Should Parents Tell Their Kids about Santa?

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 Parenting and Santa expert Dr. Roland Trujillo says some parents are still pretending that Santa Claus brings toys, but there are also valid reasons to consider not telling kids that Santa is real. Dr. Trujillo discussed whether parents should tell their children Santa is real during a recent radio broadcast which aired on KCAA Radio in Riverside, CA.

Roland Trujilllo is the author of Santa's Take on Parenting, his new parent education book published just in time for Christmas. "I love Santa Claus," says Dr. Trujillo, "and I've published a Santa story for parents. Nevertheless, I sympathize with parents who have chosen not to do the Santa thing. You can love what Santa stands for without having to say that he is real."

"Basically I have no problem with parents having Santa bring toys, as long as they feel comfortable with it. On the other hand, I don't disagree with parents who choose not to tell their kids Santa is real."

Dr. Trujillo discussed the issue in more detail in a recent article entitled "Should Parents Tell Children that Santa is Real." "There are important principles involved and also some subtleties," says Trujillo.

Here is a reprint of the article from The Kids R Little people Foundation

Hi, my name is Roland Trujillo and I have a twinkle in my eye. I have an earned MS and a Doctorate in Pastoral Psychology and I am the author of 14 books. I have been counseling and coaching parents for 23 years and my radio advice program has aired in major markets for over 22 years.

I love Santa Claus. I also love anyone, real or make believe, who has love and understanding, who loves children, who cares about children, and who protects children. Here is what I think.

Should parents tell their kids about Santa?

At our house, when my son was little, we did not do the Santa thing. We celebrated Christmas with a small Christmas tree with ornaments, we exchanged presents, had Christmas stockings, listened to Christmas music, and had Christmas dinner.

We definitely talked about Santa, and my son became familiar with who Santa is and what he does. We read Twas the Night Before Christmas and  listened to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

When I myself was a boy - my mom did do the Santa thing. When I was very small, I remember putting out a plate with cookies and a glass of milk for Santa, so he could enjoy them when he stopped by our house.

In the morning when I awoke, I dashed to the living room to see if Santa had come. One Christmas there was a brand new shiny bicycle near the tree. Santa had brought it, and he also filled the stockings.

At the same time, there were many other gifts and each was from someone in the family. Before Christmas I went shopping with mom to get her something, and then there were gifts from grandma and so on. So it was like a hybrid thing. There was Santa who brought things, and we also gave each other gifts. It was like the best of both worlds!

Somehow is I grew, I began to suspect that mom was actually Santa, and then I knew that it was mom who was getting me things and putting them under the tree. You know how it is with kids: one day they are living in their magical wonderful world of make believe, and then they are more interested in their friends, and then they are all grown up. 

So here is what I think. Parents can go either way. Do what you feel comfortable with and enjoy. Whatever you do, Santa or no Santa, if you do it with a good spirit, you will be fine.

I am a pastor (nondenominational) for people on the web. I don't have a big church, just a computer and some books. Some Christians have a problem with Santa. I don't.

I am not a prude. I can enjoy the niceties of Christmas without forgetting the reason for the season. I love Christmas and all the trappings and I always will.

Perhaps this will help explain my position. I have a stuffed animal at home and his name is Mr. Brown Bear. He is a very nice. He is kind and thoughtful. He loves looking out the window at the flowers. He is also working on his Ph.D in History.

Mr. Brown Bear is excited that my son is studying at a university because Mr. Brown Bear says he can work on his doctoral thesis more easily with all the research facilities and library near the school.

Is Mr. Brown Bear a real bear? No. But do I love and respect Mr. Brown Bear? Absolutely.

Should my son sit down with me one day and say "Dad, it's all a lie. Mr. Brown Bear is just a stuffed animal." No, because I love what Mr. Brown Bear stands for.

Part of me is innocent and I love what is innocent and I also love to be playful. Ultimately it is what is innocent and good that I love, and so I honor and cherish good wherever I see it: in a child's eyes, in a good man or a good woman, in the Lone Ranger, in Mr. Brown Bear, or in Santa Claus.

If you don't want to do Santa, I have no problem with your decision. Remember, when my son was little, we did not do Santa either.

Whatever you do, just keep it light hearted. Remember that children live in a magical world. Honor their innocence. Be patient with them.  Be patient with yourself. Merry Christmas, love and kisses! 
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