"The Santa Claus Myth ~ Good or Bad?"

 

      I admit it, - I'm a big kid.  As a matter of fact, I believed in Santa Claus to the nth degree.  Or at least until the night before my parents were about to be charged with 'endangering a minor, by fostering a lie!'
     The Santa Claus Myth is fun, fanciful, suspenseful, and yea, indulging.  But the alternative is no fun at all, boring even.  When I finally had to accept that there was no Santa (I'd known for years, but refused to acknowledge it), Christmas changed.  It wasn't fun anymore.  Who gives a crap if your parents care enough to brave the crowds and traffic, so you'll have your heart's desires?  I'd rather Santa Claus slid down my chimney and deposited his neatly wrapped packages.  (The elves are nifty wrappers alright).  Who knows, in the scheme of things, maybe the transition from belief to non-belief in Santa is a right of passage.  A child is a believer. Maybe, once you stop believing, you emerge a grown-up. Who knows?  But I do know waiting to see what Santa brought me was tremendously more fun than waiting to see if my parents would get it right or "find" it this year!
     My son believed until he was 8 or 9, I think.  And heck it was just as gratifying for me as it was for him.  I LOVED playing Santa.  I loved being in the thick of the crowds, buying the latest doodads/gadgets, the wrapping, and finally seeing the look on his face Christmas morning, and hearing,  "Ma look what Santa Claus brought me.  How did he know I wanted this?" Ahhh , those were great times for both of us!
     I know there are families that do not participate in the Santa Claus Fantasy.  Some for religious reasons, - and I get that.  We don't celebrate the true meaning of Christmas anymore, as much as the materialistic one fostered by man.  Just seems there could be a balance between the two.  You know, maybe at least one present, as opposed to none. Not knocking any one's beliefs, - seems it would be kinda hard, watching other kids partake in such a festive season, while you're standing on the sidelines.  I liken it to being hungry, stomach growling and looking into a restaurant's window, as everyone else eats!
     One guy I know says he doesn't want to lie to his son.  I'd like to be a fly on his wall, and count the lies he does tell him.  He's divorced by the way.  Hmmm, wonder if that plays any part in his logic??!!  By not lying, he's able to save a ton of money!  Just saying...
     My sister has a co-worker, who is one of 17 kids.  This girl/woman says her family told them there was no Santa Claus, because the parents wanted the children to be able to get the "1" thing they desired most.  I guess the logic was, you tell your mom or dad what you really want, and maybe they'll go out and buy it, as opposed to "hoping" Santa drops it down the chimney.  Can't say I understand the parental 'train of thought' here, but hey, whatever works!
     I  know other parents who simply say they don't want to perpetuate the Santa Claus lie any further, by allowing this phantom, Santa, to get credit for what they, the parents have actually done.  What a mouthful!
     Then there are the parents who take the kids shopping with them to pick out their gifts.  Mom or dad then wrap them, and place them under the Christmas tree....
     What were your familial beliefs growing up?  Did Santa Claus come to your house?