How do you handle Santa Claus?

Angela - posted on 01/30/2013

I don't "handle" Santa at all at this time of the year. He's enough of a handful in December. We now have about 10½ months respite.

Bliss .........

Joy - posted on 01/29/2013

Are you hesitant because you believe as they get older and find out that he isn't "real", they may question if you can be trusted with other things? Is it because of a religious belief?

Alicia - posted on 12/21/2009

Carla I so agree with you. I believe Santa is harmless. I have a three year old and a 7 month old we have Santa in our household and never regret it. We will teach the kids about Jesus birth too. We are over thinking and to think people say we are lying when we introuce Santa is beyond me. A child needs to be a child. If you teach right and set the morals to your child your child will not astray. I believe you can have Santa and teach about the birth of christ. You can have the Easter Bunny and teach the death of christ. Your given imagination and it is harmless.

Cathleen - posted on 12/20/2009

I have a 19 month old and a 30 month old and a 10 year old step-daughter. The most I do in recgonizing Santa in Christmas is going to get pictures only. Last year I found a movie on the history of Saint NIckolas and my step daughter and I watched and talked about it. As my 2 youngest get older I will discuss the history as well. I am focused on Christ for sure. I have several childrens books about the Christmas story I leave out for the girls to look at and I read to them as the are interested in the stories. We will not do any type of Santa traditions except the pics. We will make a cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday to him. Also we attend a special service at church in addtion to the regular service.

If you are concerned about introducing Santa I would not. My motto When in doubt- dont

I hope this has been helpful

Cathleen

Kyle - posted on 12/20/2009

Quoting Heike:

I don't get this lying-thing. Yes, I do understand what you all are saying. But I don't ever remember that I was upset when I found out that Santa, the tooth fairy, and the easterbunny weren't real. All I remember are the precious memories my Dad & Mom made for us kids. I didn't grow up in a Christian household, and I didn't grow up in a Christian country. But now that I am a Christian I do understand the importance of teaching your child about Jesus and Christmas. But maybe I am not a grown-enough Christian that I do understand why it is wrong to make your child believe in Santa and the other "people".

I understand that YOU personally did not get upset or dissappointed when you found out these "characters" were not real but not everybody feels the same way. I have read post from other people saying they were devestated when they found out that it was all make believe. Me, personally I have very few memories from my childhood and unfortunatly i do not remember how i felt when i found out Santa was not real but i think i am leaning towards telling my kids the truth about Santa. Their just seems to more benifits of not lying to them and telling them the truth.

Lauren - posted on 12/19/2009

My husband and I simply don't do the Santa thing. We just try to focus on Christ and giving to others so that our children will see that that is what Christmas is about from the beginning. We dont look down on those who do the Santa thing though. We understand that people like their traditions, but for our home we have chosen not to make it the focus of our Christmas.

Shelly - posted on 12/18/2009

AMEN Carla....Could not say it any better

Carla - posted on 12/18/2009

I agree with Mary Begley--we were raised Christian, my grandmother was old-fashioned, very staunch Christian, and we always had a tree and Santa. It was a magical time! We were taught from toddler-stage that it was Jesus' birthday, we participated actively in Christmas plays at church; Santa was a person who spread good cheer and fantasy. In a world where there is not much good for a child to believe in, I feel Santa is harmless. Spending more than you can to impress is the problem. Your children will not think less of you, I didn't, my children didn't feel I was lying to them. Sometimes we overthink a thing; let a child have the dream for a few years! Reality is gonna smack them in the face soon enough, they should be a child for as long as we can allow them.

Jennifer - posted on 12/17/2009

I have a 9 year old and a 4 year old. I never started the whole santa thing. When I first made the decision not to it was because I didn't want to feel like I was lying to them (even a little one) and then be teaching them not to lie! My feelings have grown even stronger over the years and now that's still a main reason, but also, I want the whole focus to be on Jesus! We don't even go overboard with the gifts. I want it to stay about Him and nothing else! My oldest honestly feels good that I have always told him the truth about things and because of doing so, I believe we have a closer relationship!!

