Should Kids Believe In Santa

timothyroann · Dec 10, 2010

I saw the other thread on Santa and I do have something to say. First off what does Santa have to do with Jesus? Christmas is December 25 have yall researched why Christmas is December 25 if not it is something you might want to check into. I saw much in the defense of Santa. I even saw where Someone posted that not lying to your children and telling them that there is a Santa will destroy their childhood. I also read on some of the post that Santa is harmless. I think we might need to take a little time and really dig into this Santa Clause on Jesus Birthday which is not his birthday just a day we picked and yes it was picked for a reason and maybe some might want to look into the real reason we celebrate Christmas at the time we do. I could go into some of this deeper but it would take to long so if interested in what your teaching your children go and research it as I did you will be surprised.

Jesus was born to us as our savior. We have decided to celebrate his birth by spending money we don't have, teaching our children that Christmas is all about what they will get. Our children are learning how to spend money at Christmas to make other people happy. I don't really see to many of todays children thinking about what they can give of themselves to others all they know is give me, give me, give me. I just wander if on one Christmas morning if Jesus came and sat beside you and looked at you eye to eye. Would you be proud of how you were celebrating his birthday(which is not his birthday and the Bible does not tell us to celebrate his birthday if God wanted us to do this he would have told us how and when but he does not mention it and I am quite sure it wouldn't be Santa) and giving all the glory to Santa. Some may say that Santa is not getting the glory if you think this you might want take a drive through your fair town and see if there signs up every telling of Jesus. You might see something about Jesus on some of the churches signs. Mostly it is all commercial and wanting you to buy something. How could we possibly think Santa is harmless. The Bible clearly tells us that liars have not place in heaven. I don't know how everybody else sees a lie but I truly think that telling children that a little fat man in a red suite is going to enter their home on Christmas Eve night leave presents for every child in the whole world and return to the North Pole in his sleigh pulled by flying Reindeer and the leader of the pack has a glowing red nose. When he arrives back at the North Pole all his little elf's that work diligently on making all the xboxes and many other toys. Jesus did not say we could tell white small fun lies he said there is no place with him for liars. He also said not to miss lead the children. Well maybe I am missing something but I think that or Lord and Savior might not want to share the lime light with Jolly old St Nick. Do you think that Jesus would himself or would ask you to spend money most don't have to give our children presents in the name of Santa. I more think he would me much more please if we followed his scriptures. The Bible tells us that religion is taking care of the poor, widows and orphans. So do you think that he would bless you sitting in your living room with several hundreds dollars of toys for more than likely ungrateful children that would have thought the world had ended if they did not get tons of things under the tree. While children are literally dying around the world because they are sick and have no food. Is this what the Bible tells us? Santa is an easy way out. We can just buy our way though Christmas and that way we don't have to take the time to put all aside for a day and teach our children about giving of themselves. What I am gathering from some of the post I read is that our children are being deprive of something if we teach them to worship Jesus and leave Santa out of this day we have put aside in our country to remember the greatest gift we could have ever received the Son our Savior who would one day die for us. The devil works in some very sweet ways to make us think we are doing good when we are really doing bad. What I think I am hearing Jesus is not enough for our children on Christmas day. I think that is really sad. What songs does your child sing more at Christmas time Jesus or Santa. Do your children get excited because it is a time to give God all the Glory or are they excited about what will be done for them. Our children also learn that Santa is not fair he gives really good toys to some children even if they are bad but other children get little are nothing because their parents don't have the money or just don't care if their children have Christmas or not. Is believing in Santa going to help the children who don't have a Christmas. Are we doing Gods work at Christmas.

Easter is the same Jesus died and suffered to give us life and what are we doing we celebrate this blessed occasion with a bunny rabbit that delivers eggs and candy. Are you getting message here. Every day that we have put aside for our Lord and Savior he has to for some reason I don't understand share it with some stupid lie we tell our children to make the day fun I think we are sending the message that Jesus is not enough we have to lie to our children on the very days that we should be giving over to Jesus. Who does the Bible say is the master of lies I do believe it is Satan. Do you see how the devil has squeezed in on these days to throw a shadow so that Jesus is not recognized in stead it is the lie which is Satan that is so important. Would it be easier for you to miss a church service on Christmas day or would it be easier to not give your child presents from Santa. Which would you do if you had to make a chioce bring your child to be with others that are celebrating the gift we received so many years ago. Are would you chose to stay home and give to your children. Which would you do. So are you of the world or with Jesus. He said there is only two sides you are either with Him or against Him. Which are you teaching your child.

