Just wanted to know everybody's opinion about Christmas & Santa Claus?

Monica - posted on 11/24/2009

I believed in Santa growing up until I saw my parents shoving Christimas presents under the tree... I def will let my daughter believe there is a Santa esp when she is little but if she begins to ask me questions about it I def will tell her the truth.. I don't think I could lie to her about it!!!

Jenn - posted on 11/24/2009

For me... I already tell my kids about Santa, I think at this season he is sort of unavoidable and even though certain religious beliefs are against this holiday figure all kids are going to hear about Santa one way or another.
I do have to say that I think there is more focus on Santa than there needs to be considering we should really be celebrating the birth of Christ.
I only do one present from Santa and I do this even for my baby girl who is just 1 1/2. I grew up with Santa and my parents still do small Santa presents for both my sister and myself.
I think it's a fun way for children to use their imaginations and it can be really used as a family fun time. We bake Christmas cookies the night before for Santa and put out Milk too. Also carrots for the Reindeer. There can be a lot of fun in letting your children have the imaginary figure be real to them :)

Angela - posted on 11/24/2009

Christmas is religious I agree 100 percent. But it is also a time of year where we express joy, hope and the spirit of giving is higher than the rest of the year and I don't think that's wrong. St Nicholas existed and Santa lause is a fictional character that represents him...well aspects of him. Christmas is a magical time of year. I can't wait to start the leaving a cookie and milk for santa and at a certain age I will tell my daughter that although "Santa" is make believe and all dressed up, we believe in him because of st Nicholas. It is also important for kids to have the magic; some moms forget kids are kids and not adults. I am christian and she will know and understand what Christmas is all about a little gift is enough. I don't have to go into debt for that. I say this because growing up I loved saeeing the lights and christmas tree and all the houses decorated and the thought of Santa coming. ( I was really little) It gave me hope and when I got older I felt like that was the time of year to change what I didn't like about my life; I felt hopefull and full of joy and christmas spirit but still knew and practised what christmas was reallly about for our family. But everone does what is right for their families....happy holidays

Kristen - posted on 11/24/2009

I just told my daughter this year that there is no Santa, she wants a Nintendo DS, and Baby Alive Doll, and a I-Pod, so I told her that I didn't want her to get upset in case "Santa" didn't bring her all of those things, She is nine, but the other thing is I converted to Judaism a few years ago so I no longer celebrate Christmas, but my family still does so the past few years have been difficult dealing with trying to celebrate Hanukkah and also still being with my family on Christmas, so no it's not wrong to tell your child that there isn't a Santa, because they will eventually figure it out on their own, but also what I told my daughter was that Santa wasn't real but the idea of him is. Hope this helps and happy holidays.

Celeste - posted on 11/24/2009

Regardless of the reason for your celebrating the holiday think of it as this...
When you tell your child Santa Claus is bringing you gifts- is that truth, or a lie?
then when your child tell you a lie- how can you honestly tell your child not to lie to you, when you just told them a lie?

Cleo - posted on 11/24/2009

Quoting Jessica:

It's all about their imagination, not lying to the child! My son (who is 3) is told about Santa and such. All the gifts we purchase will be from "santa" and whatever my family buys him will be from my family. I'm 25 and my mom and dad still but "from santa" on my gifts. I see nothing wrong with this. I don't see how telling your child about Santa and the North Pole is lying. Trust me I wasn't upset when I realized there wasn't any Santa. Also I have yet to hear about anyone hating their parents because they "lied" to them about there being a Santa. Infact I knew a few kids who never had that special presents from Santa moment on Christmas (because their parents didn't want them to believe in him) and wish they did. But atleast everyone parents different and has different reason. My son knows it's about God and knows the story behind it but it also it still allowed to believe in Santa and those magical reindeer that visit us every christmas morning!

that's exactly how i feel.

