December To-Do List
This time of year, the struggle between innocence and honesty may hinge around the question "Is there a Santa Claus?"
Your charge looks at you with a wondering gaze and a quizzical brow and asks a question. You answer and the face of the child comes alive with the joy of insight and knowledge. It is great for the child to discover understanding the world around them and for you to impart that knowledge.
Sometimes knowledge of the world can be infuriating and perplexing or even tragic. Previously, we have discussed in this blog how to give your child the tools to thwart abuse, whether sexual, physical, or verbal. We would all love to place all kids in a protective cocoon to shield them from all harm. But the best we can do is to inform them of dangers in an age-appropriate way.
So, when your charges ask you "Is there a Santa Claus?" be sure to answer, "Yes, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist."
Our to-do for December: Let children enjoy their childhood and revel in their innocence. At the same time, enjoy their innocence and their joy in discovery.
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteMy eldest 3 charges (6 and 4) do believe in Santa, and I hope they do for some time!! The youngest 2 have no idea atm (18months old)
When we go into town to visit Santa or we see Santa's on our daily travels I tell the children they are not the real Santa, they are just helpers bcoz the real Santa is too busy getting all the toys ready for all the children.
I love Christmas, and was so upset when I found out the truth, so really hope the children believe for as long as possible!!
They all so believe
ReplyDeleteMy mom and dad boss let the kids think there is a Santa because it's fun! I remember the best years of my life were the same exact ones with Santa. I mean, its like your making a kids lifetime by doing this. And besides, they will respect you that much more if they know how hard you worked and stayed up ALL NIGHT just to wrap and set out gifts for them!!! I say wait until they figure it out, otherwise they might regret a lot about their childhood. I think around the time they are 12 yrs old they should probably be told the truth if they haven't already figured it out.
ReplyDeleteYes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus. :)
ReplyDeleteMy parents always told us the truth and we played Santa every year. Once we figured it out they never lied to us. But, at the same time we continued to play the roles of Santa giving us gifts and it being a big surprise Christmas morning. You don't have to lie and still have a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's a no brainer, you do what the parents wish you to do. If they want you to say there is a Santa Claus then you do it. If they want to say otherwise you do it. They are the parents.
ReplyDeleteBut I really appreciate the sentiment in the essay you have shared.