By the way I agree with the original poster on Santa. My children do not believe in Santa. Yes I do have some people to ask me to tell my children not to tell their children there is not Santa. If I do that then I am still letting Satan in by telling my children to go along with the lie. My children are healthy and happy. It is December 10th and guess what my children have not told me what they want for Christmas. They are excited about the candy we are making together to hand out to friends and family. They also have asked if they could work for some money to send to the children that they see on TV that are so hungry. They do not seem to be suffering not one bit.

lrader99 · Dec 10, 2010

I really agree with you on this one. I can not stand Hallmark holidays and Xmas is the worst. I live in a very populated area and from October to the first of the year all I see is greed and people living in the own little bubble worrying about themselves. Holidays in my mind should be a time spent with families and friends. I do remember Xmas being a joyous time as a child but then I became consumed by the gifts and gradually it started losing its appeal to me, now a days I am just thankful to spend the time with my family when I can. I sometimes do feel bad for not gifting, but thats not what it is about for me. By indulging children in Christmas, we are teaching them to be self centered and to be part of the World. We are NOT part of the world, we are in it until salvation comes.

Spirit_Star · Dec 11, 2010

I see no problem with children believing in Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, The tooth fairy etc. That said it’s each parent’s decision but yeah if I have kids we will do Santa Claus (and others). I will let them know the true meaning of Christmas/Easter as well. I have always been one for giving back, volunteering , giving to those who have less then you and if I ever have kids I will instill that in them. People just need to be wise if they don’t have the money then they don’t get a costly gift or they make something or offer do something for someone.

I know Christmas does have pagan roots to it.

Viren · Dec 11, 2010

I believed in Santa growing up and I remember how much magic and excitement it added to Christmas. I don't really see any reason to take that away from kids.

Nurbz · Dec 11, 2010

You can do what you want of course, but Santa is just a harmless fantasy kids grow out of as they mature.

Spirit_Star said:
I know Christmas does have pagan roots to it.

That is correct, it was originally a pagan holiday called "the day of the birth of the unconquerable sun", where they celebrated the coming of spring and worshiped the god of agriculture. It was celebrated hundreds of years before Jesus, and was seen as a "catch all" in order to convert pagans by incorporating their traditions to make it seem familiar. There is no spiritual reason behind the date at all, it was just a matter of convenience for the early church because so many pagan holidays were going on at the same time.

In fact, most of the traditions we typicaly do at christmas are christian in origin:
-Gift giving is based on the Romans exchanging gifts during Saturnalia, the holiday mentioned above, and having big celebratory parties. Sometimes orgies *cough*

-Christmas trees are based in the Roman tradition of decorating live trees and placing clippings around the home, and druids would hang fruit on evergreens. It was only in the 15th century where they taken into the home as a trend started by German nobility.

-Singing christmas carols came from Druid caroling circles during rites of fertility. During the conversion period as christianity spread through Europe, they co-opted the druid carols as a way to celebrate christmas around the same time

-Santa, ironicly enough, is the only tradition rooted in christian origins. Based on the real St. Nicholas, who lived in Myra in the fourth century A.D. He was born rich and inherited a great deal of money on the death of his parents, all of which he gave away. St. Nicholas is said to have thrown bags of gold into the windows of dowerless girls to save them from lives of prostitution or slavery. He was also well know for his love and protection of children. Folk writers later gave him the cheery persona and red suit, (which out of the many descriptions they gave santa was the one to last) and some wrote that God allowed santa to live forever or let is soul/spirit remain on earth to spread happiness to kids who had nothing.

Puritians took a lot of the same stances as some here do for... well intentioned reasons, but they canceled the holiday altogether and make it a crime to celebrate it, instead spending the entire day in church. It was even outlawed by the English christians around the same period and fined people for "showing mirth".

So really, if you just want to make the holiday focused on Jesus, you'd have to stop decorating your home, stop singing carols, not have a christmas tree, not go to christmas parties, or give gifts. Santa is really the only one you could do going by it's roots if you want go the gift route.

In fact, there's no problem in secular people celebrating it in their own way because christmas is ultimately not christian, but christians can find their meaning along with secular society because the idea of the holiday is the same as those Jesus taught:
-be generous
-be kind
-think of others before yourself
-be humble
-love others
-being reborn (or the coming of spring, or respect of the earth for non-christians)

So it helps to know these things before making a decision one way or another. Just... don't take things TOO seriously, or the joy and celebration can be sucked out completely.

