What's your opinion on parents who don't do Santa for their children when living in a mostly Christian/Catholic country?
Would you do Santa or no do Santa for your children in this situation?
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Mamapolo2016 · F
I may be almost alone in this - but I do not recall a single moment of feeling betrayed or lied to when I learned there was no Santa.
Nor do I remember my daughter reacting negatively. The Santas in malls, etc, don't con kids over 6 or 7, I think. It's just part of the season when it's not overblown.
Lots of people don't participate in the Santa thing due to religious or cultural reasons, and I think that's perfectly fine. I don't think Santa plays much of a role in raising a healthy, happy child.
When I was a kid, bragging wasn't part of Christmas - we told each other what we'd received, but it wasn't a gimme contest.
My ideas about this have changed - if I was raising children now there'd be much less emphasis on what was under the tree and a lot more on communicating the traditions (stringing popcorn or cranberries for the tree, homemade ornaments, etc) and sharing what we had with people who had less. Maybe do the 12 days of Christmas with a small but significant gift each day, and spending Christmas Eve and day celebrating the family instead of recovering from wrapping gifts until 3 am.
Nor do I remember my daughter reacting negatively. The Santas in malls, etc, don't con kids over 6 or 7, I think. It's just part of the season when it's not overblown.
Lots of people don't participate in the Santa thing due to religious or cultural reasons, and I think that's perfectly fine. I don't think Santa plays much of a role in raising a healthy, happy child.
When I was a kid, bragging wasn't part of Christmas - we told each other what we'd received, but it wasn't a gimme contest.
My ideas about this have changed - if I was raising children now there'd be much less emphasis on what was under the tree and a lot more on communicating the traditions (stringing popcorn or cranberries for the tree, homemade ornaments, etc) and sharing what we had with people who had less. Maybe do the 12 days of Christmas with a small but significant gift each day, and spending Christmas Eve and day celebrating the family instead of recovering from wrapping gifts until 3 am.
Longpatrol · 31-35, M
goagainsttheflow · 26-30, F
Well Santa (the one who flies on his sleigh) is a fictional character who has nothing to do with Christianity. For most of Christian/Catholic history, there wasn't a Santa Clause sneaking down chimneys to deliver toys specially made by elves. It would have been considered witchcraft, which was punishable by torture and death. So I'm sure the kids, and mine if I ever have any, will be fine celebrating Christmas without him.
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CrazyMusicLover · 31-35
@suzie1960 The feast has nothing to do with Christianity but Christmas has. I've heard that's why they started to call it holiday in the USA. So other cultures wouldn't feel discriminated. xD
This Santa fact is interesting. I never heard about it before. Just the story about how he got red and commercialized because of Coca Cola.
This Santa fact is interesting. I never heard about it before. Just the story about how he got red and commercialized because of Coca Cola.
suzie1960 · 61-69, F
@CrazyMusicLover The Xmas tree is interesting. Some claim the practice originated among 16th century christians in Germany. The specific practice may have but tree worship is much older, Wassailing for example. The figure on top of the tree is thought by some to represent an angel but Pagans have told me it represents the tree spirit. Quite often a pentagram (5 pointed star) is used instead. That's a Pagan symbol, the Star of David has 6 points.
The story of Santa seems to be based on Odin. Santa has 8 reindeer drawing His sleigh; Odin's horse, Sleipnir, has 8 legs. Odin and Sleipnir are said to travel the night sky at Yule bringing sweets and toys to children.
The story of Santa seems to be based on Odin. Santa has 8 reindeer drawing His sleigh; Odin's horse, Sleipnir, has 8 legs. Odin and Sleipnir are said to travel the night sky at Yule bringing sweets and toys to children.
goagainsttheflow · 26-30, F
@CrazyMusicLover I'm not christian, either. I'm more on the pagan side of things as far as celebrating holidays go (I'm getting ready for Samhain, too).
CrazyMusicLover · 31-35
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katielass · F
It doesn't really have anything to do with being christian or any religion. It's all about the kids and adults who like presents.
cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
I didn't do that and I'm Christian