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.
Why? My own parents didn't, and neither would I, I can assure you. It's really not an opinion about Christmas anyway. It's my opinion about the Santa lie. Two different things to me.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
It's how I was raised. It makes a shit ton more sense than spinning a web of lies.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
It's how I was raised. It makes a shit ton more sense than spinning a web of lies.
Thank you, finally someone who understands. I always feel alone out in the cold on this one! But i don't think of it as particularly unconventional, and I feel like the reasoning behind this view is sound, so it is always so weird to me that most people reject it so strongly, to the point where they are willing to insult my character for it, lol.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
It's how I was raised. It makes a shit ton more sense than spinning a web of lies.
Thank you, finally someone who understands. I always feel alone out in the cold on this one! But i don't think of it as particularly unconventional, and I feel like the reasoning behind this view is sound, so it is always so weird to me that most people reject it so strongly, to the point where they are willing to insult my character for it, lol.
no one has insulted your character here.
I can't figure out how to get the lights plugged in if I put them in the fire escape. I'm not leaving the screen open 24/7 (no, not even a quarter of an inch) to get the cord into the apt to plug it in. Maybe people use battery powered lights? I dunno. I don't live in a high rise anyway but my windows do face the street, so it would make sense to put lights in windows. I just don't want to.
I have to admit, I absolutely hate putting the stupid tree up. There's no kids here. There's no presents/gifts to put under it. The people coming over aren't real guests and they don't give a shit if there's a tree. I might feel differently if the tree wasn't such an awful piece of shit, or at the very least if it didn't scratch the fuck out of my arms and hands. But as things are now, I hate the stupid fucking tree business more than I hate the cleaning up and the dishes after the big meal.
Well i would say JUST A GIRL actually did, lol, but other than that, no. I don't mean here. Just meant generally over time. It has been a struggle. I also find the "you must not have kids because if you did you wouldn't think that" response frustrating and a little condescending, especially since it's what I lived as a kid myself, but not an attack on my character.
I think you can buy a battery with electrical outlets in them, basically a car battery with plugs....
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
Well i would say JUST A GIRL actually did, lol, but other than that, no. I don't mean here. Just meant generally over time. It has been a struggle. I also find the "you must not have kids because if you did you wouldn't think that" response frustrating and a little condescending, especially since it's what I lived as a kid myself, but not an attack on my character.
I think you can buy a battery with electrical outlets in them, basically a car battery with plugs....
No one means it condescending Soul. I hear the "wait until you have kids" thing all the time too. We bahelors are in a whole different world and live very different amongst the breeders, lol!
Christmas celebration for the masses is about the kids so if you don't do the Santa thing it's ok but people that do will not understand.
Take it with a grain of salt and let the people have their Santa as it isn't hurting anyone and to debate it is a moot point for both sides.
I'm not gonna lie to you, I tend to skip over certain posts. I do kind of think there may some truth in McGruff's statement though. Maybe not for you, in this particular subject. But I keep seeing it happen where until someone is in a particular role in a specific situation, the perspective is just completely different. It's not to say there's anything wrong with that. It's just something that is. If I had kids I might be more into Christmas, that's certainly possible. It's equally possible that kids around Christmas just might push me off the deep end though
. I have to admit, I absolutely hate putting the stupid tree up. There's no kids here. There's no presents/gifts to put under it. The people coming over aren't real guests and they don't give a shit if there's a tree. I might feel differently if the tree wasn't such an awful piece of shit, or at the very least if it didn't scratch the fuck out of my arms and hands. But as things are now, I hate the stupid fucking tree business more than I hate the cleaning up and the dishes after the big meal.
C'mon...you know you put the tree up for Chance and Sebastian.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
I don't really understand this post. For a child, there is no line between fantasy and reality. Everything is possible and in fact probable. Monsters, unicorns, rainbows, Masters of the Universe... when you are under 8 years old, these things are as real as the teacher in first grade. And Santa Claus is just as real as flying unicorns to my youngest. A child cannot discern the difference. And God bless them for it.
