Easter Bunny

[WashedClean]

Hi All ,

I'm not a parent, but may be one day. I have a question for all you parents out there.

I was curious how you handle things like the Easter Bunny, Santa, Tooth Fairy, etc. Also, how did you child accept it?

Thanks!

WC

 

[Momzilla]

Do you mean how to handle it when the child figures out there's no such thing? If so, I haven't gotten there yet... and I don't know how I'll handle it when I do.

As for "allowing" to believe such things... IMHO, it's pretty much inevitable that kids will believe in Santa, etc., especially if they have any significant contact with the outside world (such as preschool or day care). We don't emphasize the Easter Bunny or Santa, but my oldest is pretty attached to the jolly red elf anyway. I try not to make a big deal of it, even though it bugs me a little.

 

[Andry]

I'm not sure I quite understand your questions about them. I don't have a hang up about any of them.

If you're talking about the opinion of some Christians that the Easter Bunny, Santa, Toothfairy, et al are 'bad' and a deception of the devil, I don't buy that at all. If I'm like most Christian adults here (at least in the North American context), I grew up with all those characters, and I dare say my spiritual life is firmly rooted in Christ.

What we need to remember is God gave us imagination and creativity, so it's really ok to use them positively. I'd be saddened if C.S. Lewis never wrote his wonderful books.

But back to what I think you meant....
1. Easter Bunny. My son's 4. He knows the 'real' story of Easter. He's frightened of the crucifixion (don't worry parents...I wasn't graphic at all), he's sad when Jesus dies, but REALLY happy of the resurrection - which is my emphasis. The Easter bunny and the eggs thing is a side-event, that spring is about waking up (winter), being born, rebirth, and so it coincides with the resurrection of Jesus. And the bunny? Well...who wants to cuddle a hen?

2. Santa. He's Jesus' mailman. Jesus is the one who gives, who blesses, and who we pray or write our Christmas list too. Santa 'picks up' the 'orders' and delivers them.

3. Tooth fairy - not there yet with my son, but will think of something then.

Hope this helps. May I also say, if you're thinking about these issues before you're a parent, that you'll be a terrific parent. God bless.

 

[Sonifo]

We don't do the Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or Halloween. My older kids never missed it and my younger ones don't care. We do have a tree, presents, easter egg hunt, but we do not celebrate Halloween at all.

During Christmas, we focus more on Jesus' Birthday. We all know Jesus wasn't born then but he has to have a birthday so that is the day. We make cards for Jesus and cookies. The kids love it. I tell the kids that we are all a Santa. The younger ones love it because they get to go to the stores and play Santa and buy gifts for others.
Giving is always better then getting.

For Easter we explain to the kids what happened during that time and go to a play that shows the story. We hid eggs on the Sunday after. We have even forgot and had hid eggs in June.

Halloween was always the hardest for the kids to deal with, because it is everywhere and the younger ones want to dress up too. On halloween nite we shut all the ligths off and go to the basement and watch movies, eat pop corn and drink soda. I buy the little ones a cute outfit to go in there dress up trunk.

They are kids, and they usually go with what their parents believe.

My kids are great and have never asked any, "but why's".

Good luck.

 

[pmcleanj]

I'm not a parent, but may be one day. I have a question for all you parents out there.

I was curious how you handle things like the Easter Bunny, Santa, Tooth Fairy, etc. Also, how did you child accept it?

Thanks!

WC

Hi, WC. I am a parent to two daughters, age 11 and 8; and part-time mom to a part-time daughter and part-time son, age 10 and 8.

My husband was raised in an ethnic German family whose cultural celebrations don't have Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny; and I am an adult convert to Christianity so Santa and the Easter Bunny don't have any childhood associations for me, either.

At Christmas time we prepare by having an advent wreath, preparing a creche, and processing the creche figures of Mary and Joseph through the house (not to mention stirring prayers into our figgy pudding on "Stir-up Sunday", making cookies and mincemeat, dancing in Nutcracker and practicing for the Sunday School Pageant. During Christmas -- which lasts for twelve days -- we attend the pageant, family prayers and gifts with my husband's family, midnight mass, and Christmas morning services, three or more Christmas dinners, and copious visiting with friends.

