I recently read an article on an Industry Facebook group and was really surprised and quite disappointed by it, as well as some opinions/ comments that is has sat with me for a few days, hence led me to write this post!
So, the article basically said we should tell children about Santa, that we should not lie, that it is their right to know the truth!
I am really saddened by these attitudes and while I understand children have rights and we should be honest, I think there are times where “a lie” is not necessarily a lie in the negative sense.
What about children’s right to be children? To experience the magic and wonder of Christmas? To engage in vigorous conversations about HOW Santa delivers all of these gifts? To wonder about the concept of Elves and their role in all of this? To leave Santa and of course the reindeer a treat, providing much needed sustenance, hence contributing to their journey? To wonder if every sound on Christmas Eve could be Santa? To give gifts to others, whether it be family, friends or the less fortunate? To experience the excitement of waking in the morning to find gifts under the tree and cookie crumbs on the plate?
I remember all of these as a child and they are currently occurring in our home right now and I would not want this to stop!
So I argue … by exposing “The Big Red Man” in a society where children are growing up so fast, exposed to world events we never dreamed of, expected to be mature before their years…..I feel takes their rights away to experience the wonder and magic of being a child who believes!
I place great value on childhood innocence and part of being a child is to have the opportunity to explore, be curious and wonder about all things, both magical and real and come to their own conclusions in their time!
What are your thoughts?
I am more inclined to your view kirsty, but if we want to dump honesty on the children in this regard then i would challenge to live your life with total honesty….oh that present you gave me? Just what i wanted,…..need me to volunteer on your party …so sorry that.aunties are coming over…., you ass look big in that….we Yess. See how you go.
But santa which children come to a time of acceptance in time will in their youth open the door to wonder ours imagination, puzzlement, lateral thinking and kindness among others.