Keely - posted on 11/24/2009

As a youngster we did get one present from santa and the rest from family and friends but i was always told that the presents were to be taken to santa on xmas eve, and i still remember my dad loading the car with them now lol, and if we had been good he would bring them back and put them under the tree, whereas if we where naughty he would give them to the poorly children in the hospital! I think it evel to tell a child there is no santa when they are surrounded by children at school etc that think there is, its just a fairytale and adds to the excitement at christmas! So this is now what i do with my children x x x

Cleo - posted on 11/23/2009

I love Christmas and my daughter is growing up learning about the christian beliefs about christmas but as of her believing or not believing in Santa Clause? I'm not going to straight up tell her that he doesn't exist because if that's what she wants to believe then who am I to say not to do so? My parents didn't ruin my beliefs so I'm not going to ruin any beliefs for her. That's just me.

Fawn - posted on 11/23/2009

okay so there is NO santa claus, and I refuse to lie to my daughter. The Jewish kids in my school grew up just fine with NO Santa! I feel that I bust my butt and sacrifice SO much to give my daughter all the things in life that she could ever need, want and desire to be happy and healthy. Im not about to let some fictional character get all the credit for it. Plus Christmas isnt about presents..its about love, and sharing, and family.

Ernyta - posted on 11/23/2009

I believe that we have an obligation as parents to be honest with our children especially if we want to encourage an honest and a trusting relationships with them in the future. Once the truth comes to light how do you explain the little white lie that was told for their enjoyment and then keep them from telling their own little white lies for the same reasons as teenagers. I just think it sends a mixed signal. During my childhood my mom was my primary provider so it was very important for her to let us know the truth about all holidays. No matter what was going on, Easter, Christmas, Halloween, etc., she taught us that they were regular days like any other and that it would be ignorant to overdo things for one day because once that 24 hours have passed there's a new 24 that you have to be prepared for. She never sugar coated anything so she read her explainations out of "grown up books" and then explained whatever I didn't understand. The great thing about it, however, was that she would buy us little things throughout the year (provided we deserved it, i.e. good grades chores done, and attitude right) and it worked out just fine. I also wasn't allowed to participate in the "Christmas activities" at school and it never bothered me. As far as celebrating the birth of Christ that should be done daily if you're a true believer. One more thing - If we're celebrating Christ and his birthday why are we all getting gifts. I know if I through myself a birthday party and everyone there got gifts along with me it would take away from my moment. What have we done so great all year that we deserve to be on the invitation along with Christ.

Heather - posted on 11/23/2009

I have two children ages 7 and 2 they both believe in Santa and I see no reason to not let them as has been said they grow up to fast. All the presents they get from us are from santa others are from nana,papa,aunts and uncles unless they mark it otherwise. we go see Santa and trck him on the internet on christmas eve. When we go christmas shopping we tell them that we are going to meet santa for lunch and help go over his christmas list. I figure they will stop beilieving when they are ready too and until then im going to enjoy it for as long as I can.

Veronica - posted on 11/23/2009

Quoting Moonika:

Quoting Veronica:

Moonika - you do what is in your heart - you will find the right way. but you know what your values are, and your husbands - put them together, and make it your own!
Take care, let us know what you decide to do!!

I HAVE decided not to do Santa for her already long time aga, just the deco&dinner&presents&focus on giving and family.

I just have not figured out how am I gonna handle when she starts to be around kids who have Santa.

It has been very interesting to read about how other people celebrated Christmas when they were small and how Christmas will be for your kids...very educating...everybody has their little personal twist to Christmas..

