Mother of 2

I vaguely remember that when I was small I believed in Santa Claus. Then the memory disappears and is replaced by the reality that there is none. And then I got amused at all my friends who still did. My parents did not even teach us about Santa Claus except tell us the story about Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. They never made us write notes about our wish list and leave cookies and milk by the Christmas tree.

Photo courtesy of Rosana Prada

That is why I brought up my own kids without Santa Claus. Oh yes they see him in decorations, malls, and know him enough to call out “Santa Claus” when they see his picture or image. But they don’t know what his story is or how it is told. That many kids around the world believe that if you have been nice then you will get what you wished for come Christmas time. The he travels the world from the North Pole, visiting all the children and going down chimneys to deliver presents to those who have been good all year round.

I don’t think I am depriving my kids of anything. At least not in the way I have heard some people say about parents who tell their kids early on the truth about Santa. Kids these days are so smart do you really believe we can fool them into thinking reindeers fly and Santa can fit into the opening of the smallest chimney just to deliver presents? I am pretty sure the first question that I will be asked is – “Mommy, what will Santa use to go into our house if we don’t have a chimney?” or maybe “Do the reindeers go down the chimney too?” or even “How old is Santa anyway"?”.

My kids have grown up (and will continue to grow up) telling us what they want for Christmas instead of whispering them to some old guy wearing a red suit as they sit on their laps. To them he will only be a representation of Christmas, similar to the Christmas tree or gifts or decorations or lights or Jingle Bells. And that is how I want them to be.

Do you believe in Santa Claus?