For years, billions of children (and adults) all over the world have questioned the reality of a jolly fat man in a red suit delivering gifts to deserving youngsters. The illusion of this reality has been kept alive by well-meaning parents and grandparents. However, each child eventually comes to the (sometimes devastating) conclusion that Santa Clause does not exist-the role was being played by friends and family.
I cannot remember being shocked at the discovery that there was no Santa Clause. My parents never indulged us in the delusion of this man bringing us a gift if we were good for an entire year (do you know how hard it is for children to maintain that standard?). In my memory Santa was just a fictional character that played in films.
Choosing whether to pretend there is a Santa or not is a decision most adults must make. My children see Santa as a fictional character like Dora or Spongebob. They are not being raised to believe that if they remain "good" for an entire year that they will receive a gift.
However, my thoughts on the existence of the reality of this character have been challenged. I have been presented with the idea that yes, Santa Clause is indeed real and he resides in my house. My four-year old confessed to us the other day that he is, indeed Santa Clause.
I cannot remember being shocked at the discovery that there was no Santa Clause. My parents never indulged us in the delusion of this man bringing us a gift if we were good for an entire year (do you know how hard it is for children to maintain that standard?). In my memory Santa was just a fictional character that played in films.
Choosing whether to pretend there is a Santa or not is a decision most adults must make. My children see Santa as a fictional character like Dora or Spongebob. They are not being raised to believe that if they remain "good" for an entire year that they will receive a gift.
However, my thoughts on the existence of the reality of this character have been challenged. I have been presented with the idea that yes, Santa Clause is indeed real and he resides in my house. My four-year old confessed to us the other day that he is, indeed Santa Clause.
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