Is it wrong I don't teach my kids about Santa, Easter Bunny, or tooth fairy?

Holly - posted on 12/10/2009

I have not read the other posts, so I hope I'm not repeating anything.. lol



Don't worry about what others think of your choice. I agree with you 100 % and actually posted a similar post about a month ago. I feel that when parents tell their children about these fictional characters - that they are in fact lying. I have no qualms about letting them watch Rudolph, or ready about the tooth fairy in story books because it is just that - stories.

My husband's family does not agree with this - but they are very respectful in keeping our wishes. Several aqaintences have questioned this as well, but realize it is a personal choice for our family.

The important thing is that you teach your children the truth. They will eventually hear all the other stories from school, friends, etc. but if you sit down with them and teach them the truth they will ultimately trust you over the others.

Hang in there, I know it is tough - but we are raising the next generation to be Godly seekers of Truth and followers of Righteousness :)

Judy - posted on 12/08/2009

Hi Kendra, number one remember everybody has there own opinion on this subject matter.God put you and your spouse in charge of his little one. My two girls know both storeys about santa the worldly storey and true storey. And I explained that one storey was for fun and the other was the trurth. St. Nick the man,don't frett kids aren't dumb just talk to your kids they will listen.Theres a Proverb in the Bible I like to say over my kids..."My children have a teachable spirit."-Proverbs14:16 (AMP) God Bless, Judy

TEMI - posted on 12/07/2009

Jesus rebuked the pharisees and saducees for mixing traditions of men with the word of God. Why should we be afraid to stand out. The bible says we are no part of this world. The only way we can show that is by sticking to the word of God and shunning all unbiblical traditions. Funny enough Jesus never celebrated his birthday and my research on easter bunny shows it is of pagan origin.

Jennifer - posted on 12/07/2009

I definitely wouldn't say that you are wrong, but I do not feel the same way. I was raised in a Christian household with strong faith and values. As a little kid I believed in Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy and it certainly never hindered my faith in Jesus. I always knew the real meaning of Christmas and Easter, Santa and the Easter Bunny were just fun traditions. They made the holidays magical for me and I hope to do the same for my daughter. I've read some comments about how telling your children about these fictional characters is the same as lying to them and I definitely don't agree with that. It's all about having fun and encouraging your child's imagination. Don't get me wrong, my daughter will always know the real meanings of the holidays, will understand the sacrifices Jesus made for her, and this will be our top priority. I just don't feel that I need to keep these fun traditions from her in order to stress the importance of faith.

Cynthia - posted on 12/07/2009

We had the same problem with our families. You can't go wrong with the Truth. We didn't want to teach our kids not to lie and then lie to them and call it tradition. This verse has helped we me with a lot of issues lately and I think it applies here as well.

For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. GAL. 1:10

Angel - posted on 12/07/2009

I was raised not believing in the tooth fairy, easter bunny, or santa and I turned out fine.. I was actually thankful that my parents didn't lie to me about this, I knew that all the other children in school believed though, so i was always careful around them. I chose to do the same with my children, they never believed in any fictional characters... my husband and his family feel like your family does... but I just didn't want to lie to my children.

Lisa - posted on 12/06/2009

I completely understand how you feel as I get the same criticism as I do not allow my 3 children to participate in anything that does not give glory to the Lord, plain & simple, if it doesn't glorify Him then their is no purpose in spending our time doing it. This is not taking away from their innocence, taking their childhood away, or depriving them of anything. It is so sad that this is what everything has come down to in our world today, we lie to our children to help them have fun, we turn every holiday into a candy bonanza, we give excuses as to why something is okay even when it's not. Children are innocent, they will enjoy whatever you make of things, if you make it fun then it is fun, it's all about how you do things, it has nothing to do w/a character. My children listen to Christian music, read Christian books, & do not celebrate any holidays for any other reason than the true meaning or don't celebrate at all if the true meaning is something that does not glorify God. In all things we do, say, or act on we should be able to say that it glorifies Him.

