Christmas on a 1-10 Scale of Dumbness

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  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    edited December 2015
    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • mrussel1mrussel1 Posts: 29,675
    edited December 2015
    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    The longer they believe, they harder it is to learn the truth. I spoiled it for a girl in grade school and she cried...for days lol. If I ran into her today she would probably jokingly call me a dick, she always held it against me.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • mrussel1mrussel1 Posts: 29,675
    rgambs said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    The longer they believe, they harder it is to learn the truth. I spoiled it for a girl in grade school and she cried...for days lol. If I ran into her today she would probably jokingly call me a dick, she always held it against me.
    Lots of kids have stories of other kids spoiling it for them. It happens. I figured it out when I noticed that my mom and Santa had the same crappy writing. I like Christmas for lots of reasons. On 1-10 for dumbness (presumably 10 being the most dumb), I'd give it a 2... at worst.
  • ldent42ldent42 Posts: 7,859
    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    NYC 06/24/08-Auckland 11/27/09-Chch 11/29/09-Newark 05/18/10-Atlanta 09/22/12-Chicago 07/19/13-Brooklyn 10/18/13 & 10/19/13-Hartford 10/25/13-Baltimore 10/27/13-Auckland 1/17/14-GC 1/19/14-Melbourne 1/24/14-Sydney 1/26/14-Amsterdam 6/16/14 & 6/17/14-Milan 6/20/14-Berlin 6/26/14-Leeds 7/8/14-Milton Keynes 7/11/14-St. Louis 10/3/14-NYC 9/26/15
    LIVEFOOTSTEPS.ORG/USER/?USR=435
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    edited December 2015
    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I firmly believe in imagination for kids too. I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of shit like not having any imagination because of my views on Santa in particular. A lot of people think I have a lump of coal for a heart just because I think making children believe that the story of Santa is true by piling lies upon lies for years on end is stupid. I have been accused of being dead inside for not liking the Santa myth. It's ridiculous, and to me that reaction is what shows a lack of imagination. No offense Ident - not saying you are accusing me of this. I just actually think it takes more imagination to enjoy the story of Santa when you know it's fantasy than it does to believe it as true fact. Make believe and pretend is as imaginitive and creative as it gets. Making Santa real requires neither of those things. Kids being spoonfed lies isn't them using their imagination or creativity at all as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, I think it takes more creativity (and intelligence) for a kid to consider the Santa story and piece together that the whole story makes no sense whatsoever.
    (Sorry if I sound pissy, lol. It's not directed at you guys at all... I've just been attacked as someone lacking imagination so many times on this over the years, and it's frustrating as hell because it's so far off base and I consider it a huge insult, so am sensitive about the suggestion!)
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • ldent42ldent42 Posts: 7,859
    PJ_Soul said:

    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I firmly believe in imagination for kids too. I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of shit like not having any imagination because of my views on Santa in particular. A lot of people think I have a lump of coal for a heart just because I think making children believe that the story of Santa is true by piling lies upon lies for years on end is stupid. I have been accused of being dead inside for not liking the Santa myth. It's ridiculous, and to me that reaction is what shows a lack of imagination. No offense Ident. I just actually think it takes more imagination to enjoy the story of Santa when you know it's fantasy than it does to believe it as true fact. Make believe and pretend is as imaginitive and creative as it gets. Making Santa real requires neither of those things. Kids being spoonfed lies isn't them using their imagination or creativity at all as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, I think it takes more creativity (and intelligence) for a kid to consider the Santa story and piece together that the whole story makes no sense whatsoever.
    (Sorry if I sound pissy, lol. It's not directed at you guys at all... I've just been attacked as someone lacking imagination so any times on this over the years, and it's frustrating as hell because it's so far off base and I consider it a huge insult, so am sensitive about the suggestion!)
    yea dude you sound properly traumatized.
    But what are your thoughts on blocking the fire escape window with the christmas tree, which is the bigger issue here, really :lol::hug:
    NYC 06/24/08-Auckland 11/27/09-Chch 11/29/09-Newark 05/18/10-Atlanta 09/22/12-Chicago 07/19/13-Brooklyn 10/18/13 & 10/19/13-Hartford 10/25/13-Baltimore 10/27/13-Auckland 1/17/14-GC 1/19/14-Melbourne 1/24/14-Sydney 1/26/14-Amsterdam 6/16/14 & 6/17/14-Milan 6/20/14-Berlin 6/26/14-Leeds 7/8/14-Milton Keynes 7/11/14-St. Louis 10/3/14-NYC 9/26/15
    LIVEFOOTSTEPS.ORG/USER/?USR=435
  • SmellymanSmellyman Posts: 4,524
    believe in Santa until told
    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I figured it out early too....about the same time as I figured out church, religion and Jesus
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    :lol: Oh, I'm all for it. Forces the kids to use their imaginations when trying to escape! :lol:
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • Well this thread is making me even more depressed than I already was...
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524