Kids understand Santa isn't real, but belief and the desire to do so is a great thing. I mean any semi-intelligent 4 yo understands that getting to every kids house in 1 day is not possible. But, so what if a part of them that gets smaller and smaller each year suspends that logic to pretend. That's part of childhood and something I wish I had a little more of. I'm not religious and didn't have Christmas as a kid, so I never "believed."
It's not a lie or a fantasy. It's part of childhood. But I don't care if someone else doesn't want to deal with that. I read a Steven King novel and "believe" there are such things as lobstrocities when I'm immersed in the world of the gunslinger, so why can't kids believe in Santa when they are immersed in the Christmas season to whatever degree they'd like to.
My youngest is 8, and has 3 older brothers. There's no way he actually thinks Santa is real (especially when he sees the wrapping paper sitting in our bedroom). But you know what? He plays along, his brothers play along, so do we. No harm, no foul.
Watch The Polar Express, and maybe you'll get it a bit more. But if not, that's fine too. I'm not worried about you telling my kids there is no Santa. They're smarter than you anyway.
Not sure how anyone can think Christmas is dumb. Glad I married into it. Filets and red wine this Eve, presents in the morning, family all day, and some nice ham and turkey for dinner. And it's 65 degrees in NY, so no fire in the fireplace - Santa has no worries there this year!
Sorry. The world doesn't work the way you tell it to.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
I don't really understand this post. For a child, there is no line between fantasy and reality. Everything is possible and in fact probable. Monsters, unicorns, rainbows, Masters of the Universe... when you are under 8 years old, these things are as real as the teacher in first grade. And Santa Claus is just as real as flying unicorns to my youngest. A child cannot discern the difference. And God bless them for it.
The difference should be obvious. Santa is taught in the same way as religion. It's given as a truth and not a story. Zeus is a myth, God is a certainty, and kids can tell the difference. If you present Santa as a fantasy the same way you present monsters, lobstrocities, ka-tets, and unicorns, kids will believe when they are very young and they will stop believing and shift to real imagination at an appropriate age. If you present Santa to them as many present religion, as a fundamental truth, they will believe for too long and feel betrayed when they realize the truth they always knew. The milk and cookies, the chimney, the flying reindeer...all the lies you have to tell to convince them when they know better but trust you... Sure, it all comes out fine and they escape with minimal trauma, but it's totally unnecessary, you can achieve all the same magic and wonder by convincing them it !might be possible instead of it's absolutely true.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
I don't really understand this post. For a child, there is no line between fantasy and reality. Everything is possible and in fact probable. Monsters, unicorns, rainbows, Masters of the Universe... when you are under 8 years old, these things are as real as the teacher in first grade. And Santa Claus is just as real as flying unicorns to my youngest. A child cannot discern the difference. And God bless them for it.
The difference should be obvious. Santa is taught in the same way as religion. It's given as a truth and not a story. Zeus is a myth, God is a certainty, and kids can tell the difference. If you present Santa as a fantasy the same way you present monsters, lobstrocities, ka-tets, and unicorns, kids will believe when they are very young and they will stop believing and shift to real imagination at an appropriate age. If you present Santa to them as many present religion, as a fundamental truth, they will believe for too long and feel betrayed when they realize the truth they always knew. The milk and cookies, the chimney, the flying reindeer...all the lies you have to tell to convince them when they know better but trust you... Sure, it all comes out fine and they escape with minimal trauma, but it's totally unnecessary, you can achieve all the same magic and wonder by convincing them it !might be possible instead of it's absolutely true.
My friends, myself, my immediate and extended family, and my oldest child all turned out fine while being hard core believers in Santa. I never consider any of this lies rather a part of childhood. There s nothing like Christmas morning seeing your kids eyes as they walk into the room with all the presents; it s the best. My three first graders are into Christmas big time this year and no way are they going to have any sort of trauma when they find out there is no Santa. I think you way over analyzed this whole thing but to each their own.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
I don't really understand this post. For a child, there is no line between fantasy and reality. Everything is possible and in fact probable. Monsters, unicorns, rainbows, Masters of the Universe... when you are under 8 years old, these things are as real as the teacher in first grade. And Santa Claus is just as real as flying unicorns to my youngest. A child cannot discern the difference. And God bless them for it.
