Okay to manipulate kids into believing in Santa Claus????

Ahhhh....we are in the stretch for Christmas!  (Or Winter Holiday, for my non-Christian friends!)

For those of you who have kids, or just have an opinion, how do you feel about kids believing in Santa Claus?

Some parents REALLY get into Santa!  Wow, when I used to still practice therapy, I had a few OCD parents who had odd fixations on Santa!  Oh boy....

Others feel it is a silly comercial figure based on a giant lie....and why drag kids into that?

Some people have justice issues with this character:  Santa = well off white kids in America get toys.  (rest of the world continues to starve)

Some Christian fundamentalists reject Santa as a bad distraction from the Nativity.  Perhaps you have heard a Bible Thumper tell you that you can mix up the letters of SANTA CLAUS and it spells "Satan Cal us!"

For a period of time, when my kids were small, I did the Santa thing with them.  It was cute and there is a lot of presure to norm-in to this custom.  Soon the Santa thing became silly.  Also, I did some research.  The Santa of today has zero to do with St. Nicholas of the early Church Fathers.  To us Santa is part of "Holiday blend" in our culture. 

So, we do Santa on Christmas morning, but that is it.  We just keep it as family time and keeping religious customs.  We also practice charitable parity.  We make sure we give more to helping-organizations (Salvation Army, etc.)  than we spend on presents.  In short, Santa does not make it happen for us, but, he sure looks cute hanging on the Xmas Tree!

Thoughts?

Yep......"Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus" is a classic.  Though, I think it is more about sentimentality and nostalgia than anything substantial.

Case in point.  When I volunteered for the Salvation Army I met a little boy named John.  He would go to every shopping mall Santa with his list.  Each Santa told John he would get something in his stocking and something under the tree!  Ho, ho, ho!  When John awoke on Christmas morning he found no presents, no stockings.  Just his mother hung over in bed with the latest pick up.

Iscolated case?  No.  Happens all the time.  By the millions in this country alone.

Though, keep in mind, I am not anti Santa....no Humbug here!  Just my own perspective.  I will be interested to see what folks post on this!

drpsyce, I knew about the Santa- Santan connection, but not the "Call us" I think that's funny.

As to  manipulate kids into believing in Santa Claus, that's something I'd have to stand back and think on. They can learn that "Tis better to give them receieve" but the Parents shouldn't go overboard on giving to the kids (Like drpsyce)

Instead start them in giving to the poor around 5 and show them "We'll be happy that we gave them who have less, to help them"

My Sister and I used to go nuts (At times) when those giving trees came out, but after 3 years, we quit as the kids (And even adults) wanted the latest electronic toys (Nintendo $150-$300) and I told one tree person that "I'd be hanged if I give a stranger that, when I wouldn't buy it for my sisters kids!"

Genenco:

At my home I THOUGHT we were frugal in getting my 4 kids "stuff."  We are not multi millionaires, but I am very blessed and have made the choice to live simply.  (Except for my gambling!  Woooo!)  But, even after being careful about getting my kids too much, we STILL have a house full of CRAP!  Thus, the reason we do ONE gift at Christmas.  One!

Oh, I think Santa representing "the spirit of giving" is a stretch!  lol

I don't think it's a bad thing at all 4 kids 2 believe in Santa; our world is so crazy, & it seems kids have 2 grow up & face the realities of life so much sooner than back when I was a kid.  I say let them believe as long as possible.  I remember I was in EIGHTH GRADE, laying in bed trying 2 fall asleep, & I overheard my Mom say 2 my Dad " C'mon, we have 2 put the presents under the tree 4 the kids b4 we go 2 bed."  I WAS DEVASTATED!!!!  Ultimately, it didn't matter though.......  I STILL believe in Santa