TEMI - posted on 12/06/2009

I agree with you children have a right to know the truth. Why should we make them believe a lie? It's so not right. You are doing the right thing. The bible says narrow is the path that leads to life and few are the ones finding it. A lot of people are on the braod path that leads to destruction with all the lies false teachings n so on.

Sarah - posted on 12/06/2009

I told my kids when they were young, i didn't want to lie to them, or they'll think i am lying about Jesus too, so i told them the truth, and they accepted it very well! But my daughter was very upset that Elmo was a puppet, not a real talking monster! But my kids now are 9 and 11, and they are glad that i have told them the truth!

Tahira - posted on 12/06/2009

Make truth the foundation for your children. I understand the childlike excitement around certain holidays, however you want your children to be grounded in truth. I teach my 2.5 yr old son about Jesus' birth and read to him these stories. He knows that his mommy and daddy and others who love him gave him the gifts he has, and that we give because God gave to us...His son Jesus. I can see now that the truth is settled in him even though he watches cartoons with Santa and all the other stuff. I believe this will form an early relationship with God....which is far more valuable than fantasies. In all of this, we still enjoy our holidays with the traditions of gingerbread house making and decorating etc. > God Bless.

Anne - posted on 12/05/2009

The people are saying we grew up just fine doing these things, doing halloween as bible characters etc, and lying to their children I'm afraid for you! In Matthew 7:2-5, Jesus warns against judging someone else for his sin when you yourself are sinning even worse. That is the kind of judging Jesus commanded us not to do. If a believer sees another believer sinning, it is his Christian duty to lovingly and respectfully confront the person with his sin (Matthew 18:15-17). This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope—and with the ultimate goal—of bringing repentance in the other person (James 5:20) and restoration to the fellowship. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to proclaim what God's Word says about sin. 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction." We are to "judge" sin, but always with the goal of presenting the solution for sin and its consequences—the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Here some bible verses related to Halloween - 3 John 1:11 Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Ephesians 6:11-18 ("take your stand against the devil's schemes.")
Ephesians 5:11-12 ("Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness" / "live as children of light") So many to list just research & check verse with bible!
Some people think it is innocent if they dress their kids in bible characters or cute things but it is still participating and promoting Halloween which wouldn't satisfy God! About telling the truth to your child! Why are people more worried about what others think than what God thinks? Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit, There are too many bible verses to list for lying! If you don't know if something is right or wrong research it with the bible! Ask God to guide you in the right direction! Don't just assume everything is ok if everyone else is doing it they maybe breaking God's will for us! When Judgement day comes God will ask us why we did the things we did knowing they were wrong! I would rather be safe with God and follow his word's in the bible!

Angela - posted on 12/02/2009

Good for you Kendra!

My husband and I are not teaching our son about these fictional characters either. When we see them in stores and such and he asks a question like. "what's that?" (He' 2 almost 3) I talke about them as I would Elmo or The Backyardigans.

My parents didn't teach me about them and neither did my husbands parents teach him. We grew up just fine! ;-) We knew who these characters were but we knew the real story of Christmas & Easter. I promise you, your children will be just fine too.

Celicia - posted on 12/01/2009

I want to briefly touch base about the whole issue of what to celebrate and what not to. You have to make the discerning of what God convicts you of and what not, and I find it rather harsh for some people to say that Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the tooth fairy are of Satan. Yes, I agree that the customs that the world has made them into such as the "me" complex and the "mine, mine, mine" mentality is completely unnecessary. But, I think that if some feel they can talk to their children about Santa and the easter bunny and tell them it is fiction and all in games, then so be it. I know I will be taking my 8 month old to get a pic with Santa this year, but I fully expect that next year to tell her that he is a spirit of Christmas for non-believers and even for some believers so that they can show children what faith is. Now, Halloween is not an option because of origination of the holiday and because of safety issues that can be encountered. So, to each his own, so long as Jesus is the center of the holidays and that they don't feel they are "owed" anything those holidays....
Now, as for your parents, just be strong. Don't back down from your faith and pray for them. Hopefully, if you live your lives the way that God intended, then God can use you to transform your mom. My parents don't believe in half the things I do, even though my mom is a christian. I will not allow my daughter to watch tv, now, or ever, and that's a personal conviction because I feel there is no family value to glorifies God on tv. Others may disagree, and trust me, they do, but you have to be firm. Tell her you are sorry that she thinks you are robbing them of these characters, but that you feel that they are still enjoying their holidays. Maybe not the way that she wants, but if they know no different, it can't affect them. I always think of it as a child that is born disabled some way, they don't know how to not be disabled, so they are content with what they have. But if they believe in Santa completely and not Jesus, then it's like a child that becomes disabled later in life, they resent it and wish for their past.