LeeAnn - posted on 12/14/2009

My husband and I don't lie to our children, and say there is a Santa Claus. As Christians, we want our children to grow up knowing the real reason for Christmas, and that it has nothing to do with a jolly man in a red suit! We do not put up a tree either, but this is more my husband's idea than mine. I grew up in a non-Christian home, and we always had a tree. I think they are beautiful, but again, do not feel as though they are directly a part of Christmas. I think it is important to teach our children the true meaning of Easter and Christmas, because the earlier they know, the less confused they can get when old enough to reason things for themselves.

Jessica - posted on 12/14/2009

Everyone feels differently about this, but I chose to tell my kids the truth about Santa, that he isn't real. I believe in complete honesty when it comes to my kids. I want them to trust me. If they find out I lied to them about Santa, they may question whether I am telling them the truth about other, important issues--such as the Lord. So I tell them that He is real, but that Santa is not.

Nichole - posted on 12/14/2009

this is funny because i didnt know so many other people did the whole real story of st. Nicholas thing which i have been telling my daughter who is 4 that and also about jesus because i am a christian but she doesnt believe me and she goes to a christian school so they dont even teach santa there its confusing because she is convinced that santa is real and when i tell her he is not she gets mad at me

Bettye - posted on 12/14/2009

We raised 5 children and always told them there was no real santa clause. If you teach them there's a santa and they find out it's a lie then they won't believe there's a true God. And Jesus is His name.

Mary - posted on 12/13/2009

i grew up w/ santa... and when i had my son, we did the santa thing... now since i have been saved & we are fairly active in our church, we make sure all our kids know the real reason for the season first & foremost. however, we do allow the pretend to happen... however all of it is at it's end - our youngest is 8, oldest 13. i would agree that if that's the ONLY reason you are focusing on and there isn't anything more, then i think it's an issue... but if you are focusing on the Truth 1st and adding that as a bonus, then i don't see the harm... i agree w/ debra, children are growing up way too fast nowadays... let 'em be kids w/ vibrant imaginations for as long as they can that is realistic, just make sure they know the Truth of the season & real reason for it - because that is of utmost importance & that has nothing to do w/ being a child... it's a foundation...
good luck!!!

Debra - posted on 12/13/2009

I grew up in a staunch Christian home. No Santa, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny. And I can tell you it was awful. So now my two girls have Santa the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. They are 5 and 7. I have told them all about the birth and death and of Jesus and we celebrate his birthday on Christmas. Santa is not thier hero. They adore Jesus. I don't see it as lying at all but an enhancement of a childs imagination. This is a tough one Katie. But one I asked you to really think about. Children are just growing up far too quickly now a days. I was chatting to some women two nights ago only to find out that on of them had already had the sex talk with her daughter who is 7. That is so wrong in my eyes. I would rather have my children believe in Santa and friends than have to face real life so soon. Praying you come to a decision you are really happy with.

Leanne - posted on 12/12/2009

I don't see any harm in having Santa as a part of Christmas, as long as we also teach our children the real meaning of Christmas. I also think it's important for children to realise that not every present they receive is from Santa. My son is 6 months old and we plan to have Santa as a part of Christmas. He will bring Z small present in his stocking, but other present will be from us and family.

Emily - posted on 12/12/2009

Well, coming from someone who was never really taught about Santa... I don't know that my parents really minded Santa (my dad was a pastor), but they never made him a big deal. However, I married a fellow-christian who's family did make Santa a big deal. Before we even had children, we would visit his home in Vermont, and on Christmas morning the gifts would have doubled and many of the gifts would say from Santa. It was so much fun! We decided, then and there, that Santa would be one of our traditions for our children.

We have a 10 year-old son, a 7 year-old son, and a newborn girl. To this date, we don't regret our decision to have Santa as part of the Christmas mix. We make it known that Santa is secondary to the 'true reason for the season', but we also enjoy our Elf on the Shelf and Santa with light-hearted fun. We do the same thing with the tooth fairy... Life is too short to take it so seriously and not allow for some pretending with your kids.

Angela - posted on 12/12/2009

Thats excactly how I feel couldnt have put it better myself :)

Jeanne - posted on 12/12/2009

My children are grown now, however they attended public school while growing up. What I told them is you have to believe to receive. Thus, some children need to believe in Santa Clause to receive presents, don't ruin it for them. this works, as a Christian because you have to believe in Jesus Christ to receive.