The difference should be obvious. Santa is taught in the same way as religion. It's given as a truth and not a story. Zeus is a myth, God is a certainty, and kids can tell the difference. If you present Santa as a fantasy the same way you present monsters, lobstrocities, ka-tets, and unicorns, kids will believe when they are very young and they will stop believing and shift to real imagination at an appropriate age. If you present Santa to them as many present religion, as a fundamental truth, they will believe for too long and feel betrayed when they realize the truth they always knew. The milk and cookies, the chimney, the flying reindeer...all the lies you have to tell to convince them when they know better but trust you... Sure, it all comes out fine and they escape with minimal trauma, but it's totally unnecessary, you can achieve all the same magic and wonder by convincing them it !might be possible instead of it's absolutely true.
You're using some hard core adjectives here to make your point and perhaps that's where the difference is. I don't know anyone that preaches Santa like the preaching the Good Word (note, I'm not religious). In my family it's light, sweet, fun and not a big deal at all. It's not a dogmatic truth and that's perhaps where I think your opinion is escaping McGruff and some other parents here. Last week my youngest came to me and said "Johnny (or whomever from school) said there's no such thing as Santa. My reply was, "I'm sure Santa will still give him something nice if he was good this year". And that was the end of it. When she asks me for real if Santa exists, the answer will be no. Kids ask it when they know inside and more importantly, when they're ready to know. My daughter isn't ready to know and she wants to believe. If not, she would have asked me point blank. Kids are smart as hell.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
I don't really understand this post. For a child, there is no line between fantasy and reality. Everything is possible and in fact probable. Monsters, unicorns, rainbows, Masters of the Universe... when you are under 8 years old, these things are as real as the teacher in first grade. And Santa Claus is just as real as flying unicorns to my youngest. A child cannot discern the difference. And God bless them for it.
The difference should be obvious. Santa is taught in the same way as religion. It's given as a truth and not a story. Zeus is a myth, God is a certainty, and kids can tell the difference. If you present Santa as a fantasy the same way you present monsters, lobstrocities, ka-tets, and unicorns, kids will believe when they are very young and they will stop believing and shift to real imagination at an appropriate age. If you present Santa to them as many present religion, as a fundamental truth, they will believe for too long and feel betrayed when they realize the truth they always knew. The milk and cookies, the chimney, the flying reindeer...all the lies you have to tell to convince them when they know better but trust you... Sure, it all comes out fine and they escape with minimal trauma, but it's totally unnecessary, you can achieve all the same magic and wonder by convincing them it !might be possible instead of it's absolutely true.
My friends, myself, my immediate and extended family, and my oldest child all turned out fine while being hard core believers in Santa. I never consider any of this lies rather a part of childhood. There s nothing like Christmas morning seeing your kids eyes as they walk into the room with all the presents; it s the best. My three first graders are into Christmas big time this year and no way are they going to have any sort of trauma when they find out there is no Santa. I think you way over analyzed this whole thing but to each their own.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
I don't really understand this post. For a child, there is no line between fantasy and reality. Everything is possible and in fact probable. Monsters, unicorns, rainbows, Masters of the Universe... when you are under 8 years old, these things are as real as the teacher in first grade. And Santa Claus is just as real as flying unicorns to my youngest. A child cannot discern the difference. And God bless them for it.
The difference should be obvious. Santa is taught in the same way as religion. It's given as a truth and not a story. Zeus is a myth, God is a certainty, and kids can tell the difference. If you present Santa as a fantasy the same way you present monsters, lobstrocities, ka-tets, and unicorns, kids will believe when they are very young and they will stop believing and shift to real imagination at an appropriate age. If you present Santa to them as many present religion, as a fundamental truth, they will believe for too long and feel betrayed when they realize the truth they always knew. The milk and cookies, the chimney, the flying reindeer...all the lies you have to tell to convince them when they know better but trust you... Sure, it all comes out fine and they escape with minimal trauma, but it's totally unnecessary, you can achieve all the same magic and wonder by convincing them it !might be possible instead of it's absolutely true.