 Moonika - you already have your answer in front of you -- it will be the same as how you handle your 'religion/non-religion' you know what i mean?? Its the same as one child knowing/believing in the Lord, and one who doesn't -- they were brought up one way, the other was brought up another - and especially in this day and age there are SO many things people do differently that they may not even take notice - as so many things are norms now a days. I mean look at the diversity out there  - you no longer have man and woman couples, we now have man and man, woman and woman - religion has always been different - you have those who believe in Jesus, those who dont think he came at all, and those who dont believe in his existance at all. Look at our lively hood too, we no longer have much for segregation - there are lots of interracial families - african american/white, indian/white, arabian/white, or mix between those races - you know what i mean?? Some people are wealthy, others are poor - some people like aeropostale, others like Walmart . So i dont think this should be any different than santa or the easter bunny or even the tooth fairy -- the most important thing is teaching your children right from wrong - giving them strong morals and values, and teaching them the vast world and diversities, and above all how NOT to judge others!!! There is way too much of that going on now a days - one group thinks they are right and everyone else is wrong - and vice versa with other groups -- instead of learning how to accept others' differences and even learning from them. I learn a lot from other people. I had a friend who was a different religion than I and they had to wear their hair long and they had to wear dresses, and they had to do a lot of different things than we did - but we were friends regardless - that didnt change who we were -- i have friends of different nationality - that doesn't mean anything to me -- there are only TWO kinds of people out there in the world - doesnt matter skin color, religion or creed - etc You have people who are and do good, and you have people who are and do bad - you know? the rest doesnt matter. SO -- to sum it all up - I think you shouldnt have too much to worry about with santa - state your beliefs, why you believe it, and that should be the end of it.

 

I wish you well!

V

Moonika - posted on 11/23/2009

Quoting Veronica:

Moonika - you do what is in your heart - you will find the right way. but you know what your values are, and your husbands - put them together, and make it your own!
Take care, let us know what you decide to do!!

I HAVE decided not to do Santa for her already long time aga, just the deco&dinner&presents&focus on giving and family.

I just have not figured out how am I gonna handle when she starts to be around kids who have Santa.

It has been very interesting to read about how other people celebrated Christmas when they were small and how Christmas will be for your kids...very educating...everybody has their little personal twist to Christmas..

Danielle - posted on 11/23/2009

I think it's magical the whole santa thing and leaving milk and biscuits out for his reindeers, the kids so excited they cant sleep, trying to stay awake for aslong as possible to try and catch a glimps of him.



They are so innocent at that age and grow up way to fast!!!! I want my son to believe in santa for aslong as possible.







I dont want my son to grow up to soon. When I was younger and I stopped believing in santa xmas was never the same again.

Jessica - posted on 11/23/2009

It's all about their imagination, not lying to the child! My son (who is 3) is told about Santa and such. All the gifts we purchase will be from "santa" and whatever my family buys him will be from my family. I'm 25 and my mom and dad still but "from santa" on my gifts. I see nothing wrong with this. I don't see how telling your child about Santa and the North Pole is lying. Trust me I wasn't upset when I realized there wasn't any Santa. Also I have yet to hear about anyone hating their parents because they "lied" to them about there being a Santa. Infact I knew a few kids who never had that special presents from Santa moment on Christmas (because their parents didn't want them to believe in him) and wish they did. But atleast everyone parents different and has different reason. My son knows it's about God and knows the story behind it but it also it still allowed to believe in Santa and those magical reindeer that visit us every christmas morning!

Ashley - posted on 11/23/2009

I have to agree with you on that. My husband and I are both Atheist and plan on excluding the Santa bringing presents aspect of the holiday. I think children would appreciate what they get more once they know it's YOU providing the gifts and not some guy from the North Pole with unlimited present-giving potential:)

Jennifer - posted on 11/23/2009

I tell my kids the true meaning of Christmas I dont do the santa thing I feel that just takes away from what Christmas is really about..they know Santa doesnt come to our house when we are sleeping..they know Mommie puts out all the gifts...they also know to thank God for allowing Mommie to be able to by them gifts...

Adina - posted on 11/23/2009

well my kids arent going to belive in santa claus but me and my hubby are going to tell them that yes he was a real person and thats how the tradition started. me and my hubby want them to know the christmas is about love and family and traditions, and to respect that if other kids belivie in him not to ruin it for them that thats their familys tradition

Chantel - posted on 11/23/2009

There will be Santa in our house. I had Santa as a child and even as an adult and knowing he's not real I still like the idea of him. I love all the Santa Clause movies and everything. As for letting her know we work hard to provide for her, well there are other ways we can do that. In our family Santa brings one gift for each child and fills stockings but all the other gifts are from mommy and daddy. Thats how my parents did it and thats how I'll do it too. Christmas is still about family and giving but we like Santa too and even put out food for the reindeer;)

Lisa - posted on 11/23/2009

I love christmas and I will bring my children up to believe in santa why not??? Its magic I used to love waiting for santa looking into the night sky and having the night before xmas read to me in front of the fireplace before bed on xmas eve!!! All the present under the tree were mainly from family but I loved finding that one present that santa had left me tucked in the corner and finding footprints just in front of the fireplace.



