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We don't anymore because the kids are teenagers, but when they were young we certainly did. And we too had fun doing it. You are right, having fun with it is all that matters.
True, but where I live, it's hard to not find your children immersed in the lies of Santa, and I live in a pretty liberal area where atheists/agnostic people are common. Still, regardless of that, the myth of Santa is common, and hard to avoid having your children exposed to it short of home daycare, or home schooling, or keeping them locked up and the TV off. Before we even realized it, Santa was a part of our routine...and to be honest I really don't mind it.
As the years go on, they will figure it out. I figured it out early, but still kept it a secret for my younger siblings. I distinctly remember feelings of jealousy for them, for being able to still believe, while I know the truth. I wish it was never "spoiled" for me, but logic and reason came into my life around that age.
So i'll let my kids keep on believing Santa is real. I love seeing their eyes light up when a fat man in a red suit rides by on a firetruck and looking forward to the total lack of sleep i'll get the night of Dec 24th, and i'll enjoy the hell out of it.
When they figure it out later in life, Christmas doesn't end for us. It's still about the family, and coming together which is the most important part. But in the meantime, we will do the Santa thing for the next 3-4 years until they figure it out. As parents, we'll probably end up missing it then.
Yes, the reasons why are, I am sure, similar to those pointed up by Tracie Harris in a 'required reading' video on Christianity and family values'. (I'll post it here if I can find it (1) as it is a perpetuation of a lie by the family because it is felt to be doing something bad to expose it. The religious myth and the santa myth are absolutely exploiting (whether intentionally or not) the same method.
We don't anymore because the kids are teenagers, but when they were young we certainly did. And we too had fun doing it. You are right, having fun with it is all that matters.
Quote:
Originally Posted by John13
So lying is okay?
I disagree.
I do, too. And I agree with KingKat that the fun is Ok. But Trick or treat shows that it can be fun and festival without it needing to be believed. That can be done with Santa even for young kids, and it was certainly the case for me with the nativity and angels stuff, even though the magic and fun was still there. Hell - I felt the magic and fun of Diwalli one memorable year in London and I certainly didn't believe it.
Last edited by TRANSPONDER; 12-21-2016 at 06:31 AM..
Yes, the reasons why are, I am sure, similar to those pointed up by Tracie Harris in a 'required reading' video on Christianity and family values'. (I'll post it here if I can find it (1) as it is a perpetuation of a lie by the family because it is felt to be doing something bad to expose it. The religious myth and the santa myth are absolutely exploiting (whether intentionally or not) the same method.
I watched the video. To be honest, the truth is I simply don't care enough to really actively strike out against residual religious influences in our lives. If I like it, i'll do it. I could care less of the roots of the activity, or what it means, or the implications.
I'm an apathetic atheist. I simply don't care enough to get upset over accidental religious incidents in my life. I've got bigger things to worry about than the implications of enjoying (and I use that word purposely) our short time perpetuating the myth of Santa before the kids get older and start to be more independent.
Try and convince me as an atheist that I shouldn't do such a thing? My response is simply "meh".
I watched the video. To be honest, the truth is I simply don't care enough to really actively strike out against residual religious influences in our lives. If I like it, i'll do it. I could care less of the roots of the activity, or what it means, or the implications.
I'm an apathetic atheist. I simply don't care enough to get upset over accidental religious incidents in my life. I've got bigger things to worry about than the implications of enjoying (and I use that word purposely) our short time perpetuating the myth of Santa before the kids get older and start to be more independent.
Try and convince me as an atheist that I shouldn't do such a thing? My response is simply "meh".
That's Ok, They also serve who also stand and don't actually bash those of us who are activist. The point of the video was not to drum up a rush to the colours, but to correct a widespread propaganda that religion is good for us, true or not. In your life of wanting to be left alone to do your own atheist thing, next time some theist tries to play the 'Religion is good for you' card, you will have the answer all ready.
We have a Christmas tree, decorations, lied to the kids about Santa even put cookies out for him, give presents .............. the whole shooting match.
Why? Because its a lot of fun. Was fun, is fun now, and odds suggest will be fun in the future. My family has not suffered as a result of this practice.
We don't have a axe to grind with any group, but the yearly harangue from the anti-Clausites is just as tiresome as the rants from the eternal damnation crowd.
If we are sincerely concerned about the truth lets stop telling the young that if they sacrifice their youthful halcyon days in pursuit of a professional career they will find happiness and fulfillment.
Saint Nick? Arrives on the supposed birthday of Jesus? Has the same job as god in that he reviews all behavior and issues rewards or punishments accordingly?
And you fail to see a parallel?
As for the main question.....Santa is harmless and passes with the maturity of the child. Santa is a kid thrill and why deprive them?
How the heck do you get "lying is okay" out of "the only thing that matters is having fun with it"??
I'm very surprised a man with your intelligence asked me that.
Re-read.
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