During Easter we attend Maunday Thursday services with Agape meal, foot-washing and stripping the altar. On Good Friday we fast, make bread, attend the Way of the Cross and/or the Tre-Oro service, break fast with hot-crossed buns. On Holy Saturday we paint eggs with Christian symbols, bake bread and attend the Great and Holy Vigil at midnight. On Easter we attend Sunrise services, communal breakfast at church, Bible-study and Easter Eucharist, and family dinner.

Where would we fit in such trivialities as Santa and the Bunny? They are clearly works of super-rogation, as it were. My daughters have been known to speak pityingly of their poor secular friends who get only one day of Christmas, and have never been to a Maundy. They don't feel left out in the least.

 

[Tangnefedd]

We told our children the story of the all three, I think kids need a bit of magic in their lives before reality begins to creep in. Our eldest daughter is very bright and worked out for herself at three years old that Santa Claus could not possibly get round all the children in one night!

I think make believe is all part of the wonder of childhood, I am only sad that real life takes over far too soon. I am sick when I see girly magazines aimed at the 9-13 yrs market talking of how to get a boyfriend and how to apply make up, when they should be reading fairy tales like Harry Potter.

 

[WashedClean]

If you're talking about the opinion of some Christians that the Easter Bunny, Santa, Toothfairy, et al are 'bad' and a deception of the devil, I don't buy that at all. If I'm like most Christian adults here (at least in the North American context), I grew up with all those characters, and I dare say my spiritual life is firmly rooted in Christ.

I also grew up in a Christian home, but didn't know Christ as my Savior until the age of 34. I'm not sure how much Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. hurt me. Probably not too much. I think the part I don't like is when these imaginary figures become the focus instead of Jesus.

What we need to remember is God gave us imagination and creativity, so it's really ok to use them positively. I'd be saddened if C.S. Lewis never wrote his wonderful books.

Excellent point!

But back to what I think you meant....
1. Easter Bunny. My son's 4. He knows the 'real' story of Easter. He's frightened of the crucifixion (don't worry parents...I wasn't graphic at all), he's sad when Jesus dies, but REALLY happy of the resurrection - which is my emphasis. The Easter bunny and the eggs thing is a side-event, that spring is about waking up (winter), being born, rebirth, and so it coincides with the resurrection of Jesus. And the bunny? Well...who wants to cuddle a hen?

2. Santa. He's Jesus' mailman. Jesus is the one who gives, who blesses, and who we pray or write our Christmas list too. Santa 'picks up' the 'orders' and delivers them.

3. Tooth fairy - not there yet with my son, but will think of something then.

I love this! Especially the part about Santa being Jesus' mailman . Puts it all in perspective. Reminds me of a figurine my sister has that she brings out at Christmas. It has Santa kneeling before the baby Jesus in a manger and he's worshipping him. Says it all!

Hope this helps. May I also say, if you're thinking about these issues before you're a parent, that you'll be a terrific parent. God bless.

Yes, it definitely helps! And thanks for the compliment!

Love in Christ,

WC

 

[WashedClean]

Hi, WC. I am a parent to two daughters, age 11 and 8; and part-time mom to a part-time daughter and part-time son, age 10 and 8.

My husband was raised in an ethnic German family whose cultural celebrations don't have Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny; and I am an adult convert to Christianity so Santa and the Easter Bunny don't have any childhood associations for me, either.

At Christmas time we prepare by having an advent wreath, preparing a creche, and processing the creche figures of Mary and Joseph through the house (not to mention stirring prayers into our figgy pudding on "Stir-up Sunday", making cookies and mincemeat, dancing in Nutcracker and practicing for the Sunday School Pageant. During Christmas -- which lasts for twelve days -- we attend the pageant, family prayers and gifts with my husband's family, midnight mass, and Christmas morning services, three or more Christmas dinners, and copious visiting with friends.