(Easter's day and traditions are also pagan in origin for the most part, but that's another day

)

John S · Dec 11, 2010

lrader99 said:
I really agree with you on this one. I can not stand Hallmark holidays and Xmas is the worst. I live in a very populated area and from October to the first of the year all I see is greed and people living in the own little bubble worrying about themselves. Holidays in my mind should be a time spent with families and friends. I do remember Xmas being a joyous time as a child but then I became consumed by the gifts and gradually it started losing its appeal to me, now a days I am just thankful to spend the time with my family when I can. I sometimes do feel bad for not gifting, but thats not what it is about for me. By indulging children in Christmas, we are teaching them to be self centered and to be part of the World. We are NOT part of the world, we are in it until salvation comes.

"I can not stand Hallmark holidays and Xmas is the worst".

Does anyone else see what is wrong with this sentence?

.Iona. · Dec 11, 2010

I believed in santa and did not grow up self centered. It is about how parents raise their children. Getting presents doesn't mean that children will grow up not caring about others, or will become selfish and greedy. What is so wrong with enjoying childhood? I still grew up to give to others, to think of others before myself and am not indulgent or care for material things much. Believing in santa will not make you a bad person!

timothyroann · Dec 11, 2010

I don't think that one could ever take Jesus too seriously. Are you saying Christmas without Santa would not be fun. If Jesus was the center of Christmas and we had not made it a give me day. We have lots of fun with this Holiday.

Nurbz · Dec 11, 2010

timothyroann said:
I don't think that one could ever take Jesus too seriously. Are you saying Christmas without Santa would not be fun. If Jesus was the center of Christmas and we had not made it a give me day. We have lots of fun with this Holiday.

There's a difference between taking something seriously and giving it the proper respect, and taking something too seriously. Anything can be taken too seriously.

And I was just talking about the fact that the focus on the christian aspects of the holiday would mean doing without the pagan born traditions, but Santa is rooted in christian history. I also mentioned the irony of taking part in all traditions but Santa because of that fact. I wasn't giving you a hard time.

PROPHECYKID · Dec 12, 2010

So we feed kids with a harmless lie? Isn't lying still a sin?

STL-STD · Dec 16, 2010

Santa was a real person.

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminalsmurderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

The differences in customs for Saint Nicholas around the world are as varried as the countries themselves.

Quans · Dec 16, 2010

i grew up being fed the santa story and I hate christmas! Not that I hate it's symbolism but what it has turned into.

I have also the privilege to celebrate sint klaas or st nicolas living in Holland. St Nicolas comes to holland on the 5th of December and each child puts their shoe by the fire and gets one small gift.
There is no stress its family time and about 30 mins standing by the river in our village to watch sint klaas coming to the netherlands with the kids.

Santa claus as far as I can gather form my research comes from this dutch tradition bringing it to the USA when they moved there many years ago.
Over time the commercialism of coca cola took the image and marketed santa claus to what we know today as the big rolly polly gift bringer.
Just an interesting observation an anagram of santa is satan !!

but anyhow.. Santa is a person that lives far away you never see him and he comes back to visit you will not know when he comes he will arrive from the skies. He is immortal..

Jesus saves he lives far away and you never see him he will comeback..

Then.. children get older you tell them that santa doest exist but jesus does....

new_wine · Dec 30, 2010

No children should be taught that Santa exists. It is a lie. And parents should not lie to their children.

God does not lie to his children, why should we.

I never taught my children about Santa being real. My wife and I had a bit of a tiff about it. But I convinced her that lying at these things like the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and all will only break a bond of trust.

I told her the kids will think, if mummy and daddy lie about this, what else do they lie about? Breaks down everything. White lies are still lies.

timothyroann said:
I saw the other thread on Santa and I do have something to say. First off what does Santa have to do with Jesus? Christmas is December 25 have yall researched why Christmas is December 25 if not it is something you might want to check into. I saw much in the defense of Santa. I even saw where Someone posted that not lying to your children and telling them that there is a Santa will destroy their childhood. I also read on some of the post that Santa is harmless. I think we might need to take a little time and really dig into this Santa Clause on Jesus Birthday which is not his birthday just a day we picked and yes it was picked for a reason and maybe some might want to look into the real reason we celebrate Christmas at the time we do. I could go into some of this deeper but it would take to long so if interested in what your teaching your children go and research it as I did you will be surprised.

