In the film, Miracle on 34th Street, the saddest part is the idea of a child who does not believe that there is no such thing as a real Santa Claus. The story is all about restoring the joy that should be present in the life of every child.
Nobody wants to be a killjoy, but how can you reconcile Christians with encouraging children to believe in the fantasy that is Santa Claus?
As someone who came to faith while their children were young, I found an interesting way of handling this situation.
We just had explained to our children about Jesus, reading them stories about him and tell them the wonderful story of Christmas.
thought he would one day grow up and realize that stories about Santa are just a fiction for children is bad enough - but what if they make the connection clear that we also told them that the "story" about Jesus and begin to question that too ? If we are going to say anything to them it must be true.
with great awe and fear, I broached a lunchtime conversation - "My children, know that we have told stories about how Santa climbs down the chimney and fills your stockings with gifts So, there. something that you need know, Santa is just a story, and he is not real ".
is waiting with baited breath for the reaction, I was most surprised when my oldest son just looked at me and said, "Oh, mama, do not be stupid , everyone knows that Santa is real "and all the children began to laugh as if I have to be the silliest mother in the world.
Since then, we had a joke about Santa relationship - where they realized I must be the craziest mom knows about him - and I was able to be honest with them about what is true and what isn 't. Each of them has come to know for yourself the difference between the children's stories and a story about a baby who was born in a stable.
My kids are now all grown up, they never lost the magic of Christmas - in fact, they all have the magic of Christmas in their hearts
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