The truth behind Santa Claus, as seen by grown-ups: To tell or not to tell?
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “And how many people grow up then as adults who believe things just because they want to believe things, because it feels good — believe things because it confirms the world view that makes them feel good, right?” For Tara Boyce, it's about being consistent about being factual and truthful with her two sons, 6 and 7, that she's always been Santa, and that Christmas doesn't need him to be magical. “They can’t miss what they never had, which is like the mystery of Santa, but they appreciate all the other things.” The modern ‘Santa’ recipe has many ingredients An American creation amalgamated from a variety of European cultures and immigrant communities, Santa Claus emerged in the 19th century and was firmly entrenched in American culture by the early part of the 20th century. “We feel we know Santa Claus.” There's no empirical evidence whatsoever that shows any kind of definitive harm or good coming to children over a belief in Santa Claus. They get to still enjoy getting presents from Santa Claus, even though they know it’s not real,” she says.
History of this topic
This Christmas, did you lie to your children about Santa Claus? Study explains why you shouldn't have
Hindustan Times
I was told it’s ‘unethical’ to let your children know the truth about Santa Claus
The Independent
How parents tackle the truth behind Santa without ruining the Christmas magic
LA Times
The right age to tell your children the truth about Santa, according to experts
The Independent
My seven-year-old's teacher told him the truth about Santa and I'm furious
Daily MailWelcome to the holidays! A time filled with cheer, presents and one persisting ethical question
Associated Press
Vicar apologises after telling sobbing children ‘Santa isn’t real’
The Independent
My toddler now knows about Father Christmas – and that’s a problem
The IndependentWhy you shouldn't use Santa to threaten your kids at Christmas time
ABCThree experts on whether we should lie to kids about Santa
ABC
Couple refuse to lie to daughter about Father Christmas: ‘We don’t want to participate in global gaslighting’
The Independent
What do kids really think about Santa?
Salon
Parents have gone too far trying to make their kids believe in Santa – here's how it should be handled
The IndependentDiscover Related
)