During Easter we attend Maunday Thursday services with Agape meal, foot-washing and stripping the altar. On Good Friday we fast, make bread, bread and attend the Great and Holy Vigil at midnight. On Easter we attend Sunrise services, communal breakfast at church, Bible-study and Easter Eucharist, and family dinner.

Where would we fit in such trivialities as Santa and the Bunny? They are clearly works of super-rogation, as it were. My daughters have been known to speak pityingly of their poor secular friends who get only one day of Christmas, and have never been to a Maundy. They don't feel left out in the least.

Hi pmcleanj ,

Thanks for responding.

You all sure have a lot of traditions! I'm exhausted just hearing about them, but they sound wonderful.

Your children are surely blessed!

In His Love,

WC

 

[WashedClean]

I just wanted to thank all who took the time to respond.

It's very helpful and gives me hope for the future!

Keep the answers comin'!!

 

[Mary_Magdalene]

Im with Sonifo on this one. My kids are 8, 4,2, 1. The older ones have never missed those things. We want to keep the focus on Jesus and in my experience with my kids- it can get confusing to little ones as to what is real and make believe (Jesus or the Easter Bunny?). On Christmas, we bake a birthday cake for Jesus and they have fun decorating it (it looks really "interesting" when they decorate the cake)

Just my opinion...

 

[Sonifo]

I just asked my daughter what she remember most about Christmas. She said, "Making a card for Jesus".

I don't think a parent should tell their children lies. Pretend and reality in these situations are very crusual because your taking away from the true stories of the Holiday. What is wrong with the true stories.

I have a 14, 13, 5 and 2 year old. My 14 and 13 year old never missed all that stuff, but yet they still play in the sandbox with matchbox cars with mom. It didn't hurt them any to be honest with them.

A scripture in the Bible I found that might pertain to this.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The best advice is to pray about it. Ask God what you should do. He will give you an answer.

 

[selune]

We have been cutting back on the commerciality of Christmas for a while now. We do 3 gifts (like baby Jesus received) and we read Christmas stories each night of Dec.. We do Christian advent calendars--story of Christ's birth broken into the different nights-- (each child can recite them by memory by Christmas ) Santa visits, but brings very small gifts. The children know that Christmas isn't about getting stuff, yes it's fun to have presents, but why the celebration? Because Jesus was given to us, the ultimate gift from God.

As for Easter, we celebrate the fact that Jesus died for us to be forgiven of our sins. We do have the tradition of egg coloring and hunting, and the Easter Bunny comes to tell/remind us that Jesus arose (yes he leaves candy and small goodies, but the kids know that Easter is about Jesus).

Halloween is a night when the kids dress up as their favorite cartoon or story book char. and get candy. We don't do the spooky stuff (except Charlie Brown, Winnie the Pooh, and Legend of Sleepy Hollow specials).

The tooth fairy? she has become a regular around here. Did you know that fairy world uses teeth to make fences and paving stone? That's what the kids say. I love fantasy and their imaginations.

 

[Tangnefedd]

I think it is very important for children to know the meaning of the religious festivals that we celebrate, but it does no harm to mix with it the magic of the season.

 

[Melbelle]

my son is only 5months old so he don't know right now but he is getting a walker and a big easter basket with tones of toys and candy but the candy is mommy and daddys lol anyways when he gets older we will let him know about the easter bunny and let him belive in it I belive that kids need to let there imaganation run wild but also to know the true meaning of easter and christmas but as for fun stuff I want him to belive in it as a child

 

[Melbelle]

I just asked my daughter what she remember most about Christmas. She said, "Making a card for Jesus".

I don't think a parent should tell their children lies. Pretend and reality in these situations are very crusual because your taking away from the true stories of the Holiday. What is wrong with the true stories.

I have a 14, 13, 5 and 2 year old. My 14 and 13 year old never missed all that stuff, but yet they still play in the sandbox with matchbox cars with mom. It didn't hurt them any to be honest with them.