Even when I found mum filling the stockings I never said anything ( as I had a younger brother) but I wasnt disappointed either the magic is in the heart of children and as long as they believe then he exists....



If you bring your child up believing in the easter bunny, nother nature, jack frost and even the tooth fairy then why not santa...

Cynthia - posted on 11/23/2009

We must never lie to children! Always TEACH TRUTH!

Our children were raised (now 35/32) to KNOW Bible TRUTH. The whole CHRISTmas Story. They understood and still understand the REAL meaning of Christmas, not about GET and Give ME, but how it is a BLESSING to give than to receive! You can not teach the rules without teaching about the rule maker (Jesus).

We stop celebrating the Holiday for a few years just to get away from commercialism of it.

Now, Our daughter is passing on a tradition to her children, they ADOPT a boy and girl every year to GIVE a present (from the Angel Tree / Salvation Army / Etc.). They buy NICE gifts not just a cheap gift to soothe their mind that they have done a good deed. We give a donation to our Church to help those in need, in our Church and in our Community.



Teach your children about the TRUE Christmas (whether you believe or not) and then help them put it in to action by adopting a girl and boy to buy a present for this 2009 Christmas year.

Even the story about saint Nicolos, he saw needs and enjoyed the giving of present (in secret) to help those in need.

It will not take anything away from our children to dispelled the myths about Christmas. But in my opinion it does an injustice for them not to KNOW the TRUTH and whole STORY. The only way to dispel a lie is with TRUTH!

Children talk among themselves and no topic is off limits!

Veronica - posted on 11/23/2009

Oh - i wasn't disappointed when we found out santa was mom -- I was very apprecitive of her - because of how much she went out of her way to make that day special for all of us - she gave out of her heart to make it magical for us - and that was more to me than santa being her cover up -- it was soo wonderful, now when i look back - cause our childhood was not a bed of roses with our dad - and for her to take out of herself all those years to give us such a magical and wonderful day - made it even more special. So to me its about that more than anything - what you can give your children - what you can show and provide your children is more important and is the best gift you can give.

Veronica - posted on 11/23/2009

This is a great conversation. I too grew up with Santa as the one who brought the gifts. My mom always made it soo magical for us! We'd go to bed with such excitement, and were up earlier then ever to see the tree. She would have candles burning in the morning, the tree was lit with the lights, music played, and even though we didnt get a whole lot of presents - my mom would go out of her way to make it look grand and exciting!! One year we went downstairs and there were two huge refrigerator boxes on either side of the tree!! We were soo excited- and in our tradition its get up, eat breakfast, go to church, (while dinner cooked) come home, eat, clean up - then open presents and spend the rest of the evening playing with our new things, etc. So we had to wait alll day to find out what was in those huge boxes!! One had new sleds for all of us, and the other had a beanbag for each of us (there were 5 of us kids) but it was just that magic that made the best.

So, now that I have my own children - i do the same thing - we didn't have much for money the last few years - so i did the bigger boxes and stuff - it makes the tree look filled up more, and makes it more exciting on that end of things. As for Christmas itself, I always bring out my Bible and read the story of Jesus, and we put the Nativity set together. I contemplated Santa - because my husband didnt want Santa - he didnt want to 'lie' to the kids - so what we did was we tell the story of St. Nick - because he was a real person. And then we turn that into the Spirit of Giving. That although St. Nick is gone - the spirit of giving lives on - and so we do things with that in mind. And in reality the true gift to all of us was Baby Jesus - and that is what I teach my children the most at that time of the year. But giving is a big thing in our family regardless of what day of the year it is. I tend to focus more on that than anything - and time spent with family is even more important. My grandmother's house has been blessed with the bread and fish (if anyone knows the parable of Jesus with the fish and loaves) My grandmother NEVER turned anyone away from her home, she had the door open to all kinds of people, and even though there are over 80 of us at a family event - there was always plenty of food, and love and giving to go around - it always amazed me!