Jessica - posted on 12/01/2009

I don't teach my kids Santa either. I teach them that we celebrate the birth of Jesus and that He has blessed us to be able to give presents to each other as well as people who are less fortunate. I tell them not to ruin it for others by telling them " there is no Santa". I have also told them that if someone askes what they got from Santa just to tell them what presents they got. I'm sure at one point my mother did not agree with me about not doing the whole Santa thing but I did what I thought was right. The complaining doesn't last too long. This issue isn't going to physically, or emotionally harm them so you do what you feel is best for your children and know that your not alone.

Gina - posted on 11/30/2009

Keep up the good work. There is nothing wrong with the way you are raising your children. You are telling them the truth. That is always the best approach. My children are older now, but I didn't teach them about Santa either, and it has not bothered them at all.

Patti - posted on 11/29/2009

Not wrong at all, it's a part of childhood that kids need ... to be allowed to be kids!

Beth - posted on 11/29/2009

Hey Kendra,my name is Beth & I'm soon to be 53yrs.old.When my children where small I was in your shoes also.I told them about Santa the same as you.I did not want to lie about Santa because I felt if I did they would think that Jesus Christ was a lie and not real.However, I did not leave out Santa completely because of the wide spread of him not only in family but in friends also.I told my kids they could pretend & that he was pretend.I always put Jesus first and we would make "HIM" a birthday cake.Now they are grown and have children of there own & are true believers of "Jesus"."Christ"-mas is "Christ".

Jennifer - posted on 11/29/2009

I have decided not to teach my children about Santa or the Easter Bunny as well. I haven't given much thought to the Tooth Fairy until now! But my oldest will be 5 so I guess I should be thinking about that one now! :) I catch a lot of slack from my in-laws because we've been living with them while my husband is deployed to Korea. My mother-in-law especially has a Santa Claus fetish and is really trying to push him onto my kids and trying to make me feel guilty for not wanting to teach them about Santa. I have been telling my kids (ages 4,2 &1) that there was a man called Saint Nicholas who was a Christian and set a great example on the spirit of giving but that there is no man who brings toys to the good kids. That is not how Christ works. His salvation is for the good and the bad! It is not called Santamas it is called Christmas because Christmas is about Christ.

Dawn - posted on 11/29/2009

You are doing the right thing. We have always been honest with our kids about the true meaning of holidays. My kids (ages 12, 10 & 7) have never felt slighted or less excited about Christmas or Easter. My in-laws often try to push the Santa thing on my kids. My kids have learned to just smile and say "Santa is just pretend". It drives my mother-in-law crazy (I can tell), but she'll get over it. Ultimately, it's our job as parents to guide our kids according to Christ -- not the world. Your kids will be so grateful for this one day.

Michelle - posted on 11/29/2009

I don't think it's wrong, but you should also tell your kids that there are children that do believe in those things and that they should not go around telling those children that Santa, Easter Bunny, and Tooth Fairy don't exist. Because then your children start robbing other children of their innocence. Depending on how these characters are depicted they can be an excellent tool to teach children the Story of Christ. Well not the tooth fairy, but that one is just for fun. When I was a kid I just remember what an awesome experience it was to believe in those characters and you know children grow out of it eventually, but why not let their imagination run wild for a little bit? As long as they know that Jesus is not a fictional character, He is, without a doubt, our Lord and Savior.