I never told my children about any of the fictitious characters, Easter Bunny, tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, etc........but they knew of them.

Kelley - posted on 12/11/2009

this is such an awesome ???? I grew up doing the Santa thing (and when I discovered the truth I felt so let down, betrayed....How could my Mom and Dad let me place sooooo much hope in something that was never real!) by the way those were my tear filled emotions as a child.
Shortly after I gave my heart to the Lord, I remember hearing that Christmas song "about Santa..."He sees you when you're sleeping he knows when you're awake he knows if you've been goog or bad....." and I very sharply thought HEY that's Jesus not Santa, but the idea of no Santa troubled me, I din't know Christmas to be anthing other than that, so I said 'no-more Santa, this season is for Him, and let me assure you- it is!
We still do up everything! the tree w/ lights, the manger is set up beautiful and the house has lights (which is officially lighted on the evening after thanksgiving dinner), the pajamas Christmas Eve (they are our Jesus b-day clothes). You name it. It's just done as a season long celebration of the gift that God sent. Our children know about St. nicholas, and his story, but they know it in truth. It gave us a really great way to live out our love for God's awesome gift...The saviour! I also never wanted my friends to feel that I was trying to change the rest of everybody, but just had to follow my heart and give this season to Jesus, the children learned to be respectful of people celebrating differently, and to rest in that.
Belive it or not out of the five kids, our littlest girl still said there's a Santa....we told her truth, but even now (she's 9) she enjoys setting out cookies for Santa :) So we go with the flow. But we know that we been very forthright about why, and what we're celebrating.
You don't and shouldn't need to lie about a season the is suppost to be the celebration honoring - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Light!

Shelly - posted on 12/11/2009

Ok I guess I'm just not sure what the big deal is. We have always had santa around our house b/c we made sure that they had a very firm base in the Lord. I don't understand why some Christian mom's will read thier children fairy tails but will not let them have a Christmas with santa...or Easter with the Easster bunny. As long as they are brought up to know the real meaning of the holidays then were is the harm???

Stephanie - posted on 12/11/2009

First, I must say God bless you all! I am so gald to see I'm not the only one alive that doesn't entertain the Santa idea. I grew up with it, not a Christian, and had nothing else to believe in at Christmas. I found out about Santa on my own when I opened my parents closet (which was tied closed from the inside to a huge present...and recognized my mom's writing of "FROM SANTA") My husband was heart broken when he came to realize Santa wasn't real. I am now a Christian and love Christmas because it celebrating the birth of my savior, Jesus Christ. He had a daughter from his previous marriage and they never did the Santa thing with her. So when it came time to face the question of who's Santa, it was never an issue of to tell the truth or not. We told her from the get go that he isn't real and that many kids believe that he is, and that there was a St. Nicholas etc, but Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. My 3 year old is just coming into the stage of realizing that everything seems to be about Santa this time of year and we, along with our 5 year old, tell her he's not real. We also don't celebrate Easter with the Easter bunny...but for the reason that it is about Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. I tell my oldest several times every year, if she hears someone talking about Santa being real, not to burst their bubble, but that she can menion Jesus to them and that we celebrate Christmas because of Him. We buy gifts for our children, but we also do the Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse, so our kids will know that they are very blessed with what they have, and that it is truly a blessing to bless those who do not have even the most basic items. I always make it a point to say Merry Christmas rather than Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays. It wouldn't be Christmas with out Him. Be a blessing to others, in His name. Merry Christmas!

Katie - posted on 12/11/2009

Thank you for all your responses! Heike, my children do not trick or treat. The only thing we do that is anywhere near Halloween is hollow out a pumpkin and put a mum in it. Its a natural vase. My husband and I are leaning toward the three wise men and giving each child three presents. I don't want to lie to my children. I was raised with the Santa tradition and I just think it is wrong to lie to children. I appreciate all the responses and I pray that each of you have a wonderful CHRISTmas!!!

Pam - posted on 12/11/2009

also, as I was reading the other replies I see the Christian concern, santa is just... an extension of Jesus' love... he is NOT the center of our holiday and Christ will always be the giver, supplier, and supporter of santa, the easter bunny, etc. My kids know this... so it's not santa 'can't be' because of Christ, but santa 'is' because of Christ.

