Comments on: How Do You Do Santa?

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:30:58 +0000

My wife and I take Ben Robie’s approach. We let them know Santa is pretent, but we like to pretend! It’s fun! There’s nothing wrong with imagination and having a great time with it! Play it up big if you want, but make sure your kids know the difference between what’s real and what’s make believe. My parents did that with me and it took none of the mystery out of the equation. I LOVED Christmas and still do! Still like to put presents from Santa under the tree, but my kids all know – it’s just for fun!

By: Ashley Hawkins

Ashley Hawkins — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:47:06 +0000

Oh forgot to add that we will have presents set out for the element of surprise, but our children will know the presents are from Mommy and Daddy.

By: Ashley Hawkins

Ashley Hawkins — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:50:59 +0000

Hey Brent,
I was told this a long time ago by my drama coach when she was dealing with her child and this issue. This is what we are going to do. We are going to tell Blayze that there are a lot of other people who believe in “Santa Clause and the idea that this “man” comes in your home when your sleeping and leaves you gifts. We will tell him that is not the truth…that is not what we are going to believe, and if anyone asks him or tells him different then he will be able to have the opportunity to tell them about Jesus.
Now, when it gets to the point of school time or others making fun of him then that is the time that we will tell him that because everyone believes differently and when another “idea” is presented then we don’t correct them. Basically, just let them believe what they will (for the sake of angry parents and your child telling their child that Santa isn’t real.)
Just thought I would add what we are going to do. We have not had to cross this path yet, and as difficult as it will be…to us it will be worth it in the end. The satisfaction of our children knowing that we always told them the truth rather than going with what the world wants us to do. Even family gets muffled at the idea of not having santa…”might as well not even have Christmas.” I would rather “ruin his Christmas without a santa” then to have him believe for a good while that “santa” is what Christmas is about.

By: jordan

jordan — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:26:19 +0000

Well since Lexi follows Brent’s blog I guess the gig is up for us too. THANKS BRENT.

For the record the Fowler’s do Santa. When our kids are old enough to ask, “Mom and Dad, is it really you?’ we tell them “Yes.” Our oldest will probably ask this year as she has dropped some questions close to that. Perhaps she isn’t asking because she doesn’t want a present supply chain to dry up. If she doesn’t ask, we’ll tell her after Christmas is passed so she doesn’t look like an idiot at school.

I did Santa growing up

By: Rubi

Rubi — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:17:32 +0000

Oh, I like that, “pretending Santa.” Children do live in an imaginary world at times and need an outlet for it. Living “without judgement of others” and “in a world of truth” is what we are all called to do as Christians.

I like what you are doing with your girls! And thanks for sharing! Now, I have some praying to do!

By: Brent

Brent — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:27:21 +0000

So here is what we are going to do….

We have full intentions of setting out presents on Christmas Eve and pretending Santa. But our kids will know the truth. So we will do our best to live in a world of pretend and a world of truth at the same time. Because I know our kids, I have every reason to believe that pretending Santa will bring as much joy as thinking he is real. And it also allows our conscience to rest in peace that we have not misled our children.

I think that this is an area of freedom and do not think any less of those who do the traditional santa thing. But this is where my conscience leads me and I must be faithful to what I feel God has called us to do, without judgment of others.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:59:55 +0000

I found you by way of Jenn. This is a great topic in which Justin and I hope to draw upon the wisdom of those who are going before us. We have a few years before Reed starts asking those daunting questions. My question to you: do you set out gifts for the girls from Santa? If you are leaning towards telling them the truth, that Santa is not real, then will you continue to give gifts from Santa or is this not a common practice in your home already? I ask because if you tell her that Santa is not real, but she continues to receive gifts from a fake being, will that be confusing to her? My friends’ mom always told them that Santa wasn’t real because she didn’t want a fake person to receive the thanks for all her hard work saving up for gifts on a single budget. I can completely understand her point. But, when I found out that Santa/Tooth Fairy/Easter Bunny wasn’t real, I didn’t resent my parents or feel deceived. I kept up my end of the deal till my two sisters figured it out and they weren’t disgruntled either. I guess there is a possibility of her being upset that you lied but is that what you’re afraid of? Losing credibility with her if you lie about Santa? It’s possible. I love Jenn’s approach to the situation since it’s age appropriate for Connor. Can’t wait to hear what you guys decided to do!!

By: Rubi

Rubi — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:26:02 +0000

So Brent, have you and Kari decided how you might handle the “Santa” thing with Avery?

By: brent

brent — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:33:09 +0000

Jen. I agree with Ben, great idea. Your approach is steeped in good and true historical tradition. But you also avoids my only problem… being dishonest.

By: Ben Robie

Ben Robie — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:10:18 +0000

@Jen, wow. Great comment!