Anne - posted on 11/28/2009

Quoting Heather:

My husband and I believe that if we lie to our children, then they have reason not to trust us. If we lie about Santa, then how do they know that we are not lying about Jesus? I will not risk my testimony in front of my children just to have a little holiday fun that is taking our Lord and Savior out of the spotlight.

Our daughters are 21 and almost 26. We did allow them to believe in these fictional characters. I am embarrassed to admit that I did not equate lying to our daughters about Santa and the rest, with lying to them about Jesus. We DID and ALWAYS WILL Celebrate the TRUE REASONS for these Holidays.  

Thank You Heather for stating such an Important Truth.

Hilma - posted on 11/28/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

I don't think it is wrong, I did not teach my children these things either for two reasons one I was devistated as a child when I found out it was all a lie and then I wonderered what else they lied about, and secondly I wanted them to know that Jesus is real even though we can't see or touch him I was worried that they would believe he was a lie too after finding out the others where. I know it can be difficult when others look down on you for it, but just remember this you are the one held accountable to God for your children so it really doesn't matter what anyone but God thinks.

That is exactly what I was thinking before I got to this answer... I always tell myself and others that it will be ME who stands before God (Yahwey) and gives account for what I allowed or taught my children.

Not everyone understands nor will they ever but I know in my heart what is acceptable and what is not FOR ME because if our hearts do not condemn us.... Just remind yourself who it is who will be held accountable on that day for your actions or inaction and they also will be held accountable for giving you such a bad time. I hope that does not sound harsh because it is not meant to be... it is meant as encouragement... keep doing what is in your heart and pleases our Lord!!!!!

Hilma - posted on 11/28/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

I don't think it is wrong, I did not teach my children these things either for two reasons one I was devistated as a child when I found out it was all a lie and then I wonderered what else they lied about, and secondly I wanted them to know that Jesus is real even though we can't see or touch him I was worried that they would believe he was a lie too after finding out the others where. I know it can be difficult when others look down on you for it, but just remember this you are the one held accountable to God for your children so it really doesn't matter what anyone but God thinks.

That is exactly what I was thinking before I got to this answer... I always tell myself and others that it will be ME who stands before God (Yahwey) and gives account for what I allowed or taught my children.

Not everyone understands nor will they ever but I know in my heart what is acceptable and what is not FOR ME because if our hearts do not condemn us.... Just remind yourself who it is who will be held accountable on that day for your actions or inaction and they also will be held accountable for giving you such a bad time. I hope that does not sound harsh because it is not meant to be... it is meant as encouragement... keep doing what is in your heart and pleases our Lord!!!!!

Darcel - posted on 11/28/2009

Quoting Heather:

... If we lie about Santa, then how do they know that we are not lying about Jesus? ...

Preach it sister!

What is so magical about lying to your children for years when they are young impressionable trusting souls, then turning around and punishing them for lying to you when they are teenagers because they don't trust a thing you say?

My 4 year old niece believes anything I tell her because she trust me as an adult in her life. I will not betray that trust and lie to her about something so unimportant in the grand scheme of things.  It is not important for my son to believe in Santa, it is important for him to believe in Jesus.

I am going to have enough trouble conviencing my son and nieces that a VIRGIN gave birth to a baby, he grew up and walked on water, was commited to death during an unjust night trail, exacuted, only to resurrect 3 days later.  By the way he is not holding a grudge or anything he will forgive your sins and allow you to go to heaven and meet his father, who happends to be God.

The story of Christ sounds like a fairy tale by itself, so I cannot confuse the messge of believing in God and having faith in Christ by lying about bunnies laying eggs, fat men in red suits coming down chimenys, and faires stealing teeth.

Chrystal - posted on 11/28/2009

I feel that when I learned that these were not real I questioned the belief in God as well because like these others he is not Physically there. I don't want to confuse my children in that way. Besides I feel it takes away from the true meaning of these holidays. We spend time talking about why that day is important. Yes he still gets gifts but after we celebrate Jesus's Birthday. He just knows who it's from. Anyways I think it's a choice you make as a parent.