So, I guess what it comes down to is not so much as a focus on santa - its more of a focus on what xmas is all about - and for us its the Gift of Jesus, gift of giving, sharing, and love.



Moonika - you do what is in your heart - you will find the right way. I still do the cookies and milk thing, and try to throw some magic in there for my kids - but you know what your values are, and your husbands - put them together, and make it your own!

Take care, let us know what you decide to do!!

Amy - posted on 11/23/2009

well, it also can help establish their imaginations and it's the beginning of them learning to believe and have faith in something.and technically Santa Claus did actually exost and give toys to kids.

Chelsea - posted on 11/23/2009

i am going to tell my daughter that there is a santa but only have one or two presents each year be form "him". St. Nick was a real person and it is the spirt he brought that people cary on. when they get old enought to know it tell them that. Santa died a long time ago and now mommy's and daddy's give gifts in his name to carry on the meaning of christmas, which is giving not recieving. i think that you need to teach children to appreciate whatthey have and i want my daughter to know that mommy and daddy get her most of the things she gets. That way she can be taught to be thankful to us as well as santa, they cant tell him thank you. i too am an atheist but my family and husband are not, i think that yes christmas was supose to be a religous holiday but i think or it as a family holiday. Presents are a fun thing for children and adults. I give what is deserved, christmas is a reward, not a right and you dont have to get or give anything. As for spending to much if you give to much to start with theyu will expect that much or more, and then you will find yourself trying to out do yourself each year.

Ashley - posted on 11/23/2009

we don't celebrate christmas at my house. my son gets presents at his fathers, my parents, and with his other family parts. he knows santa doesn't come to my house... (i just don't believe in lying to my child) but we usually go some where special and i let him pick out something at the toy store... but not because it's christmas, just because.

Carlene - posted on 11/22/2009

I never believed in Santa as a child. I always knew it was my mother who brought my gifts. When my child was born I always thought I'd be the same with her as far as believing in Santa. Several friends and family told me "whats the harm in believing in Santa?" I'm glad she's gotten to believe in Santa. She doesn't get any more amount of presents than if she didint didnt believe we just stick Santas name on them, but it is fun to sit and write the letter every year and leave out the cookies. It doesnt take away from our real meaning of Christmas and it doesn't cause any strife.

Amber - posted on 11/22/2009

Quoting Lindsay:

We do the Santa thing in our house for the fun of it. The kids really enjoy it and it is a special thing for us. Now if they grow up to remember if it was all that magical or not, only time will tell. But, I'll go out of my way to give them that excitement now. And when they get old enough and figure it out, we will tell them that while "Santa" may not really fly around and deliver presents, we carry the spirit of Santa with us by giving and doing good deeds to give other people a little bit of magic in their lives. They don't need to know the time and effort that goes into Christmas just yet. They only get to be so young and innocnet for a short amount of time. We don't do it all so they know what's gone into it. Just seeing and hearing their excited squeels and giggles on Christmas morning makes it all worth it!

I totally agree! I can't help but feel sorry for the kids who don't get to enjoy that little bit of magic in thier lives. They grow up so fast, let them believe in something magical. I never resented my parents or thought that they were 'lying' to me when I found out the truth about Santa. Actually it is very selfless to let them believe that the gifts are from someone other than yourself. My daughter also knows the true meaning of Christmas and I don't believe Santa takes anything away from that.

. - posted on 11/22/2009

Christmas is a big deal in our house. We are not religious.

Its a magical time of year and kids use their imaginations too! I would hardly call it lying to your child, it's not like its going to damage them when they grow up! There are worse things you could lie about!

