Christmas celebrations cannot be complete without Santa Claus. But the question still remains- should you tell your kids about the myths associated with Santa Claus or let them believe in the saint? Santa Claus is the spirit of Christmas. He also represents the joys and happiness of the celebrations. There are various stories about how Santa Claus lightened up the lives of many children by bringing them gifts for Christmas. Children eagerly wait for Christmas and Santa Claus for getting their gifts. They hang up stockings so that Santa can put his gifts in it and they also leave him some milk and cookies. In certain parts of the world, a carrot is also left for Santa’s reindeer.
Keeping the myths alive
Stories and myths have been a part of our life from time immemorial. Children often hear a lot of stories about various natural and supernatural persons who were responsible for maintaining the peace on earth and destroying evil. Such stories are necessary to instill good thoughts in children and get rid of all the negative aspects. They teach children to love each other and treat everyone equally. If the myths are able to do good to the society, they may as well remain here. How do these myths keep the innocence alive in children? Read on further to find out.
1. Children believe in Santa Claus
Most of the children who celebrate Christmas believe in Santa Claus. They eagerly wait for him to arrive when they are fast asleep to leave them some precious gifts. This tradition still continues even as the children grow up because they practice the same with their children. As children, everyone has the tendency to believe their parents. Parents use the myths to see to it that the children behave well all through the year. As children, we believe that we get good gifts if we were good all through the year and may get only a piece of coal if we were not good.
2. Learn to share and be kind to others
Children always look upon the elders for support and encouragement. They also believe in their parents and listen to the stories that they tell the children. When they listen to the stories of Santa Claus they understand the importance of giving and gifting. Receiving gifts from a supernatural figure who keeps an eye on all their day-to-day activities is a welcoming thought for the children. They are very happy and remember to do good things that can bring them some good gifts for Christmas. They also learn to share, gift and be kind to others. The belief in Santa Claus instills various good habits in children.
3. More than just moral stories
Children usually listen to a lot of stories form their elders. All these stories are meant for teaching them certain moral values in life. Stories are one of the best means to teach them various things such as care, love, compassion, dignity, importance of labor, truth and various other things. The stories related to Santa Claus are not just moral stories because because the children can actually experience and enjoy his gifts during Christmas. The parents work hard to make them believe in the myth so that they are happy, enjoy Christmas and most of all, be exposed to generosity and kindness.
4. No Christmas without Santa
None of us can imagine a Christmas without Santa Claus and his gifts. So do the children. They wait eagerly for the festival to get a glimpse of their loving hero who shower them with gifts for their good behavior. During the Christmas season it is customary to find people dressed up as Santa Claus and be seen in every nook and corner of the streets and markets. The children are excited at the sight of Santa. They hug him, kiss and even receive some token gifts from him. This increases the spirit of Christmas and children begin to associate Christmas with Santa Claus, gifts and giving.
5. Continuing the tradition
Whatever be the myths associated with Santa Claus, the tradition still continues. Children who grew up listening to Santa Claus stories are now mature enough and continue the same with their children. They encourage the children to wait for Santa Claus before Christmas and give them special gifts according to their behavior. In each family, the older children realize the truth about Santa Claus and still continue to share the happiness of the younger siblings at the mere mention of Santa Claus. If these myths are able to bring happiness to all and keep the innocence of the little children alive, why alter them? After all, ‘Santa Claus’ too wanted everyone to be happy and help each other.