    Well this thread is making me even more depressed than I already was...

    Aw Jenny. I hope that feeling passes and your holiday is as happy as you hope it to be :)
  • mrussel1mrussel1 Posts: 29,675
    I like Christmas.. It also gives me a reason to spin my Charlie Brown Christmas green vinyl.. which is just a beautiful jazz record.
  • 10 - Christmas is awesome! My little girl will be 3 years old next spring and watching her get more excited about it has been an overwhelming and unexpected joy I'd not felt before she came into this world.
    www.cluthelee.com
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    Well these last two posts made me smile!
  • BentleyspopBentleyspop Posts: 10,769
    edited December 2015
    The only reason I like christmas is December 26th.

    Winter gear goes on sale
    And
    Chocolate is 1/2 price!!
  • chadwickchadwick Posts: 21,157
    christmas kicks ass
    i would not mind at all if christmas lights were up all year

    there's a pile of christmas lights hanging from someone's house in a tangled mess, i'd guess something like 200 feet of lights is in this glob of shit just dangling there. now that is cool looking in the dark
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."

    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    Wouldn't it be cool f every single person loving in every single high rise apartment building put up Christmas lights, no matter what religion and no matter how cranky otherwise? I think that would look soooo cool.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    PJ_Soul said:

    Wouldn't it be cool f every single person loving in every single high rise apartment building put up Christmas lights, no matter what religion and no matter how cranky otherwise? I think that would look soooo cool.

    Oh I would love that!

    There's a condo across from us with a tree in the window and it's just so pretty. Our by-laws prohibit lights on the balcony, railing, etc. but inside, hell yeah!

    Of course, there are the cats and their potential damage to said year-round lights to consider :angry:
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    PJ_Soul said:

    Wouldn't it be cool f every single person loving in every single high rise apartment building put up Christmas lights, no matter what religion and no matter how cranky otherwise? I think that would look soooo cool.

    Typically Mother Nature decorates for us, but this year we are still doing yard work in shorts! Crazy.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    Full moon this Christmas should look gorgeous on snow-fallen ground, gambo.
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    hedonist said:

    Full moon this Christmas should look gorgeous on snow-fallen ground, gambo.

    It's one of my favorite sights, but we haven't had snow yet this year!
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    That first shot was just beautiful, gambo! Other two wouldn't load for me.

    Still, no snow but full moon? Should be nice, no matter :)
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    edited December 2015
    hedonist said:

    That first shot was just beautiful, gambo! Other two wouldn't load for me.

    Still, no snow but full moon? Should be nice, no matter :)

    Yeah, I don't know what the chit is happening... Might as well try again! :tongue:


    https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1942804242612001&id=100006473325896&set=rpd.100006473325896&source=49&refid=17
    Post edited by rgambs on
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    Ain't working, brother!
  • PJ_Soul said:

    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I firmly believe in imagination for kids too. I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of shit like not having any imagination because of my views on Santa in particular. A lot of people think I have a lump of coal for a heart just because I think making children believe that the story of Santa is true by piling lies upon lies for years on end is stupid. I have been accused of being dead inside for not liking the Santa myth. It's ridiculous, and to me that reaction is what shows a lack of imagination. No offense Ident - not saying you are accusing me of this. I just actually think it takes more imagination to enjoy the story of Santa when you know it's fantasy than it does to believe it as true fact. Make believe and pretend is as imaginitive and creative as it gets. Making Santa real requires neither of those things. Kids being spoonfed lies isn't them using their imagination or creativity at all as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, I think it takes more creativity (and intelligence) for a kid to consider the Santa story and piece together that the whole story makes no sense whatsoever.
    (Sorry if I sound pissy, lol. It's not directed at you guys at all... I've just been attacked as someone lacking imagination so many times on this over the years, and it's frustrating as hell because it's so far off base and I consider it a huge insult, so am sensitive about the suggestion!)
    Good lord.

    I never understood who might actually complain about the Starbucks coffee cups.

    Now I think I do
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 Posts: 28,501
    PJ_Soul said:

    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I firmly believe in imagination for kids too. I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of shit like not having any imagination because of my views on Santa in particular. A lot of people think I have a lump of coal for a heart just because I think making children believe that the story of Santa is true by piling lies upon lies for years on end is stupid. I have been accused of being dead inside for not liking the Santa myth. It's ridiculous, and to me that reaction is what shows a lack of imagination. No offense Ident - not saying you are accusing me of this. I just actually think it takes more imagination to enjoy the story of Santa when you know it's fantasy than it does to believe it as true fact. Make believe and pretend is as imaginitive and creative as it gets. Making Santa real requires neither of those things. Kids being spoonfed lies isn't them using their imagination or creativity at all as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, I think it takes more creativity (and intelligence) for a kid to consider the Santa story and piece together that the whole story makes no sense whatsoever.
    (Sorry if I sound pissy, lol. It's not directed at you guys at all... I've just been attacked as someone lacking imagination so many times on this over the years, and it's frustrating as hell because it's so far off base and I consider it a huge insult, so am sensitive about the suggestion!)
    Just wondering, do you have kids? I think christmas changes completely when you have your own kids.
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    edited December 2015

    PJ_Soul said:

    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I firmly believe in imagination for kids too. I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of shit like not having any imagination because of my views on Santa in particular. A lot of people think I have a lump of coal for a heart just because I think making children believe that the story of Santa is true by piling lies upon lies for years on end is stupid. I have been accused of being dead inside for not liking the Santa myth. It's ridiculous, and to me that reaction is what shows a lack of imagination. No offense Ident - not saying you are accusing me of this. I just actually think it takes more imagination to enjoy the story of Santa when you know it's fantasy than it does to believe it as true fact. Make believe and pretend is as imaginitive and creative as it gets. Making Santa real requires neither of those things. Kids being spoonfed lies isn't them using their imagination or creativity at all as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, I think it takes more creativity (and intelligence) for a kid to consider the Santa story and piece together that the whole story makes no sense whatsoever.
    (Sorry if I sound pissy, lol. It's not directed at you guys at all... I've just been attacked as someone lacking imagination so many times on this over the years, and it's frustrating as hell because it's so far off base and I consider it a huge insult, so am sensitive about the suggestion!)
    Good lord.

    I never understood who might actually complain about the Starbucks coffee cups.

    Now I think I do
    I guess not? Certainly not me. And that is exactly the kind of unimaginative, boring response to what I'm saying that I was complaining about. I would expect nothing else for you.
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,954
    edited December 2015
    mcgruff10 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I firmly believe in imagination for kids too. I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of shit like not having any imagination because of my views on Santa in particular. A lot of people think I have a lump of coal for a heart just because I think making children believe that the story of Santa is true by piling lies upon lies for years on end is stupid. I have been accused of being dead inside for not liking the Santa myth. It's ridiculous, and to me that reaction is what shows a lack of imagination. No offense Ident - not saying you are accusing me of this. I just actually think it takes more imagination to enjoy the story of Santa when you know it's fantasy than it does to believe it as true fact. Make believe and pretend is as imaginitive and creative as it gets. Making Santa real requires neither of those things. Kids being spoonfed lies isn't them using their imagination or creativity at all as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, I think it takes more creativity (and intelligence) for a kid to consider the Santa story and piece together that the whole story makes no sense whatsoever.
    (Sorry if I sound pissy, lol. It's not directed at you guys at all... I've just been attacked as someone lacking imagination so many times on this over the years, and it's frustrating as hell because it's so far off base and I consider it a huge insult, so am sensitive about the suggestion!)
    Just wondering, do you have kids? I think christmas changes completely when you have your own kids.
    I don't (and don't intend to), but I have many kids close to me in my life, including a niece and nephew. Not sure what that has to do it anything though, since I was raised this way myself, so I do know what the options are. Imparting this idea on kids is not impossible or unrealistic, and certainly not something that ruins Christmas. I loved Christmas as much as the next kid when I was young, and parents and relatives don't have to lie to me for that to be possible.
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 Posts: 28,501
    PJ_Soul said:

    mcgruff10 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    ldent42 said:

    mrussel1 said:

    PJ_Soul said:

    I think actually convincing children that Santa is truly real is super stupid. What a massive lie. Yes yes, I understand the magical argument, creating winder for kids, etc... but i think this huge fabrication about Santa takes it way too far. I think keeping the Santa story a STORY is totally adequate. Children love fairy tales, and I think Sana should be kept a fairy tale. Just make it fun for kids to pretend Santa is real. Make believe is magic enough IMO.
    Hank god my parents never tried to make me believe in Santa for real.... how many fucking lies does one have to tell to convince an otherwise reasonable and intelligent child who is getting older year after year that Santa is actually possible?? A LOT of lies. Along with a good dose of brainwashing. I would have been furious at my parents if they'd done that to me. It would have made me feel like a total idiot.

    I have three kids... 17, 14, 7. The older ones no longer believe. They both figured it out in 2nd or 3rd grade. The 7 year old believes. And it's totally harmless. My older ones have nerver talked about being damaged and they are careful not to say anything to spoil it for the 7 year old. Who cares. No one's been angry at us for perpetuating the myth. Let them believe. Life is hard. let them be young, innocent and believe in magic as long as possible.
    Well said. I figured it out around 7-8 years old as well, for the stupidest reason. Frankly, I think I figured it out too young. I can understand the "damages their trust" argument but I happen to firmly believe in imagination for kids, cuz I think it helps with creative thinking.
    Pro tip: if you're telling the kids that Santa comes in through the fire escape, don't put the tree in front of the window blocking the fire escape do that he can't get in without knocking the tree over! Also maybe don't block the only fire exit just because?
    I firmly believe in imagination for kids too. I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of shit like not having any imagination because of my views on Santa in particular. A lot of people think I have a lump of coal for a heart just because I think making children believe that the story of Santa is true by piling lies upon lies for years on end is stupid. I have been accused of being dead inside for not liking the Santa myth. It's ridiculous, and to me that reaction is what shows a lack of imagination. No offense Ident - not saying you are accusing me of this. I just actually think it takes more imagination to enjoy the story of Santa when you know it's fantasy than it does to believe it as true fact. Make believe and pretend is as imaginitive and creative as it gets. Making Santa real requires neither of those things. Kids being spoonfed lies isn't them using their imagination or creativity at all as far as I'm concerned. Frankly, I think it takes more creativity (and intelligence) for a kid to consider the Santa story and piece together that the whole story makes no sense whatsoever.
    (Sorry if I sound pissy, lol. It's not directed at you guys at all... I've just been attacked as someone lacking imagination so many times on this over the years, and it's frustrating as hell because it's so far off base and I consider it a huge insult, so am sensitive about the suggestion!)
    Just wondering, do you have kids? I think christmas changes completely when you have your own kids.
    I don't but have many kids close to me in my life, including a niece and nephew. Not sure what that has to do it anything though, since I was raised this way myself, so I do know what the options are. Imparting this idea on kids is not impossible or unrealistic, and certainly not something that ruins Christmas. I loved Christmas as much as the next kid when I was young.
    I think if you had your own kids you would change your opinion on christmas.
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
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