Marquita - posted on 11/22/2009

I'm kinda stuck on this also... Even tho my son will only by 6months during christmas, my husband and I have decided against Santa... I think that something like this is the beginning of your kids lieing to you. You should start something that you wouldn't want them to pick up. Eventually someone will tell them that he dosen't exist and you're kid is gonna wonder why you lied to them, especially when you didn't have to. Let your kids know about the real St. Nicolos, but at the same time let them appreciate what you and your family have done for them. Don't give the credit to someone who dosen't even exist. But that just me...

Kristian - posted on 11/22/2009

I grew up with Santa and we had one gift from Santa usually our bigger gift. The rest were from our parents and we also had gifts from grandparents and aunts and uncles. I was kinda crushed when I found out there was no santa BUT not in a bad way I wasn't mad at my parents and I didnt feel lied to. If anything they gave me a good bit of exciting years. We still went to church and knew it was Jesus' birthday, there is nothing wrong with combining the 2. I plan on doing santa for my son...let them be kids they grow up way too fast. Just wondering what are you going to do when your daughter hears everyone at school talking about Santa and the teachers talk about it too? Santa doesnt have to bring expensive gifts. Christmas is a time for family friends and love.

Carla - posted on 11/22/2009

im having the same argument with my family and my partners family i dont understand y i should forse my child 2 believe in something which is not there! i believe she should let her own imagation! if she eva asks me about santa i will explain the story of the man who put coins in peoples shoes on christmas and how people believe he comes 2 there house and leaves presents and let her make up her own mind! if she chooses not 2 believe it then i will make sure she doesnt ruin it for other children (ie going into school saying Santas not real lol) we still celabrate christmas with all the trimmings but i want her 2 know that me and her dad have worked hard 2 buy her the presents she has for her christmas and birthday (as they r so close 2gether)

Crystal - posted on 11/22/2009

I had a "Santa" when I was growing up. But, we had one "santa" present (usually the biggest one). My parents didn't wrap it, they hid it until Christmas morning and would lay it on the couch before we woke up. My daughter will have a santa present this year. It was just something fun that my parents did for us. Even tho we knew that santa was made-up we still loved it. Christmas was all about family and giving for us and still is. We are also Christian, so we make sure that our daughter knows the true meaning to Christmas and that it's not just a day for gifts. Christmas is a day for Love.

Megan - posted on 11/22/2009

I like to think that some things should have the chance to be believed in. The idea in which things that cannot be seen may or may not exist can help with a lot of aspects in ones life.

We buy the kids presents and santa brings some items as well. One thing we do is to let each child help to choose a present for the other. We try to make christmas a time when we give to others, the kids donate a lot of their old clothes and winter gear to kids that dont have any plus they help to give each other a gift.

I really dont like our kids getting really expensive gifts or anything, mostly they get stuff that can be used a lot or things they will cherish down the road.

We also either visit family or have them come to us, some years we even try to have at least one family member come spend christmas night with us for dinner.


Its a time for many things, just like a lot of other holidays that are celebratory in nature, we can either use them for good, or let them be a burden to us.

Toni - posted on 11/22/2009

i say let them believe in santa until u feel its right 2 let them no he's not real i say round about 8-10 years old tell them he's not real depending on how mature they are x

Louise - posted on 11/22/2009

I Dont Think It Matters Myself Ill Just Let My Child Believe What He Wants Maybe Its Nice For Him To Think About Santa, Its Just Making Christmas A Bit More Magic Sort Of Thing Its Up To Him What He Believes In And I Would Encourage It All The Way Its Not About Giving Him False Hope Its Making Christmas More Magical :-) He Will Grow Out Of It Eventually. As Long As He Knows What Its Really About, Whats The Harm?

Chelsea - posted on 11/22/2009

i agree 100%. we did the whole saint nick when i was growin up and also with my children now.. but when they got to the age that they were askin about him, when they would ask questions i would ask their opion. after i would tell them the real saint nick story about the orphans and a single man bringin them presents. but also about Jesus cause i do believe that this is a time to celebrate his birthdday and not to see how much crap you can buy your children. my kids are bless they get stuff all year long so at CHRISTmas time we do the family spendin time together thing.. God bless and good luck!! if it feels right to you in your heart then keep on doin it.. there is no book to bein a good mother!!