Pam - posted on 12/11/2009

I have bigger kids and told them when they stopped believing in santa they got clothes, because I have a huge family and if they 'blow' the tradition for someone else I would be so upset. So although they are 20, 13, and 9, we still have santa visits every Christmas morning... I am sad for those who don't get to 'have santa visits'... they are so excited and amazed. I am still smiling about when my 4 year old (who is now 20 and fighting the war in AFGHANISTAN) opened his eyes, rubbed them, looked at his gifts, rubbed them again, and looked again, all-the-while smiling in disbelief. It does get hard when they ask for the 'big' gift from santa and then you still have to get them stuff as well. SO I have told them since they were little, you can't ask for big stuff, or more than one thing from santa (at the mall) because he has to fill that sleigh with a gift for all the children. they have done well with it and my niece, who is 30, carries on the tradition in her home with her kids and LOVES having those memories...

Heike - posted on 12/10/2009

I don't get this lying-thing. Yes, I do understand what you all are saying. But I don't ever remember that I was upset when I found out that Santa, the tooth fairy, and the easterbunny weren't real. All I remember are the precious memories my Dad & Mom made for us kids. I didn't grow up in a Christian household, and I didn't grow up in a Christian country. But now that I am a Christian I do understand the importance of teaching your child about Jesus and Christmas. But maybe I am not a grown-enough Christian that I do understand why it is wrong to make your child believe in Santa and the other "people".

Amberly - posted on 12/10/2009

We never told our children about "Santa". We have never lied to them, and altough our parents think it is cruel, we believe that lying to your children and upsetting them later in life is cruel. We told our children that Mommy and Daddy buy the gifts (as well as other family members). We also do this with others such as the tooth fairy, easter bunny, ect. God provides the means for mom and dad to get the gifts and that is how we explain it..

Heike - posted on 12/10/2009

Katie, have your kids ever done trick-or-treating?

Heike - posted on 12/10/2009

I couldn't imagine a Christmas without the fun of Santa sneeking the presents under the tree. So, much fun when six months later the kids are still talking about finding a sleighbell in the snow last christmas. Remembering my own childhood, I still wonder HOW Mom and Dad could be so sneeky bringing in the big sack with presents and none of us kids would notice a thing. And I am 34 now! So, I would not want to take such a precious memory away from my children. My oldest is 7 - and he is a smart cookie - but he still believes in Santa bringing the gifts :-)

Fran - posted on 12/10/2009

Hi Katie,
I started out with the whole santa thing with my first 2 kids. I have 4.!! UGH wish I hadn't. We "did" the whole" go to bed and be good" or santa won't come, for about 4 years. Then our Pastor preached about what YOU teach your children to believe in. Jesus, your Lord and Savior who provides all you need, or in a commercialized image created by the world. I asked how I was supposed to tell my children that santa wasn't real and WHY I had started lying in the first place. His answer was." Tell them you got on the wrong train, going down the wrong track, so you had to get off and get on the right one." Course I put it in kids terms and told them that I was taught by and lied to by my parents and now I know as their parent that it's wrong and we want to honor GOD and thank Him for his blessings. WE don't want to "worship" another thing or person and praise it instead of God. So we do Christmas "surprise" for Christmas morning. They still get their gifts, they just know who provided them. God 1st for providing their daddy with a job and giving a bit extra for us to buy them gifts with. So, if the year is a bad one ( like this year, hardly any gifts) they know that they have had blessings throughout the year, like a bed, a house, birthday gifts, an occasional field trip, or extra shopping trips, etc. They can thank God for keeping them safe and fed. It keeps our children humble, makes them appreciate their family and they know that Daddy and Mama do not LIE to them. I would rather have my children believe in God and trust in Jesus, than in a pretend "man" in a red suit. I would rather them know that they can believe and trust their parents to always tell them the truth. Some say that "they miss out on the magic off Christmas" well I say Jesus being born of a virgin, in a lowly stable and dying and rising again to save the whole world from hell is worth more than one santa in a suit with reindeer and elves.. Don't lie to your kids, they will respect you more for telling the truth. My kids love to give me a small list of wants and hopes of getting things. They cut out pictures from magazines and past them on construction paper and love not actually knowing what they are getting but knowing that Daddy and Mama will try to get at least a couple of their biggest wants, but if we can't then they are fine with a little gift and the times shared with love and fellowship of a loving family. Teach your kids that they have received the ULTIMATE GIFT given by GOD, JESUS!! All they have to do one day is open it. I hope this helps.

