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At what age and how do you tell children about the truth of Christmas? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm writing this as someone who has mostly lived in the US and Canada. Personally, I find the whole "lying to children about Christmas" thing just a bit weird (no judgment on those who enjoy this aspect of the holiday). But because it's completely normalized in our culture, this is something many people have to deal with.

Two questions:

What age does this normally happen? I suppose you want the "magic of Christmas" at younger ages, but it gets embarrassing at a certain point.

And how does it normally happen? Let them find out from others through people at school? Tell them explicitly during a "talk"? Let them figure it out on their own?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I'm ok with Christmas presents, but not with with Santa bullshit. Same with Tooth Fairy or anything similar. What's the point?

Also, if your kids know you're the one giving them their presents, maybe the will appreciate you a bit more.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Yeahhhh, I did not care for the "Santa toys" as much as I did the ones from my parents. I still regret that to this day. If it stopped working or I lost it I'd think it was okay because it was free.

Though, in grade ~2 i told everyone i could go work in Santa's work shop if I tried more new foods....

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Completely agree with you. I'm definitely underqualified to speak of this, as I have no children, but I have a masters degree in pedagogy, started a PhD in pedagogy years ago that I never finished and briefly worked as a teacher, but I've never once in my life saw as little as a proper article with any proof that belief in Santa is in any way beneficial to a child's developement.

Moreover I honestly believe it's detrimental. Such belief often leaves children in poor families disappointed and resentful when they see their friends get much more impressive gifts. On top of that such belief leads to ungrateful and entitled behavior in children as they believe they are owed a present, without understanding the sacrifices their parents have to make to buy this present.

Tldr: Please don't make your kids worship capitalist mascots, if you want them to have a magical childhood just read them a book or spend quality time with them.