Dajovan - posted on 11/22/2009

Quoting Moonika:

My husband is a believer, not an active one but a believer anyway but I am an ateist and we have decided not to tell her about god and religions until she is old enough and then choose for herself. Everybody should have a choice...

And if i didnt celebrate christmas of easter somehow then that would be unfair on me since i'd have to work good few days more while the believers rest and play... :)

Dajovan: I don't want to be rude but I still don't understand why nonbelievers celebrate christmas? Michelle is correct totally and fully on what she said about non believers that celebrate christmas. You are an aetheist and thus should have no problems using santa claus in your festivities because it does not collide with any of your religious beliefs. I am a christian and I love  my savior JESUS CHRIST  and thus have chosen not to use santa claus in my celebration of Christmas because I don't want to lie to my child and also don't want santa to interfere witht the real reason why CHRISTIANS celebrate the holiday. I will give God the glory always in whatever I do but what you do or choose to do for the festivities is your choice and good luck to you with those endeavors.

Amy - posted on 11/22/2009

We do the Santa thing in my house. I believe in letting children be children (they grow up way to fast as it is). In my opinion there is plenty of time to teach my children the religious side of things (we a Christians) I'm letting them experience the magic and excitement of Christmas. Anyways who says that Santa has to bring lots of expensive presents??

Whitney - posted on 11/21/2009

I'm not going to tell my daughter there is such a thing as Santa. I want her to know what is really important about Christmas and that is Jesus not Santa. Although, I'm going to talk to her about the real "Santa Clause" and not to tell other children that there is no such thing as Santa. I'm going to keep the hoildays magical. And instead of telling her to write a letter to Santa, I'm going to have her write a letter to Jesus asking him to help others in some way and then lastly to ask for a couple of gifts she really wants. Then we are going to put the letter in a stocking with Jesus's name on it, adding more letters and things she is thankful for, for eveyday of the last 12 days of Christmas. I also plan on making a birthday cake to celebrate Jesus's birthday on Christmas morning.

Moonika - posted on 11/21/2009

Quoting Nicole:

I am atheist as well and we celebrate christmas I have educated my son on what the religious part is so he can make decisions for himself!

Do you celebrate it with Santa & Raindeers?

Nicole - posted on 11/21/2009

I am atheist as well and we celebrate christmas I have educated my son on what the religious part is so he can make decisions for himself!

Tara - posted on 11/21/2009

I dont see what the big deal is about all this! Christmas is about the kids. Do we all know about the religious sid eof things, of course. Do our kids understand all that of course not. Not playing the game of Santa Clause is just ruining it for your kids... at lets face it people... we lie to them about a lot of things that are important so lets just let them have the fun things. Its not like the lie is going to hurt them... It is fun and invovles presents and fun and laughs. There are so many important things that we need to protect our kids from and I just think it is a little silly to say that we need to protect them from the lie of "SANTA".

Deborah - posted on 11/21/2009

My mum always told us that Santa couldn't possibly afford to buy all the presents children wanted in the world and that parents had to give him the cash for the gifts. In any case all the main meaningful pressies were never from Santa :)

Apart from that Xmas has always been a family event, we're not relgious (though my mum's jewish and still enjoys xmas every year!) where we get together and hang out properly without the real world getting in the way :)

Samantha - posted on 11/21/2009

I agree with you. I think I got a little spoiled when everybody told me my presents were from Santa. Since they tell you that Santa makes the toys himself and gives them for free it kinda makes you think that Santa has a fat wallet and will give you anything you want no matter how expensive it is and then when you don't get that one thing you were counting on getting, you get all upset and Christmas is ruined. It makes Christmas all about the presents. I think telling your child that the presents are from family helps them realize that it's about people who care about you working hard to try and get you something special. Not some fat guy in a red suit that has unlimited finances. I think you actually make Christmas more special if you make it about family instead of Santa. I think you are going about the whole Christmas thing right and I say good job.

