The holiday season is here, and I find myself being asked if I belong to “that group.” Which group is that, you ask? The ones who don’t lie to their kids?
I can already hear the disapproval from my mother-in-law, my parents, and even some friends. But let’s take a moment to thoughtfully consider the reasons people support the Santa Claus myth.
I get it—it’s all about “tradition.” But just because something is traditional doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. If you’re talking about the kind of traditions that create lasting memories and bring families closer together, then I can admit that secular households might not hit the same notes as those rooted in organized religion.
However, each December we make it a point to get a fresh Christmas tree and decorate it. I crank up my favorite holiday tunes (think Johnny Mathis, Peanuts, and even South Park) while baking cookies like mocha crinkles, cranberry with white chocolate, oatmeal chocolate chip, and Jubilee Jumbles, a recipe passed down from my grandmother. My son’s grandparents typically join us on Christmas Eve, where we feast on a deep-fried turkey (after a frantic search for the flavor injector I tossed into the toolbox months before) along with sausage-apple-cranberry stuffing and glazed carrots. We brew some wassail, unwrap a few presents, and sometimes even sing carols. The highlight is when my dad reads “The Night Before Christmas,” just like he did for me when I was little. The following day is all about opening more gifts, relaxing, playing, and, of course, indulging in cookies.
Now, that’s what I call tradition! And you know what? It’s going to happen whether or not Santa Claus is involved.
I don’t want to deprive my son of the Santa Claus story; I want to introduce him to a variety of fascinating tales from around the world. However, we don’t need to believe every myth is factually true for it to enrich our lives. Myths are powerful because they inspire us and ignite our imaginations, not necessarily because they are real.
Some argue that believing in Santa Claus is the one true magical part of childhood—who would want to take that away? I believe that’s a narrow viewpoint. I’m not robbing my child of anything; he enjoys a warm holiday filled with love and family. If you think he’ll somehow be deprived or that his childhood will suffer, let’s consider the facts: countless children from various backgrounds—whether they are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i, Wiccan, or atheists—grow up to be well-adjusted adults without waiting for a sleigh ride from a chubby man in a red suit.
My own parents played the Santa game, and I honestly don’t think it added any magic to my childhood. “Santa” made an appearance a few times, with our neighbor Mr. Parker dressing up, but I never felt a connection. The family cat even tried to attack him! I figured out the truth about Santa at a young age when I noticed that his letters looked a lot like my mom’s handwriting, especially when he kept asking for tuna sandwiches—my dad’s favorite.
What I cherish from my own childhood are the other holiday customs: the tree, the carols, the cookies, and, most importantly, my family.
I think the push to instill the Santa myth in our kids stems from a desire to recapture our own childhood innocence. But honestly, I’m content celebrating the return of the sun, the joy of family gatherings, and the small victory of finally locating that elusive turkey injector. Isn’t that magical enough?
For more insights on family traditions and parenting, check out our other post on intracervical insemination. If you’re interested in home insemination kits, Make a Mom is a great resource. And for information on pregnancy, visit the CDC.
Summary
This article challenges the traditional belief in Santa Claus as an essential part of childhood magic, advocating instead for the value of diverse holiday traditions that foster family connections without relying on myths.