A Supernanny Holiday, #5: The Question of Santa
Santa Claus brings joy to millions of children, and to parents who fondly remember their own childhoods, and delight in continuing traditions with their own children. But the kindly old man in the red suit can be a problem, too.
There are two Santa Claus issues that nearly every parent struggles with: does celebrating Santa Claus give children the ‘wrong idea’ about the meaning of Christmas, and what do you say when your little darling demands to know the ‘truth’ about Santa?
The following articles may help you out.
This article addresses the ideas of spirituality and faith, and how celebrating the more materialistic idea of Santa Claus doesn’t have to take away from those values.
A child psychology expert offers advice here on what to say when your child wants to know the ‘truth.’
And in one of my favorite articles, found here, the writer shares how the belief in Santa Claus never has to go away, no matter how old you are:
In essence, Santa does exist, and did all along. The guy in the red suit may be an outward expression of an inner truth, but it’s true all the same. It’s true in the eyes of the people sincere in their intent to spread joy each Christmas. It’s true in the smiles of the children who are first learning the joy giving a gift can bring. For me, it is most true each Christmas in the twinkle I see in the eye of the most magical person I know: my mom.
So, be sure to tell your children the truth about Santa. Keep the magic alive and let them envision the jolly old elf with his white beard and eight reindeer. And, when they are ready, tell them the deeper truth, and then invite them to be a part of that truth and the joy it brings to others.
And here’s a wonderful Christmas Eve activity for kids (okay, for adults too—I’ll be using it!): The Santa Tracker. Follow Santa’s progress across the world minute by minute, view the reindeer cam, and even hear phone messages from Santa himself describing his long night journey.
Have a wonderful and peaceful holiday season!
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