Chaila - posted on 11/21/2009

I am going to have our baby in Feb. and I am going to tell him all the "Tales of Santa" but I am also going to tell him the reality... Our tradition with my side of the family is we read the story of Christ's birth (for my grandmother) and then we all open presents, take pictures and talk... Then we have a big dinner. I have a larger than normal family so we all like to enjoy each other and just listen to tales of the good and the bad times...

Amanda - posted on 11/21/2009

I, too, was brought up with Santa. I don't see any harm in letting your child(ren) believe in him if they want to for a while. Eventually, they will ask if he is real because they've heard from other children he isn't. Growing up I always suspected my parents bought the gifts because it was their handwriting, but I didn't think I was lied to. I actually thought it was funny! Christmas in my family has always been about giving to one another and to families that need help. Using Santa only helped us do that. My son's only 3 1/2 months now and will be getting gifts from Santa this year, lol.

Siobhan - posted on 11/21/2009

I LOVE CHRISTMAS THE MAGIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN GR8 WE WERE ALWAYS TOLD ABOUT SANTA CLAUSE I WAS 13 WEN I STOPPED BELIVING BUT THE MAGIC IS STILL THERE CHRISTMAS MAGIC STARTS NOW !!!
CHRISTMAS EVE WE LEAVE FOOD OUT FOR SANTA DEN UP T BED TRY GO SLEEP DEN WE GET UP THE NEXT MORNING AND WE HAVE T WAIT TILL MY MAM IS AWAKE BEFOR WE GO DOWN AND SEE WAT SANTA LEFT FOR US I WAS OLDEST IN HOUSE DEN DERS A 13 AN 14 YR OLD IM 21 NOW AND MY LITTLE BOY IS 9 MNTHS OLD AND I CANT WAIT FOR XMAS EVE T GIVE HIM THE MAGIC OFF XMAS EVEN THOUGH HE WILL HAVE NO MEMORY OFF IT I WILL AND ILL BE ALWAYS ABLE T TELL HIM THE MAGIC OF HIS FIRST XMAS DON DEPRIVE UR KIDS OFF IMAGINATION AND FAIRYTALE XXX

Bekki - posted on 11/21/2009

I let my kids come shopping with me.. they pick out their own toys.. and we put them on layaway.. They are taught that they must be good because santa doesnt give out gifts for nothing.. They have to do their chores, be good and that makes them money, the money goes to the back of the store where santa holds all gifts.. if something isn't paid for they don't get to keep it, it goes back on the shelves and they only have themselves to blame.. its workin out nicely for us since our kids know exactly what they could be getting.. but they also know its not free, someone has to pay for it and that someone is them.. they are good? they get money put into the santa account, they do a chore? more money put in there.. then we compile and go pay every other week.. works beautifully.
Neither of my children are religious, i'm not , neither is daddy we are spiritual but don't feel the need to pray to a thousand year old book that no one really knows who wrote.. We don't fall in line to what others tell us to believe that is why neither of my children are baptized either, they deserve the right as a human to choose on their own what they believe and if they want to be baptized they can do it when they feel the need.

Kim - posted on 11/21/2009

I agree that Christmas is about family. In my home we do have santa clause. I agree about not telling your children lies, however you realy can't be honest about everything. There are some things children just shouldn't know. My reasons for encouraging this lie is simply that there is so much evil, or bad, in this world why not give them something to look forward to. We have to teach them about stranger danger and good touching and bad touching when they're barely out of babyhood. There are children bringing guns to school. Just recently at my child's school a kindergartener threatened to bring a gun to class and shoot everyone. There is so much more to mention. So I say why not let them enjoy one of the few good things we can give them. Santa is about more than presents and a made up story. He's also about giving, rewarding children for good behavior, love, and not being greedy. That is if you can teach your kids about him in the right way. Besides parents aren't telling their children to lie to them, they're telling them to bring them a little extra happiness. As far as the majic, I feel that there are other ways to provide that to children. I hope this gives you some understanding of some of the parents who make the same choice as me. As far as anyone criticizing your choice, they are your children no one elses and however you want to raise them as long as they are loved, safe, and provided for is your choice no one elses.