Gloria - posted on 12/10/2009

Hi Katie,
You are right to be concerned about introducing Santa Claus as well as the Easter Bunny to your precious ones. I came to saving faith in my late 40's and allowed outside influences to sway me into introducing these two concepts to my daughters early on. As a result, they were raised into believing what the world says about God instead of the truth.

If I had it to do again, I would teach them the truth. There was a monk named St. Nicholas who gave gifts to children. Research this monk and find out where he lived, in what era he lived, and teach them the historical St. Nicholas. This man is no longer living; however, the One he was desiring to honor through his life and gift practices still lives. His Name is Jesus, our Savior and Christ. Whatever you say to your precious ones, speak the truth to them and only the truth. Focus on the real reason for Christmas Who is the Object of our faith.

Be strong and courageous Katie and He will honor your desire to honor Him.

Cinda - posted on 12/09/2009

It's a lie when you get right down to it, so why introduce it at all? Children see things much clearer than we do as adults.

Jennifer - posted on 12/09/2009

Quoting Heather:

We taught our children the origin of St. Nicolas, and that he died a long time ago. We tell them that some people pretend that he is still alive, and has some kind of magic to get him to every house in the world in one night, but that is not what the Bible teaches is. God is the only one that can be everywhere at one time. You can teach him as something pretend like Micky mouse or super man, but for us at least, lying to our kids is not an option.

I really like that idea. My son is 10 months so we dont have that issue yet. Our house doesnt have any santas as decore. We do like winter wonderland and have angles, lights and snow men.

Heather - posted on 12/09/2009

We taught our children the origin of St. Nicolas, and that he died a long time ago. We tell them that some people pretend that he is still alive, and has some kind of magic to get him to every house in the world in one night, but that is not what the Bible teaches is. God is the only one that can be everywhere at one time. You can teach him as something pretend like Micky mouse or super man, but for us at least, lying to our kids is not an option.

Rebekah - posted on 12/09/2009

Well, with our oldest 2, I was determined not to have Santa as part of our Christmas, and it was fine. For some reason when our 3rd and 4th children came it just didn't seem to matter quite as much. He's not the center of our holiday, but he is a very fun part of it. I have taught them the history of Santa. They know that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. We make a birthday cake, and Christ is the center of all we do for the season. They also know that mom and dad do the shopping and wrapping for the presents. Our 7 year old keeps telling me that he knows he isn't real, and he has all of his very logical reasons for it, but our 6 year old really enjoys believing in santa. I have chosen to let him. It hasn't taken away from the why we celebrate or the how. I will be praying for you as you decide what works best for you. Enjoy the season!!

Sarah - posted on 12/08/2009

Santa Clause visits our house every Christmas eve. He rings his bells in the moring and says, "Ho Ho Ho". His reindeer eat the reindeer food that we put outside the day before, Santa makes a mess with the fireplace at times and he eats his treats and will write a little note of Thank-You. The kids enjoy it and we enjoy watching their excitement. Christmas eve we always attend Christmas eve service, and Christmas morning we sing "Happy Birthday to Jesus". Today my daughter decided ON HER OWN to make a Happy Birthday sign for Jesus. I think you can do both Santa and Christmas at the same time. I grew up with that same concept also. We were taught the real reason of Christmas, but enjoyed the excitment of make believe. At some point we grew out of the Santa thing, but I can't tell you when that was. There was never a time when my parents sat us down and said there was no Santa (or the Santa we thought). I never felt my parents lied to me or anything like that. It was a fun tradition and memory we had as kids growing up along with all the many Christmas programs we did at our church.

Stephanie - posted on 12/08/2009

With my daughter I have always had all gifts be from the people who really gave them. Now that she is older I have taught her the origin of the Santa Claus story, history etc. and what some people do and tell their children. I believe it is very important to tell the truth to our children or they will have no foundation for trusting us. We are not hateful about the issue and even have few decorations that show this character, but she knows that it is fiction. Hope this helps you.