My friends, myself, my immediate and extended family, and my oldest child all turned out fine while being hard core believers in Santa. I never consider any of this lies rather a part of childhood. There s nothing like Christmas morning seeing your kids eyes as they walk into the room with all the presents; it s the best. My three first graders are into Christmas big time this year and no way are they going to have any sort of trauma when they find out there is no Santa. I think you way over analyzed this whole thing but to each their own.
I'm sorry... you have THREE first graders??
yeah five kids lol. 11 year old girl, three six year old boys and a two year old boy lol. that's why I don't go to as many shows anymore.
I'm not sure how or why this ended up as a debate on Santa...
Christmas: I give it a plus 8. Beautiful lights. Time spent with loved ones (whether that is family, friends, or even by oneself), and a chance to express love and gratitude. Good food. Cheesy holiday movies.
I do find it odd that so many adults have trouble accepting the concept of keeping Santa a fantasy for kids - a fun fantasy that I know I enjoyed as a kid - rather than making him a reality. It's not that strange a concept.
I don't really understand this post. For a child, there is no line between fantasy and reality. Everything is possible and in fact probable. Monsters, unicorns, rainbows, Masters of the Universe... when you are under 8 years old, these things are as real as the teacher in first grade. And Santa Claus is just as real as flying unicorns to my youngest. A child cannot discern the difference. And God bless them for it.
The difference should be obvious. Santa is taught in the same way as religion. It's given as a truth and not a story. Zeus is a myth, God is a certainty, and kids can tell the difference. If you present Santa as a fantasy the same way you present monsters, lobstrocities, ka-tets, and unicorns, kids will believe when they are very young and they will stop believing and shift to real imagination at an appropriate age. If you present Santa to them as many present religion, as a fundamental truth, they will believe for too long and feel betrayed when they realize the truth they always knew. The milk and cookies, the chimney, the flying reindeer...all the lies you have to tell to convince them when they know better but trust you... Sure, it all comes out fine and they escape with minimal trauma, but it's totally unnecessary, you can achieve all the same magic and wonder by convincing them it !might be possible instead of it's absolutely true.
My friends, myself, my immediate and extended family, and my oldest child all turned out fine while being hard core believers in Santa. I never consider any of this lies rather a part of childhood. There s nothing like Christmas morning seeing your kids eyes as they walk into the room with all the presents; it s the best. My three first graders are into Christmas big time this year and no way are they going to have any sort of trauma when they find out there is no Santa. I think you way over analyzed this whole thing but to each their own.
I'm sorry... you have THREE first graders??
yeah five kids lol. 11 year old girl, three six year old boys and a two year old boy lol. that's why I don't go to as many shows anymore.
Man.. you had three and then had one more. That's crazy talk.
To all those saying someone needs to have kids to "get" christmas, read my previous post in this thread.
I LOVE the innocence of my girls and their belief in magic and whatnot.
I HATE perpetuating the lie (no, it did not scar me as a kid; I dont even remember the day I found out), and I HATE teaching them that Christmas is about gifts. We do our best not to, but let's be honest: the kids usually despise all that goes along with xmas; the dressing up, going to church (where they are as I type this), hanging out with adults, etc. It is all about presents to them. I grew up modestly, and didnt get a whole lot at xmas. We try to do the same for them. I honestly wish there was no xmas, as it is obviously a bastardized tradition to keep the economy moving. I was shopping for my wife the other day, and I couldn't help but feel like a complete hypocrite for participating in something I completely disagree with. But how does one go about exorcising the christmas demon now that they are 6 and 9 years into it? How cruel would that be? And my wife probably wouldnt be on board with it anyway. And who wants to be the weird adult who is known as the curmudgeon that hates christmas?
To all those saying someone needs to have kids to "get" christmas, read my previous post in this thread.
I LOVE the innocence of my girls and their belief in magic and whatnot.
I HATE perpetuating the lie (no, it did not scar me as a kid; I dont even remember the day I found out), and I HATE teaching them that Christmas is about gifts. We do our best not to, but let's be honest: the kids usually despise all that goes along with xmas; the dressing up, going to church (where they are as I type this), hanging out with adults, etc. It is all about presents to them. I grew up modestly, and didnt get a whole lot at xmas. We try to do the same for them. I honestly wish there was no xmas, as it is obviously a bastardized tradition to keep the economy moving. I was shopping for my wife the other day, and I couldn't help but feel like a complete hypocrite for participating in something I completely disagree with. But how does one go about exorcising the christmas demon now that they are 6 and 9 years into it? How cruel would that be? And my wife probably wouldnt be on board with it anyway. And who wants to be the weird adult who is known as the curmudgeon that hates christmas?