Rebekah - posted on 11/28/2009

I wasn't raised with believing in Santa Claus, the Easter bunny or the Toothfairy - and I will not teach my son about these things either. In fact my mother told my brother and I the REAL story of Santa Claus, she read it out of the encyclopedia. So, no, I do not believe it is wrong. And your kids aren't missing out on anything - I didn't miss out, my parents had their own traditions for these holidays and we had tons of fun celebrating Jesus! :)

Heather - posted on 11/28/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

I don't think it is wrong, I did not teach my children these things either for two reasons one I was devistated as a child when I found out it was all a lie and then I wonderered what else they lied about, and secondly I wanted them to know that Jesus is real even though we can't see or touch him I was worried that they would believe he was a lie too after finding out the others where. I know it can be difficult when others look down on you for it, but just remember this you are the one held accountable to God for your children so it really doesn't matter what anyone but God thinks.

I agree with this 100%!

Jennifer - posted on 11/28/2009

I don't think it is wrong, I did not teach my children these things either for two reasons one I was devistated as a child when I found out it was all a lie and then I wonderered what else they lied about, and secondly I wanted them to know that Jesus is real even though we can't see or touch him I was worried that they would believe he was a lie too after finding out the others where. I know it can be difficult when others look down on you for it, but just remember this you are the one held accountable to God for your children so it really doesn't matter what anyone but God thinks.

Maria - posted on 11/28/2009

I will tell you this, this is your family that you and your husband has made don't let anyone tell you what you should or should not do you do what ever is best for your family. I was raised believing that there was a Santa and the rest of the nonfictional charters also. But the fact is when I reached about 5 I new that there was no way it could be true no I did not cry or anything I just would get up earlier and watch my parents get out the gifts that they claimed Santa was bring. I finally got caught around the age of 8. I believe my parents where hurt but I wasn't. I was just happy to know that they would go through so much to please me. I learned that some children take it so hard when they found out that these nonfictional charters exists. So what I am telling you is you and your husband to what you think is right by you two.

Traci - posted on 11/27/2009

We believe in Jesus Christ and attend church every week. However I love Chrisrmas and don't wish to deprive my daughter of the spirit and joy of Santa. She knows about Jesus' birth. I plan to tell her about Santa as soon as she is ready. When she asks about Santa, we talk about the story of Santa. The age seems to be different for all kids. I will explain though Santa isn't real, we can believe in the spirit of Santa and not spoil the joy for younger kids.
Traci

Alicia - posted on 11/27/2009

No,I told my kids when they were 3 years old and my Family Got Mad at me Put these are my kids Not theirs. So you did right.

Gloria - posted on 11/27/2009

:0) don't worry about what others think, Do What Pleases Our Lord.

Tammy - posted on 11/27/2009

It is true that we should not judge one another but in my opinion I was raised to know both ways. But I raise my children to understand that you and everyone else are not raised the same therefore things are celebrated differently by all people. I tell them that what is in the Bible is TRUTH and it does not change EVER. If God says do it then we do it and if He says NO then we don't make any changes to Gods word. Sometimes life is not fair but Jesus's Death was not fair either. What if He would have made different choices ? Where would we be?

Elizabeth - posted on 11/27/2009

I plan on telling my daughter about such characters, but making sure she understands that they are not real and are only stories for fun.

Sally - posted on 11/26/2009

hi
For us it is finding a balance between what we believe and the world that we live in while in no way watering down our faith. So we have always told the kids the truth but we play Santa and the tooth fairy as a game (the easter bunny annoys me, but in Australia we eat rabbits anyway!). They know we eat the biscuit and drink the milk for Santa and that we leave the money from the tooth fairy but they love the make believe of the game. Childhood is sooo short and make believe is so much fun. So we believe in Christ in Christmas and love the stories of Saint Nickolas and being generous at christmas but still also love to play the game. Kids are not silly, they know the difference between a game and what is real.

