by Jodi Heavner

Created on: January 01, 2011

The Real Reason for the Season

               To lie, or not to lie? That is the question that I have been asking myself this holiday season. With a brand new baby, I spend most of my time wondering what is best for my child, and the belief of Santa Claus is not an exception. Do I want my daughter to experience creating a wish list of every toy she could ever want, sleeplessly anticipating the clanking of reindeer hooves landing on the roof, the exciting first rays of sunlight Christmas morning, or hurriedly turning the corner to see what Santa has left under the tree?

At first I think, “Sure, it will be fun for all of us.” Nothing is more fun to a child then opening up a ton of presents first thing in the morning. However, in retrospect, I remember how sad and disappointed I was when I was told “Santa is not real” by my older cousins; four words that can scar a kid. My first Christmas without believing in Santa seemed shallow and a little darker than previous years. I’m not sure if I ever fully trusted my parents again. Do I really want to lie to my precious gift from the universe like my parents did? Do I want to look into her eyes and mislead her to believe that a fat man with a beard sneaks into our house through the chimney while were sleeping? That’s not creepy at all. 

               Growing up in a family that has a Santa impersonator come to every Christmas gathering, it has been a change of pace for me to stick to the basics of this holiday. However, my child’s father, who grew up in a family that barely acknowledged holidays, has had convincing arguments. He is against cutting down trees to decorate them for a month’s time, calls Santa “Satan”, and is hesitant to attend large Christmas parties. He wonders why everyone who celebrates Christmas (Christians) replaces the real reason for the season with frivolous idols. He is convinced Jesus would not like that. I would tend to agree.

                During a season that is meant to bring people together, promote giving and peace on earth, and set everyone on a path of a joyous new year, should Santa really be added to the equation? No, it is not necessary. My child is going to learn that this holiday is not going to be about what all Santa can bring her, but rather what all she can do to bring happiness to others. I will not allow her foundation to be based on dishonesty and greed. I am not going to scar her with false tales of flying reindeer and magical elves. The answer is not to lie.

Learn more about this author, Jodi Heavner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.