A scripture in the Bible I found that might pertain to this.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The best advice is to pray about it. Ask God what you should do. He will give you an answer.

but there isn't any harm in letting there imagination run wild to belive as long as they know and belive the true meaning but also have fun with the fake stuff they spend all there time hearing stories after stories of how Jesus came and was born from the virgin mary and how he died on the cross and arose the third day why not put santa in there and plus there was really a man named Saint nick who did go around and giveing out toys but yes he is dead why can't we tell them and let them belive its all in fun and after the bunny comes and all we go to church and spend the rest of the day in the word of God I have no problem with it.

 

[Blessed2003]

I just asked my daughter what she remember most about Christmas. She said, "Making a card for Jesus".

I don't think a parent should tell their children lies. Pretend and reality in these situations are very crusual because your taking away from the true stories of the Holiday. What is wrong with the true stories.

I have a 14, 13, 5 and 2 year old. My 14 and 13 year old never missed all that stuff, but yet they still play in the sandbox with matchbox cars with mom. It didn't hurt them any to be honest with them.

A scripture in the Bible I found that might pertain to this.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The best advice is to pray about it. Ask God what you should do. He will give you an answer.

I think that is very wise, pray about it. What everyone else does is not necessarily what is right.
FTR, I agree with you tottaly. I do not think others are "wrong" it is an individual choice, but I do not think stringing my kids along lying, (that is what it is to me, and for me to do it, it is lying, not just (magic)?, or make believe ?) I have encouraged my children to have "imaginations" but I do not encourage them to willingly be deceived because reality is harsh, I think talking to them honestly is the best policy. Thanks

 

[Tangnefedd]

I think children can distinguish between fact and faction without too much difficulty, mine could. Obvously it is up to each individual parent how they bring their kids up, but childhood should be a magical time for children and I don't think a bit of fantasy does any harm. My eldest grandson 2yrs is nearly old enough to share in the world of magical make believe and I am determined to make it special for him.

 

[Swtsnshyn]

I just asked my daughter what she remember most about Christmas. She said, "Making a card for Jesus".

I don't think a parent should tell their children lies. Pretend and reality in these situations are very crusual because your taking away from the true stories of the Holiday. What is wrong with the true stories.

I have a 14, 13, 5 and 2 year old. My 14 and 13 year old never missed all that stuff, but yet they still play in the sandbox with matchbox cars with mom. It didn't hurt them any to be honest with them.

A scripture in the Bible I found that might pertain to this.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The best advice is to pray about it. Ask God what you should do. He will give you an answer.

I agree that this is using wisdom. One can encourage imaginations without lying. The problem with encouraging children to believe in these things is that as they get older, they begin to wonder what else dad and mom have lied about. Is God real or another lie?

Like Blessed2003, I do not think that others are necessarily wrong. I'm not sure that there really is truly a "right way" or a "wrong way". Children are different and the parents know better than anyone their temperament. Anyhoo, it is an individual choice. The best thing to do would be to pray and follow God's leading.




God Bless!!
Dawn
Shining brightly for Jesus

 

[Tangnefedd]

Is God real or another lie

That is something kids have to work out for themselves in the end.

 

[jenptcfan]

The problem with encouraging children to believe in these things is that as they get older, they begin to wonder what else dad and mom have lied about. Is God real or another lie?

I never wondered what else mom and dad 'lied' about. I've talked to some friends about this and they never felt that way either. I think people try to rationalize this stuff out too much and make more of it than it is. It never crossed my mind that God was a lie. We spent so much time in church and doing religious things (as opposed to 1 week a year being told to behave so Santa would come) that it was obvious where we should place importance and which was more serious. We were taught to revere God, but were never taught to place that kind of importance on secular symbols of the season.

Maybe if someone doesn't take their kids to church, make it a point to bring God into everyday live, or teach them about God very much, a kid might be confused as to whether or not God is real. But ultimately kids are smarter than we give them credit for. And if they see that God is important every day, they're going to know there's something different about him.

Just my .02.