Answer: Although Santa Claus is a mythical figure, his creation is based in part on a great Christian man named Saint Nicholas of Myra, who lived in the 4th century. Nicholas was born to Christian parents who left him an inheritance when they died, which he distributed to the poor. He became a priest at a young age and was well-known for his compassion and generosity. He had a reputation for giving gifts anonymously, and he would throw bags of money into people's homes (and sometimes down their chimneys) under the cover of night to avoid being spotted.

Nicholas passed away on December 6 sometime around the 340s or 350s AD, and the day of his death became an annual feast in which children would put out food for Nicholas and straw for his donkey. It was said that the saint would come down from heaven during the night and replace the offerings with toys and treats—but only for the good boys and girls. There are many different versions of the legend of Saint Nicholas, but all are the inspiration for the jolly, red-suited gift-giver that we now know as Santa Claus.

Many Christian parents are torn as to whether or not they should play the "Santa game" with their children. On one hand, he makes Christmas fun and magical, leaving wonderful holiday memories for years to come. On the other hand, the focus of Christmas should be on Jesus Christ and how much He has already given us. So, is the story of Santa Claus an innocent addition to Christmas festivities, or is he a subject that should be avoided?

Parents need to use their own judgment in deciding whether or not to include Santa during the holidays, but here are some things to consider: Children who believe that the gifts they receive Christmas morning are from a magical man with unending resources are less likely to appreciate what they have been given, and the sacrifices their parents make in providing them. Greed and materialism can overshadow the holiday season, which is meant to be about giving, loving, and worshiping God. Children whose parents are on a tight budget may feel that they have been overlooked by Santa, or even worse, deemed one of the "bad" boys or girls.

An even more troubling aspect of telling our children that Santa comes down the chimney each year to leave their gifts is that it is, obviously, a lie. We live in a society that believes that lying for the "right" reason is acceptable. As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, it is not a problem. This is contrary to what the Bible tells us. "For the Scriptures say, 'If you want to live a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies'" (1 Peter 3:10, NLT). Of course, telling our children that Santa is real is not a malicious deception, but it is, nevertheless, a lie.

Although it is probably not typical, some children honestly feel deceived and betrayed by their parents when they find out that Santa is not real. Children trust their parents to tell them the truth, and it is our responsibility not to break this trust. If we do, they will not believe more important things we tell them, such as the truth about Christ, whom they also cannot physically see.

This doesn’t mean we must leave Santa completely out of Christmas. Children can still play the "Santa game" even if they know it is all pretend. They can make lists, sit on his lap at the mall, and leave out cookies and milk on Christmas Eve. This will not rob them of their joy of the season, and gives parents the opportunity to tell their children about the godly qualities of the real Saint Nicholas, who dedicated his life to serving others and made himself into a living example of Jesus Christ.






what do you think?

I will tell her the traditional story of Santa Claus, old St Nick, delivering toys to good boys and girls,,,,the rest I will leave to her imagination.

This was a very tough decision for me when I had my first child.

I decided that I would not lie to my children because truth is so important to me and I am the one to model truth to them!

I have shared the traditional story of St. Nicolas as well as the many fables from many different nations and explained to them what I and most children grew up experiencing here in the US. They know the lesson of sharing with the poor and good will.

We went to Bass Pro last week and got a pic with Santa. We made the list there and put it in the mailbox so 'Santa' could send us an e-mail =) We still pretend to set out milk and cookies for Santa and corn feed for Rudolff and his crew...Yet, they know he is make believe and that the reason we celebrate the holiday is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We pray and ask God for the toys they are believing for and I try to convey that the funnest part is the opportunity to give gifts to others and watch their surprise as they open the gift!!!

We make Jesus a Birthday cake every year and watch The Nativity Story and other Christmas stories that center around Christ and when my middle son's Christmas list came home from school last week it said that he did not care about the presents because Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' Birthday! WOW!! Praise God!

They know that I play 'Santa' and I honestly struggled with it since the teachers in school tell them differently and I have to tell them that Mom isn't lying...but that we are not to ruin the surprise for other children because it is a tradition celebrated by most Americans.

I worried if I would be ruining Christmas for them and they would grow up to be devastated, resentful adults but in class about a month ago a young lady that is not a Christian said that her parents made the decision to tell her that Santa was not real and the presents were from them. I asked her if it traumatized her at all and she said not at all...that she appreciated that they told her the truth and she was always thankful for the gifts. That was a comfort to me.

I believe that whatever one chooses to do is fine though. I grew up with Santa and enjoyed the expereince until I was told that he wasn't real...

i've wondered why we celebrate christmas exactly the way we do it. Reasons we give presents on christmas is cause the wise men brought gifts for Jesus when he was born. Why in the world can we not tell our children that? Why can't we tell them the wisemen brought these gifts for our children on christmas? Santa Clause we only created so that non believers could celebrate christmas as well and commercial buisenesses could make a killing off of it. Just look at the origin of the word christmas........ Christ mas.......... Jesus christ.

As a child to be told about santa makes you excited and you try your best to stay awake in the hope you see him..its all beautiful and innocent stuff sadly ruined when you get older and realise its not santa who leaves you gifts.. DAM so its not true?? Anna x

no i'm sorry to tell you, it's not true :(

Your telling lies DONT SAY THAT!!! aNNA X

i would say im not sure but its the spirit of giving that counts ,,,the giving of yourselves

I wouldnt teach my children (if i had any) that santa was real, i may teach them what you have written or take the time myself to study into it, but why would i lie to my children? if i am dishonest about santa why should they believe me about Jesus? Also why would i take the focus of Jesus Christ, though teaching them the historical saint Nic would be something worth considering imo.

Santa is real! If u ask me I will tell u he is real and thats the truth!

why?

cuz i really believe it.


Tom- "Daddy, does Santa really exist?"

Dad-"Well Tom Tom, U see."

Tom- "See what daddy? Tell meee."

Daddy- "U see the truth is."

Tom- "The truth daddy?"



DaDDy- " You can't handle the Truth!"

i tell them that if they don't believe in santa, presents from santa will stop coming.

no one has ever went "O MY GOODNESS MAMA U LIED TO ME ALL THESE YEARS"
Come on let kids be kids
As long as u tell them the real reason for Christmas thats all that matters.
I am in charge of the church plays and for years before i took over they had santa after the play now that i did not like for me santa did not belong in the church so when i started doing it, it stoped but to let them believe in him there is nothing wrong with it i believed and am not twisted nor am i a liar. On Christmas morn we have stocking that r from "santa" but we all know who done it we just like to have fun.
I think some just get their nickkers in a twist or if u dont get that ur tie is to tight loosen up.
blessings.

if we shouldn't let our children believe in Santa, I guess all fictional books should be removed from the shelves...children have to believe in the goodness in this world and to me, it teaches them to believe in something or someone they can't see...I don't replace God with santa...I teach my daughter Christian principles and to have faith in the unseen and unknown future. She is now 11 and very involved in our church and uses the talents God has given her to lift up praise.

As a child...I believed in the tooth fairy, santa, easter bunny, superman, bionic woman...lol...it never harmed me. Life is fun...let's not destroy a child's imagination too..there's enough badness in this world

hadnt thought of it that way,, I think I will still stick with Santa Claus and also teach her about Jesus in the church environment,,,,I think they can compliment each other,,,,