Jesus was born to us as our savior. We have decided to celebrate his birth by spending money we don't have, teaching our children that Christmas is all about what they will get. Our children are learning how to spend money at Christmas to make other people happy. I don't really see to many of todays children thinking about what they can give of themselves to others all they know is give me, give me, give me. I just wander if on one Christmas morning if Jesus came and sat beside you and looked at you eye to eye. Would you be proud of how you were celebrating his birthday(which is not his birthday and the Bible does not tell us to celebrate his birthday if God wanted us to do this he would have told us how and when but he does not mention it and I am quite sure it wouldn't be Santa) and giving all the glory to Santa. Some may say that Santa is not getting the glory if you think this you might want take a drive through your fair town and see if there signs up every telling of Jesus. You might see something about Jesus on some of the churches signs. Mostly it is all commercial and wanting you to buy something. How could we possibly think Santa is harmless. The Bible clearly tells us that liars have not place in heaven. I don't know how everybody else sees a lie but I truly think that telling children that a little fat man in a red suite is going to enter their home on Christmas Eve night leave presents for every child in the whole world and return to the North Pole in his sleigh pulled by flying Reindeer and the leader of the pack has a glowing red nose. When he arrives back at the North Pole all his little elf's that work diligently on making all the xboxes and many other toys. Jesus did not say we could tell white small fun lies he said there is no place with him for liars. He also said not to miss lead the children. Well maybe I am missing something but I think that or Lord and Savior might not want to share the lime light with Jolly old St Nick. Do you think that Jesus would himself or would ask you to spend money most don't have to give our children presents in the name of Santa. I more think he would me much more please if we followed his scriptures. The Bible tells us that religion is taking care of the poor, widows and orphans. So do you think that he would bless you sitting in your living room with several hundreds dollars of toys for more than likely ungrateful children that would have thought the world had ended if they did not get tons of things under the tree. While children are literally dying around the world because they are sick and have no food. Is this what the Bible tells us? Santa is an easy way out. We can just buy our way though Christmas and that way we don't have to take the time to put all aside for a day and teach our children about giving of themselves. What I am gathering from some of the post I read is that our children are being deprive of something if we teach them to worship Jesus and leave Santa out of this day we have put aside in our country to remember the greatest gift we could have ever received the Son our Savior who would one day die for us. The devil works in some very sweet ways to make us think we are doing good when we are really doing bad. What I think I am hearing Jesus is not enough for our children on Christmas day. I think that is really sad. What songs does your child sing more at Christmas time Jesus or Santa. Do your children get excited because it is a time to give God all the Glory or are they excited about what will be done for them. Our children also learn that Santa is not fair he gives really good toys to some children even if they are bad but other children get little are nothing because their parents don't have the money or just don't care if their children have Christmas or not. Is believing in Santa going to help the children who don't have a Christmas. Are we doing Gods work at Christmas.

Easter is the same Jesus died and suffered to give us life and what are we doing we celebrate this blessed occasion with a bunny rabbit that delivers eggs and candy. Are you getting message here. Every day that we have put aside for our Lord and Savior he has to for some reason I don't understand share it with some stupid lie we tell our children to make the day fun I think we are sending the message that Jesus is not enough we have to lie to our children on the very days that we should be giving over to Jesus. Who does the Bible say is the master of lies I do believe it is Satan. Do you see how the devil has squeezed in on these days to throw a shadow so that Jesus is not recognized in stead it is the lie which is Satan that is so important. Would it be easier for you to miss a church service on Christmas day or would it be easier to not give your child presents from Santa. Which would you do if you had to make a chioce bring your child to be with others that are celebrating the gift we received so many years ago. Are would you chose to stay home and give to your children. Which would you do. So are you of the world or with Jesus. He said there is only two sides you are either with Him or against Him. Which are you teaching your child.

By the way I agree with the original poster on Santa. My children do not believe in Santa. Yes I do have some people to ask me to tell my children not to tell their children there is not Santa. If I do that then I am still letting Satan in by telling my children to go along with the lie. My children are healthy and happy. It is December 10th and guess what my children have not told me what they want for Christmas. They are excited about the candy we are making together to hand out to friends and family. They also have asked if they could work for some money to send to the children that they see on TV that are so hungry. They do not seem to be suffering not one bit.

Algol Omega · Dec 30, 2010

It should be up to each family whether or not they celebrate Christmas, and how they celebrate Christmas; just as any holiday should be decided.

