by Mari-Jo Layante-Cordova

Created on: November 03, 2010

Many people view Santa Claus as the very personification of Christmas.  Despite Santa Claus is just a myth, a legend based on traditions associated with a fourth century bishop of Myra (now Turkey), he is a real person for the kids.   In fact, children patiently wait Santa Claus to visit their homes during Christmas eve.

True, this belief has exerted powerful influence on Christmas celebration and even serves as accessory to make the season merry.   While some people claim that Christmas customs are based on events recorded in the Bible, in reality most of these customs are founded from myths including the existence of Santa Claus.   Despite this, the teaching about Santa Claus remains widely accepted even to non-Christian countries.

Parents are often enthusiastic to tell their children about Santa Claus.   Children were seen amazed after knowing that there is indeed a real jolly old man who sports a large belly and snow-white beard every Christmas season dropping gifts for them to be happy.   Unknown to the children, most of the time,   fathers play the role of Santa Claus to bring them the gifts they want.   

 What if a child, sooner or later, learns that he has been deceived by his parents about believing that Santa Claus is a real person.   Does it not undermine his trust in his parents?   One may reason that everything is just for fun, for celebration and without it, Christmas will be as boring as an ordinary day.  

Yes, parents may teach their children about Santa Claus without the intention of deceiving them or teaching  them a lie.   They may tell so out of love to let their children enjoy the spirit of Christmas.   However, parents have God-given responsibility to teach and train their children the truth.  Parents to do this effectively shall start by being true to themselves and be frank to tell the truth to their children.

If children found out later that Santa Claus is indeed not a real person,  they may grudgingly blame their parents for the wrong beliefs they have in mind.   Negative effects on them may be disastrous and may last a lifetime.  They may find difficulty in trusting people including their parents.  Worst, they themselves are more likely to commit tall tale. 

Yes, children look to their parents as model of honesty and good conduct.  It would be a big failure on the part of parents if they miss to do that privilege and responsibility by simply telling untruths about Santa Claus. 

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