Santa

[Fez]

To anyone. Wondering if you could describe your experience in learning that Santa Claus did not exist, and your feelings surrounding it.

Santa does not exist???? How could you do this to me!!!!! Who has been putting the gifts under the tree all these years? I don't believe you. Prove it with scripture Will I get any gifts this year? Did my letter get to him? I have been very good this year (well reasonably good). I want a bicycle!

[MelodyCat]

I'm so glad my prarents didn't teach my brother and I to beleive in Santa Claus at all!

I lived on a farm growing and we were pretty isolated so there was no one else to influence us into this Western Myth.

I felt sorry at school for all my friends learning for the first time there was no Santa I remember some kids were devasted when they were told the truth.

I understand why Unbelievers might continue to fool their kids into thinking there is a Santa Claus, but why do Christians parents do it?

[~Shalhevet~]

I'm so glad my prarents didn't teach my brother and I to beleive in Santa Claus at all!

I lived on a farm growing and we were pretty isolated so there was no one else to influence us into this Western Myth.

I felt sorry at school for all my friends learning for the first time there was no Santa I remember some kids were devasted when they were told the truth.

I understand why Unbelievers might continue to fool their kids into thinking there is a Santa Claus, but why do Christians parents do it?

I feel the same way. Santa is not Christian. If anything he is a false idol. Good to hear a story of someone being brought up without Santa. Makes me feel more confident about my situation.

[Creed]

I was probably about 5 or 6 when I saw my mother sneaking unwrapped presents into the bedroom. Then those same presents showed up under the tree with Santa's name on them. Hmmm. I remember feeling disappointed.

With my own son, he can spot Santa in a lineup, but we've never emphasized him as being the gift giver. All his presents come from us, family, friends on the gift tag.

I never wanted my son to wonder if, like Santa, Jesus was a myth as well.

[Believer1997]

I do not ever recall telling them he was real. I told them he was a fantasy and funny man.... Also that he was fun and told them the tale of Santa Claus. I think they always 'knew' that he was just a mythical and magical figure for children to ponder. I did have an Uncle who would shake huge sleigh bells on Christmas Eve outside and even though I was sure he was not real - that was fun.... I never remember being bummed out when I learned he wasn't real - Mamma always said with a little twinkle in her eye "If you don't believe, you don't receive".

[Deepblue]

I honestly don't think I ever believed in Santa. I would play along though. I remember asking my parents questions like "How can someone do all that in one night?". "How can he live that long?". "Reindeer can't fly can they?". "How does he fit into chimneys?" "What if the home has no chimney?"

I pretty much always thought it was bunk, and was not surprised when I caught them sneaking presents under the tree lol.

[Deepblue]

To anyone. Wondering if you could describe your experience in learning that Santa Claus did not exist, and your feelings surrounding it.

Santa does not exist???? How could you do this to me!!!!! Who has been putting the gifts under the tree all these years? I don't believe you. Prove it with scripture Will I get any gifts this year? Did my letter get to him? I have been very good this year (well reasonably good). I want a bicycle!

"Prove it with scripture" - lol

[Guest Chason]

When I found out that there was no Santa Clause, I was pretty devestated.

See...taken too seriously, Santa can become an Idol. When I was a kid, I would say my prayers to God, and then I would say my prayers to Santa for all the things I wanted for Christmas. So, as a child, I was worshiping an idol unknowingly. THen, when I found out that he was a lie, I started to question everything else. Are they lying to me about Jesus too? Are lying about God? Is the bible just one long made up story to give children something to be happy about in a world where there is nothing to produce said happiness?

I went through several years of not beleiving in Christ after I found out that there was no Santa Clause. Thankfully, the Lord brought me back to him.

This is why I think it very important to be extremely careful with children about Santa. Never should a child think that it is okay to pray to Santa. Then he becomes more to them, and when they lose him, they may loose alot more. Like the ability to beleive in anything that is not materialistic.

So I beleive that when I have kids, I will make sure to tell them the story of the real Saint Nick, Who sold all of his property so that his friend's two daughters could have nice weddings, and then went about giving out of love for The Christ for the rest of his days.

THe story of Saint Nick is a beautiful one, but it, too, is based in Christ. Never take Christ out of it.

[wyguy]

Friends at school let me in on it. I was like, "Really? Okay."

Funny thing, I pretty much suspected my parents were behind it all long before I found out. (Example: My mom put out my father's favorite cookies for "Santa").

[Gerioke]

Why is it Christmas day that everyone feels obligated to dedicate to Jesus and not every other day? Did Jesus indicate some special attachment to December 25th? Is Christmas not a traditional celebration with a wee vacation thrown in to boot? If it is a Holy day, where is it mentioned in the bible? Is Santa any different than your favorite TV character or the significant other that may steal away your attention from things spiritual?

I think Santa takes a lot of flack for no reason.