Magnolia - posted on 11/26/2009

I love the excitement of the holidays with my girls. They know what is real and what is not. We've told them that we (me and my husband) are their Santas, that there couldn't possibly be an Easter bunny bringing eggs because bunnies don't lay eggs. They even know that Halloween resulted because of All Saints Day and that there is no tooth fairy sneaking around their rooms at night while they sleep (we just give give them a flat two bucks per tooth - it's hilarious because they are continually wiggling teeth to see if they can cash in). The thing is...they still love to sing "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (Jackson 5 version), get Easter baskets and go on egg hunts, and receive way too much candy at Halloween (whether we "Trick or Treat" around the neighborhood or "Trunk or Treat" at the church) The point is, they are well-grounded in the Word of God. For example...when I burnt my hand today on the oven rack while preparing Thanksgiving dinner, my 5 year old took my hand and prayed for my healing. She didn't ask Santa or the Easter bunny or the Tooth Fairy for that healing. She called on the name of Jesus. That lets me know right there that they know Who is real and who is not. Remember: Your kids may still grow up and want to participate in those fictitious holiday activities...be it with their friends as teenagers or in their own homes when they are adults. Just make sure that they know the difference between what is Real and what is not as they are growing up...no secrets. They need to learn the truth from YOU, not the world, so when someone else approaches them with it, they can declare the truth that you have taught them...and believe me, they will.

Janice - posted on 11/26/2009

No it isn't wrong...but they will have to deal in the real world with these issues. You can teach them that this is the world's way of getting people to buy into products and spend money unnecessarily. Teach the meaning behind the character just like one does with Halloween and other holidays one celebrates.

Teicha - posted on 11/25/2009

We have always made Jesus the center of our Easter and Christmas celebrations. We have been asked if we are taking the "magic" out of the holidays by not including Santa and the Easter Bunny, but my girls are just as excited as I was as a child to see what is under the tree and what is in their baskets. Our celebrations mainly include concerts in different churches and volunteering activities in different organizations and we still take pictures with Santa. The difference is that my girls know that he doesn't bring gifts to our home. The gifts are from those that love us as God loved the World.

Naomi - posted on 11/25/2009

My husband and I are undecided about what we will teach our kids about Santa. He's more "pro-Santa", but I feel like Christmas has been so commercialized that Santa simply detracts from the true meaning of Christmas. My preference is to not celebrate Santa, but rather teach them that St. Nicholas was a real person and what his true mission was all about. I also don't want them to grow up believing that a fictional character is real, only to find out when they are older that we lied to them. We don't do the Easter Bunny and I don't plan on doing the Tooth Fairy either. At least the legend of Santa was based on a real person! We took our son to a fall festival at a church this year, and will plan to do things like that instead of celebrating Halloween. We want our kids to know that Jesus comes first and that truth comes before fiction.

Felicia - posted on 11/25/2009

I agree with Linda Carter I love Jesus and He is the center of our attention for all holidays even Halloween the kids dress up and we go to churches where they have puppet shows and activities that are all about him. However I do not want to take the fun out of the holidays just because we are Christians does not mean we can not have fun and I will continue to allow Santa the easter bunny and the tooth fairy into my home.... Until my kids are old enough to understand and then I will tell them that it was a fun game! It is no different then playing pretend with your child when they pretend they are the mommy and the baby is their child or when they pretend to be the waitress or waiter and bring you food.... I will explain to them that it is pretend. I do respect others opinions and what you are doing in your own families ULTIMATELY it doesnt matter if you do or do not have santa or others it is important that NO MATTER WHAT!!! Jesus comes first in your lives!!!

Amy - posted on 11/25/2009

We do not celebrate holloween at all. My parents take our son trick or treating behind our back. My parents are not christians and think this is ok. We do not have anything to do with Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny, tooth fairy and etc. It is all of Satin. We want nothing to do with it. I understand exactly what you mean. You are doing the right thing. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving.

Simone - posted on 11/24/2009

My parents didn't care to tell us about santa and the bunny. They always told me it was holiday pretend fun. They let me watch tv movies or shows but I always new it wasn't real and I grew better then someone who did believe in them. I knew those gifts I got were from my parents and I was grateful for them. During Easter we woke up to a basket of chocolate and candy. It made me realize how my parents went out their way to do little things to please my brothers and I. I learned it growing up and really feel and understand what they did more now as a parent.