Well at least you didn't make it to church. I unsuccessfully avoided it this evening. I even tore the downstairs sink apart at 3PM in the hope that it would keep me home. Alas, I fixed it too quickly.
You really can't avoid it. You hit the nail on the head. You would be the weird dad and the kids would have to deal with that.
Though sometimes a bit bah humbug, tonight Christmas gets almost a 10 for hearing this. We got hale that froze- does that count? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GeZYm8Tt5c
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
To all those saying someone needs to have kids to "get" christmas, read my previous post in this thread.
I LOVE the innocence of my girls and their belief in magic and whatnot.
I HATE perpetuating the lie (no, it did not scar me as a kid; I dont even remember the day I found out), and I HATE teaching them that Christmas is about gifts. We do our best not to, but let's be honest: the kids usually despise all that goes along with xmas; the dressing up, going to church (where they are as I type this), hanging out with adults, etc. It is all about presents to them. I grew up modestly, and didnt get a whole lot at xmas. We try to do the same for them. I honestly wish there was no xmas, as it is obviously a bastardized tradition to keep the economy moving. I was shopping for my wife the other day, and I couldn't help but feel like a complete hypocrite for participating in something I completely disagree with. But how does one go about exorcising the christmas demon now that they are 6 and 9 years into it? How cruel would that be? And my wife probably wouldnt be on board with it anyway. And who wants to be the weird adult who is known as the curmudgeon that hates christmas?
Well at least you didn't make it to church. I unsuccessfully avoided it this evening. I even tore the downstairs sink apart at 3PM in the hope that it would keep me home. Alas, I fixed it too quickly.
You really can't avoid it. You hit the nail on the head. You would be the weird dad and the kids would have to deal with that.
The term "unsuccessfully avoided" term made me laugh. I totally agree that having kids changes Xmas... some of those changes are cool, others are not, IMHO.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
To all those saying someone needs to have kids to "get" christmas, read my previous post in this thread.
I LOVE the innocence of my girls and their belief in magic and whatnot.
I HATE perpetuating the lie (no, it did not scar me as a kid; I dont even remember the day I found out), and I HATE teaching them that Christmas is about gifts. We do our best not to, but let's be honest: the kids usually despise all that goes along with xmas; the dressing up, going to church (where they are as I type this), hanging out with adults, etc. It is all about presents to them. I grew up modestly, and didnt get a whole lot at xmas. We try to do the same for them. I honestly wish there was no xmas, as it is obviously a bastardized tradition to keep the economy moving. I was shopping for my wife the other day, and I couldn't help but feel like a complete hypocrite for participating in something I completely disagree with. But how does one go about exorcising the christmas demon now that they are 6 and 9 years into it? How cruel would that be? And my wife probably wouldnt be on board with it anyway. And who wants to be the weird adult who is known as the curmudgeon that hates christmas?
Well at least you didn't make it to church. I unsuccessfully avoided it this evening. I even tore the downstairs sink apart at 3PM in the hope that it would keep me home. Alas, I fixed it too quickly.
You really can't avoid it. You hit the nail on the head. You would be the weird dad and the kids would have to deal with that.
I used to go to appease my wife. Several years ago I said "not going anymore". She wasnt impressed, but has learned to accept it.
Comments
I can't figure out how to get the lights plugged in if I put them in the fire escape. I'm not leaving the screen open 24/7 (no, not even a quarter of an inch) to get the cord into the apt to plug it in. Maybe people use battery powered lights? I dunno. I don't live in a high rise anyway but my windows do face the street, so it would make sense to put lights in windows. I just don't want to.
I have to admit, I absolutely hate putting the stupid tree up. There's no kids here. There's no presents/gifts to put under it. The people coming over aren't real guests and they don't give a shit if there's a tree. I might feel differently if the tree wasn't such an awful piece of shit, or at the very least if it didn't scratch the fuck out of my arms and hands. But as things are now, I hate the stupid fucking tree business more than I hate the cleaning up and the dishes after the big meal.