Should parents lie to their kids? Of course not. But Santa was not the first lie taught, and it won't be the last lie parents teach to their kids. At times, parents lie to their kids about all sorts of things; almost always, however, there is the intention of protecting the child.

Should it be advised against? Yes, kids should be taught the truth. A lot of kids grow up learning Santa is a lie, despite being told by the one entity, their parents, that he was real; thus, they come to believe by consequence that Jesus Christ was just a lie made up by the society, and that there is no Creator.

So then, perhaps the best way to handle Christmas, is for kids to be taught the reality of Christmas; that it was indeed based on a pagan holiday (the Winter Solstice) and adopted for and by the Roman Catholics to recruit Pagans into Christianity. Not to forget Christmas, but that we ought to celebrate as the Birth of Christ (and tell the kids that it is also despite the fact that we don't know when he was born; although, it was sometime in Fall), and not just the physical birth of Christ; rather that Christmas would be pointless to a Christian to celebrate if there was no literal resurrection of Christ Jesus, the LORD and SAVIOR.

kittycat7 · Dec 30, 2010

When I was a child I believed in Santa and it added a lot of joy and magic to Christmas for me. Over the years my mom was brainwashed by her friends and the values she was bringing us kids up on changed. She now disapproves of many things she was okay with when I was at a younger, more impressionable age. My youngest brother grew up not believing in Santa. Today I'm a Christian and one of my brothers is a atheist; I'm not sure what my youngest one is (probably atheist or agnostic).

Distant Ship Smoke · Dec 30, 2010

Santa, being the mythical person he is, always brought that wonder and joy to Christmas. Franky, it would be hard for parents to teach young kids about sin and damnation and what Christ did when everyone is handing out gifts to each other. It is a little difficult to explain a lot of things today to kids, but, hey, you're going to have to tell the truth sometime?

millennial crusader · Dec 30, 2010

PROPHECYKID said:
So we feed kids with a harmless lie? Isn't lying still a sin?

I'm not one that can pull scripture out of a hat like a lot can, but I'm positive that Jesus talked about babies, children being without sin.I personally don't feel that children can be held accountable for their actions or beliefs until they reach a point in their life where they can make their own decisions.
I don't have any children but if I did I would probably not want to create confusion in their lives at such an early age..we get enough of that as adults.Now I'm referring to a typical American child in public schools, etc. Being a child is the only time we are truly have pure hearts. I would just make up a story about santa clause and mix in my own twist of Jesus with it. I don't see how that is going to be a serious concern to our lord on the day of his return.

new_wine · Dec 31, 2010

The fact is not about the child's sin, it is about falsehood given to them (which is against the Second Great Command) and showing that it is ok for a parent to lie to a child.

Now think if God does this. Oh I give you everlasting life, no changed my mind that was all a lie! How would we feel? How is that in any way right?

I told my kids that Santa is a symbol of giving that some people use. That he is not real just like the characters in your cartoons are not real. They understood that and had no problem. They still had a nice Christmas, received gifts, learned about God and Jesus never once looked as if they missed anything.

Same with Easter, no bunny, just God, some candy and a nice meal with family.

I think the real reason people seem to be against the idea of not pumping up Santa, the Easter Bunny and whatnot is because it has become tradition. And so it is tradition for tradition's sake. This is why we mindlessly still celebrate Columbus Day when we know he never founded the US. It is rigid adherence to some idea even when it serves no purpose.

Jesus dealt with that and denounced it. So should we.

millennial crusader said:
I'm not one that can pull scripture out of a hat like a lot can, but I'm positive that Jesus talked about babies, children being without sin.I personally don't feel that children can be held accountable for their actions or beliefs until they reach a point in their life where they can make their own decisions.
I don't have any children but if I did I would probably not want to create confusion in their lives at such an early age..we get enough of that as adults.Now I'm referring to a typical American child in public schools, etc. Being a child is the only time we are truly have pure hearts. I would just make up a story about santa clause and mix in my own twist of Jesus with it. I don't see how that is going to be a serious concern to our lord on the day of his return.

STL-STD · Jan 3, 2011

St. Nicholas was real. If one wants to tell their kids the "truth" tell them who he was.

darren19 · Jan 6, 2011

I think its fine for kids to believe in santa. But i dont think the parents should encourage the kids to believe. So as long as the kids believe on their own i think its alright but if they ask the parents if santa is real the parents have to tell the truth.

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