My kids, age 5 and 3, don’t believe in Santa. My wife and I told them that all the other kid’s parents are lying to them, and that we chose not to lie to them because we respect them.

I find it hilarious that the majority of people in this country (80%) claim to be Christians, but then they perpetuate this misguided myth during the time they are supposed to be celebrating the birth of their savior.

Santa Claus has virtually replaced the entire mythos of the christian religion in our society. We live in a strange cognitively dissonant country. The ‘Christians’ here talk out of one side of their mouth about Jesus, then out of the other side of their mouths, lie to their kids about some scary old man that replaces Jesus. On the one hand, you have ‘be good because Jesus is watching you’, and on the other, you have ‘be good or the magical santa won’t bring you presents’. That is just too messed up.

My kids, age 5 and 3, don’t believe in Santa. My wife and I told them that all the other kid’s parents are lying to them, and that we chose not to lie to them because we respect them.

I find it hilarious that the majority of people in this country (80%) claim to be Christians, but then they perpetuate this misguided myth during the time they are supposed to be celebrating the birth of their savior.

Santa Claus has virtually replaced the entire mythos of the christian religion in our society. We live in a strange cognitively dissonant country. The ‘Christians’ here talk out of one side of their mouth about Jesus, then out of the other side of their mouths, lie to their kids about some scary old man that replaces Jesus. On the one hand, you have ‘be good because Jesus is watching you’, and on the other, you have ‘be good or the magical santa won’t bring you presents’. That is just too messed up.

I would like to point out the fact that not one music teacher that I knew ever read a book to us in music class - if she’s so damn smart why didn’t she pick up on the fact that they had her teaching the wrong subject for the day and go wild on the less than brilliant secretary that typed up the class syllabus?

I think I would have had a few things to say to this substitute myself. Has someone slapped her yet? Anyone…? I think everyone understands Santa Claus is not some strange fat man in a fuzzy suit that breaks into our houses toting gifts for “good” girls and boys. Why aren’t some kids scared to death by this, I wonder. Anyway, in my humble opinion Santa is more of a representation of the spirit of giving, really. I have an 11 year-old that still believes in Santa, and damn it, I will perpetuate the “lie” for as long as I can. I will do this with the hope that someday he will understand “Santa” is something real when he finds out what’s going on here.

Yes, and by the way, while stating that someone doesn’t come down your chimney may be correct, certainly stating that someone doesn’t put presents under the tree is a lie. Hypocrite.

Hey, where did that lump of coal come from…?

I would like to point out the fact that not one music teacher that I knew ever read a book to us in music class - if she’s so damn smart why didn’t she pick up on the fact that they had her teaching the wrong subject for the day and go wild on the less than brilliant secretary that typed up the class syllabus?

I think I would have had a few things to say to this substitute myself. Has someone slapped her yet? Anyone…? I think everyone understands Santa Claus is not some strange fat man in a fuzzy suit that breaks into our houses toting gifts for “good” girls and boys. Why aren’t some kids scared to death by this, I wonder. Anyway, in my humble opinion Santa is more of a representation of the spirit of giving, really. I have an 11 year-old that still believes in Santa, and damn it, I will perpetuate the “lie” for as long as I can. I will do this with the hope that someday he will understand “Santa” is something real when he finds out what’s going on here.

Yes, and by the way, while stating that someone doesn’t come down your chimney may be correct, certainly stating that someone doesn’t put presents under the tree is a lie. Hypocrite.

Hey, where did that lump of coal come from…?

My brother was around the age of 7, I being 5 years older was emotionally torn as he sought only the truth which he knew I possessed. When he turned to me for an answer at first I tried to confirm his wavering “belief,” so he then asked me to instead explain how Santa really knows what we want for Christmas? How can Santa possibly fly and fit through a chimney? And why do the notes he leaves looks like Mom’s handwriting?—All reasonable questions.

I told my brother the truth because I thought, and still do, that it was better coming from me, someone who truly cared about his imagination, than some schoolmate who thinks he so much smart than my brother. I wasn’t aware of the historical explanation, but I talked about the spirit and magic of Christmas and how giving to others can make us just as happy as receiving.

This year at Christmas, 15 years later my mother again brought up the fact that I ruined it for my brother. I simply responded with a smile and —“well Mom you taught me not to lie.”

This is one of those situations if life, like so many, where it’s difficult to determine right from wrong. I can see both perspectives, but I think the teacher should have stayed out of it and left the job to the truthful big sisters.

Please note that in my Manhattan apartment in a neighborhood where you see very few children, I have a decoration up that states “We Still Believe in Santa,” and part of me still does. Thanks Mom.

My brother was around the age of 7, I being 5 years older was emotionally torn as he sought only the truth which he knew I possessed. When he turned to me for an answer at first I tried to confirm his wavering “belief,” so he then asked me to instead explain how Santa really knows what we want for Christmas? How can Santa possibly fly and fit through a chimney? And why do the notes he leaves looks like Mom’s handwriting?—All reasonable questions.

I told my brother the truth because I thought, and still do, that it was better coming from me, someone who truly cared about his imagination, than some schoolmate who thinks he so much smart than my brother. I wasn’t aware of the historical explanation, but I talked about the spirit and magic of Christmas and how giving to others can make us just as happy as receiving.

This year at Christmas, 15 years later my mother again brought up the fact that I ruined it for my brother. I simply responded with a smile and —“well Mom you taught me not to lie.”

This is one of those situations if life, like so many, where it’s difficult to determine right from wrong. I can see both perspectives, but I think the teacher should have stayed out of it and left the job to the truthful big sisters.

Please note that in my Manhattan apartment in a neighborhood where you see very few children, I have a decoration up that states “We Still Believe in Santa,” and part of me still does. Thanks Mom.

It’s sad that adults would feel the need to spoil Christmas for a 6 year old, just to make themselves feel better, then cloak it in the left wing “what’s good for the children” rhetoric.

As for Aubreys comment, good to see that the truly EVOLVED amongst us must resort to name calling when their arguments spring a few leaks. Sounds to me like your “Mum” might have wanted to focus a bit more time teaching manners instead of all that time man hating.

Go Santa!

It’s sad that adults would feel the need to spoil Christmas for a 6 year old, just to make themselves feel better, then cloak it in the left wing “what’s good for the children” rhetoric.

As for Aubreys comment, good to see that the truly EVOLVED amongst us must resort to name calling when their arguments spring a few leaks. Sounds to me like your “Mum” might have wanted to focus a bit more time teaching manners instead of all that time man hating.

Go Santa!