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I think you can buy a battery with electrical outlets in them, basically a car battery with plugs....
Christmas celebration for the masses is about the kids so if you don't do the Santa thing it's ok but people that do will not understand.
Take it with a grain of salt and let the people have their Santa as it isn't hurting anyone and to debate it is a moot point for both sides.
Merry Christmas!!!
If I had kids I might be more into Christmas, that's certainly possible. It's equally possible that kids around Christmas just might push me off the deep end though
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Kids understand Santa isn't real, but belief and the desire to do so is a great thing. I mean any semi-intelligent 4 yo understands that getting to every kids house in 1 day is not possible. But, so what if a part of them that gets smaller and smaller each year suspends that logic to pretend. That's part of childhood and something I wish I had a little more of. I'm not religious and didn't have Christmas as a kid, so I never "believed."
It's not a lie or a fantasy. It's part of childhood. But I don't care if someone else doesn't want to deal with that. I read a Steven King novel and "believe" there are such things as lobstrocities when I'm immersed in the world of the gunslinger, so why can't kids believe in Santa when they are immersed in the Christmas season to whatever degree they'd like to.
My youngest is 8, and has 3 older brothers. There's no way he actually thinks Santa is real (especially when he sees the wrapping paper sitting in our bedroom). But you know what? He plays along, his brothers play along, so do we. No harm, no foul.
Watch The Polar Express, and maybe you'll get it a bit more. But if not, that's fine too. I'm not worried about you telling my kids there is no Santa. They're smarter than you anyway.
Not sure how anyone can think Christmas is dumb. Glad I married into it. Filets and red wine this Eve, presents in the morning, family all day, and some nice ham and turkey for dinner. And it's 65 degrees in NY, so no fire in the fireplace - Santa has no worries there this year!
Sure, it all comes out fine and they escape with minimal trauma, but it's totally unnecessary, you can achieve all the same magic and wonder by convincing them it !might be possible instead of it's absolutely true.
i also believe people are dicks
"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
These guys are not dicks (came upon this last night and made me smile huge).
Last week my youngest came to me and said "Johnny (or whomever from school) said there's no such thing as Santa. My reply was, "I'm sure Santa will still give him something nice if he was good this year". And that was the end of it. When she asks me for real if Santa exists, the answer will be no. Kids ask it when they know inside and more importantly, when they're ready to know. My daughter isn't ready to know and she wants to believe. If not, she would have asked me point blank. Kids are smart as hell.
Christmas: I give it a plus 8. Beautiful lights. Time spent with loved ones (whether that is family, friends, or even by oneself), and a chance to express love and gratitude. Good food. Cheesy holiday movies.
i would tell jeff to bend his hat bill / hat brim... whichever
it's a pet peeve of mine
straight bills are a pain in the ass
"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
I LOVE the innocence of my girls and their belief in magic and whatnot.
I HATE perpetuating the lie (no, it did not scar me as a kid; I dont even remember the day I found out), and I HATE teaching them that Christmas is about gifts. We do our best not to, but let's be honest: the kids usually despise all that goes along with xmas; the dressing up, going to church (where they are as I type this), hanging out with adults, etc. It is all about presents to them. I grew up modestly, and didnt get a whole lot at xmas. We try to do the same for them. I honestly wish there was no xmas, as it is obviously a bastardized tradition to keep the economy moving. I was shopping for my wife the other day, and I couldn't help but feel like a complete hypocrite for participating in something I completely disagree with. But how does one go about exorcising the christmas demon now that they are 6 and 9 years into it? How cruel would that be? And my wife probably wouldnt be on board with it anyway. And who wants to be the weird adult who is known as the curmudgeon that hates christmas?
www.headstonesband.com
such beauty heard nearby a christmas tree
its only perfection
merry christmas, people
"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
You really can't avoid it. You hit the nail on the head. You would be the weird dad and the kids would have to deal with that.
We got hale that froze- does that count?
I totally agree that having kids changes Xmas... some of those changes are cool, others are not, IMHO.
www.headstonesband.com