by Fiona Mather

Created on: November 16, 2009   Last Updated: November 18, 2009

Magic, enchantment, a time for children; what a wonderful story. Santa Claus is good for children. Children love Santa Claus and all he stands for.

An important part of childhood I think is the magical quality of Christmas. Remember when you were a child and how you eagerly awaited the coming of Father Christmas, Santa Claus or whatever you called him? Anticipation at its childhood best! Santa Claus means EXCITEMENT!

Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children has been part of childhood for a long time and will hopefully continue for a long time to come. Perpetuating the myth of Santa Claus is good for children. A child's imagination is a wonderful thing and experiencing these childhood fantasies allows children to grow and nurture their imagination, something that somewhat dulls as we enter adulthood.

Like fairy stories and fables children love the impossible and absurd. Have you ever looked at a child's face when you have been reading him a story his face is alive and full of wonder and excitement? The sheer hope and magic comes alive with children; this is something to behold.

Childhood doesn't last long so isn't it important to let children have some magical experiences that they will always treasure? Far from damaging young minds I think that believing in Santa Claus enhances them.

Visiting Santa in his grotto a few weeks before Christmas, ready to tell him what you want him to bring you and for Santa to maybe ask you if you've been good all year and to make sure that you will be in bed early on The Night, Christmas Eve; wow, sheer bliss to a child. The one time in the year when magic abounds bringing to life the impossible and wonderful; the glorious innocence and naivet of childhood.

Life is far too serious in most aspects for a lot of children and make-believe and fantasy has an important part to play in the lives of youngsters. Life for children today is maybe more stressful than it was twenty or more years ago so believing in Santa Claus may be all the more important in these complicated and worrying times.

Children should have some time off to feed their imaginations and enjoy the happiness and wonderment that Christmas should bring to them. This may be the one and only time, apart from their birthdays that children have to truly enjoy themselves and feed their minds.

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