by Shannon Abelson

Created on: January 31, 2011   Last Updated: March 10, 2011

Many parents grapple with the question of whether they should allow their children to believe in Santa Claus. Some consider the belief a harmless childhood indulgence; others condemn it as an unnecessary falsehood. There are pros and cons to letting a child indulge in the myth of Santa, but most parents find the benefits worth the illusion.

The most desirable effect produced by the myth of Santa is a sense of moral responsibility. The myth of Santa Claus teaches children the valuable lesson that good behavior is rewarded, while bad behavior is not. At young ages, it is difficult to explain concepts of right and wrong or moral responsibility in ways children can understand. Using the story of Santa Claus, parents can teach their children about the value of good behavior in an accessible way. Just as children often learn moral lessons from Aesop’s Fables or religious institutions, Santa Claus can provide a stable foundation for healthy values. Children learn quickly that behaving well is reciprocated by rewards, and relish the opportunity to do well.

Another advantage to introducing children to the myth of Santa Claus can be found in the structure the story provides. Children like structure. They crave direction, and love being able to meet what is expected of them. The story of Santa Claus provides children with a guideline of what type of behavior is commendable. Presents aside, your child will enjoy the opportunity to impress you and Santa with his or her good deeds. Parents can emphasize that Santa appreciates hard-working students, affability and generosity, which in turn will instill in a child the desire to try hard in these areas.

Additionally, the tale of Santa Claus gives parents an avenue to discuss moral issues that is universal. While not all countries harbor a Santa Claus-type story, he is generally depicted as not relegated to a specific ethnic group or religion. He is a figure that rewards good behavior regardless of denomination. This creates a fantastic opportunity to discuss with the child the importance of equality. Parents can explain how Santa visits the whole world without discrimination. This is a great way to inspire a sense of appreciation of different cultures and a reverence for egalitarianism.

Lastly, the most emotionally compelling reason for parents to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus for their children is the dreams it fulfills. Children like to believe in the best of people. The idea of a benevolent St. Nick who rewards the virtuous appeals to a child's natural desire to see the good in the world. By retelling this tale to each generation of children, parents are contributing to the same dream of a just and perfect world that has been immortalized in the minds of young for ages. Children deserve a time in life to believe in a perfect world. Though some parents may disagree, most feel that the disillusionment that children must eventually face need not come before it's due. 

While many parents feel uncomfortable with the notion of lying to their children, the chances are that they will probably hear the story regardless. Children will most likely appreciate hearing it from their parents more than from external influences. A child may feel betrayed if he or she believes that his or her parents deliberately refrained from explaining the story.   

Ultimately, the choice to explain the myth of Santa Claus to a child is subject to the discretion of the parent. However, there are several compelling reasons to perpetuate this myth. Children eventually realize its falsity, but rarely feel they have been cheated. Most see it as a step forward on the path toward maturity and later appreciate the lessons it taught them. 

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