maintain vivid imaginations and grow up with the values we cherish. The many positive characteristics of Santa seem worth perpetuating. Especially, that of the cheerful giver!
Related articles
- The Case for Keeping Santa (psychologytoday.com)