***Remember being a christian is great but it comes with its hard moments with people(at times family) telling you that you are wrong in what you believe. Don't feel bad your being an awsome mom !!!! **** your kids will thank you later

Gloria - posted on 11/24/2009

I am a christian and a grandmother. My children, like yours, were taught the true meaning of all holidays. We had fun with the fictional characters. Yes, they went to see Santa, but they always knew he was not REAL. We even left cookies, and put up all the decorations. But they knew where the gifts came from. At Easter we always have a big dinner and egg hunt that we all enjoy. The fun comes after we give Thanks for all He has given us. After we thank the Lord for what he did for us on the Cross.
I do not believe any children that are raised in a christian home and told the truth are ever deprived of anything in this life. Yes we can have fun, but always tell them what everything is about. My kids and grandkids are well adjusted people and I do not think they felt left out of anything. Sorry yours parents don't agree, but you seem to be raising them correctly.

Kaye - posted on 11/24/2009

when my kids were little, we told them the truth about Santa Claus and the Easter bunny. my husband always told them that it was Jesus that blessed us so we could give them presents. We did do the tooth fairy for awhile though. both children are grown now and never had a problem with it. My daughter just had our first grandson and she & her husband have decided there will be presents from Santa for their children. We will respect their wishes, as they are the parents now! I think if you talk with your kids and explain it to them as they can understand it, it isn't such a big deal.

Linda - posted on 11/24/2009

I have three children, two step children and six grandchildren. My youngest son is 10. Do I think you are wrong? No. You have to do what you feel is right. However, I have always allowed Santa to come and bring presents to our house. We have always had the tooth fairy, and my kids trick or treat. One year I even put card board footprints that were the "Easter Bunnies" and my kids thought that was great. My children all serve the Lord, they all know the real meaning of Christmas, Easter, etc. That was always a priority in our home. But, we also had fun and enjoyed other elements of the holidays as well. Once they were old enough to "know" there was no such thing as Santa, I told them the truth, of course. But, they always went along with it so the younger ones would have fun. My children were not negatively affected by us allowing other traditions into our home, however, we always stressed Jesus in each holiday. I grew up in a pastors home and my grandparents were pastors. We were raised in a very conservative home, but Santa always left a present under the tree for each of us....we always knew who it was....but that was the fun of it! If you don't want to have any of that in your home, that's fine. I just feel that sometimes people pick on these types of things but then they talk about people (gossip), fight with their spouse, yell at their children, etc, and think they are holy and righteous because they don't allow the evils of Santa, etc in their home. (Not everyone, I know) We all have to be careful not to judge people for their positions on these types of things

Cheryl - posted on 11/23/2009

We don't either. Whatever our parent's thoughts on the subject, they have respected our wishes and haven't said anything to the kids.
You are not alone ;-)

Heather - posted on 11/23/2009

My husband and I believe that if we lie to our children, then they have reason not to trust us. If we lie about Santa, then how do they know that we are not lying about Jesus? I will not risk my testimony in front of my children just to have a little holiday fun that is taking our Lord and Savior out of the spotlight.

MaryEllen - posted on 11/23/2009

I've got a slightly different perspective than others here. I have a grown son as well as my young daughter. We did not teach our son (and have not taught our daughter) that the characters you mention are real. We've told the stories of how the holidays began what they symbolize. We also told them that some grown-ups like to pretend that these are real in order to have fun with the kids.

I spoke at length about certain things with my son after my dd was born. He appreciated the way we handled things concerning holidays. He thought it showed we trusted him to be "grown-up" and he enjoyed playing along with his grandparents when they spoke of Santa and the Easter bunny. He did not feel he lost out on anything, but felt more part of things because we included him in gift planning.

Teresa - posted on 11/22/2009

You are doing just fine. :)

Lacy - posted on 11/22/2009

You are not wrong. I have had this same issue with my family. We are the parents and we have to do what is right. We are supposed to be pleasing to God and not to men. Don't let anyone guilt you into doing something you feel is wrong. God bless you!!