Table of Contents
Santa Claus is a figure who is believed to be in existence and who observes on deeds among children. The myth has continually been perpetuated from one generation to another making it very popular in the family line. The myth has however elicited mixed reactions between stakeholders concerned. Psychologists have tried to explore the pros and cons associated with it and have come up with various conclusions in its regard. It is seen to have both positive and negative effects on both children and parents. These recent developments however have not come up with a standard rule as regards Santa Claus. It is certainly not possible to rule out its positive impact on kids especially as part of cultural heritage. They will in no time learn that it was just a myth that has been there since time immemorial.
The idea of Santa Claus should for certain reasons be discouraged. One of the reasons is that it is in itself a myth and as such; a lie. This contradicts the ethics which the society is supposed to uphold. Kids are taught by their parents not to lie because it is wrong and for the religious types; it is unchristian. The kids are therefore very careful as they talk so that they do not propagate any forms of lies. The idea of parents spreading the Santa Claus propaganda is improper because the kids might see them as different. They believe in their parents and believe they talk the truth at all times. Realizing later in their lives that the Santa story was a mere lie may make kids disillusioned. Some of them may be heard supporting their false stories by saying, “After all even dad and mum lie.”
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The tale is perpetuated throughout. This renders it improper too because day in day out parents must come up with fictitious tales too to support the myth. Kids might at times question why a certain fact about Santa is that way like for example how comes Santa is able to crisscross the world in such a short period of time. The parents will respond to this by saying he travels at the speed of lightning. This statement exemplifies high greatest form of hyperbole and is untrue. The propagation of such lies may in future affect the way the kid looks upon seniors and faith as faith altogether. They might wonder if the idea of the existence of God is also a lie because Santa’s is fictitious.
The punishment and reward style of Santa is not self sufficient. Children who are well behaved receive nice presents from Santa Claus. Those who are naughty on the hand receive lumps of coal. The style of punishment is not sufficient since it may discourage the kid. Such a kid may veer to the worse standards of behavior. He or she may become a very ill-mannered child because the parents might not take time to explain where the child went wrong and what is expected of him or her in the future. The idea of discipline being upheld by Santa Claus might therefore not apply in all cases.
The myth promotes materialism. Kids start believing that Santa who gives presents to all kids who do well is a very rich person. They focus their time on making long lists of what shall be bought for them when they are good and disciplined. This is at the expense of indulging their minds on more constructive activities. Such kids in the future may be too materialistic.
Santa Claus is too much like God. He is also similar in many aspects to Jesus. He for example is an all powerful being who watches over people and thus checks if they behave well or badly. The idea of punishment and reward also likens him too much to God. This is because God is known to dispense judgment to those who are wrongdoers. This might not augur well in believers. This form of comparison might be termed by some as blasphemous and an insult to the supremacy of God. It may also be seen as trying to indoctrinate the culture of Christianity in people who are not Christians since Santa is seen as Christian figure that dispenses gifts and punishment on the day of Christmas. Atheists therefore will strongly oppose propagation of this myth within their society.
The tradition of Santa Claus is misleading. This is because it is seen as an old idea of a supernatural and powerful being. The myth is however very recent dating back to mid nineteenth century. This kind of wrongful timing may justify the myth such that it appears old and a tradition that has been used since the inception of life. Parents may therefore encourage it on the basis that it has never been harmful and thus is acceptable. Their belief is wrong.
The myth is more held by parents than children. Parents have continually used this myth on the kids to the extent that even to them it appears as if it is true. Children only see it as religious and relevant especially on the eve of Christmas. The myth by being strongly held in the hearts of parents has therefore continually promoted lazy parenting and fear. Children live in the fear of being punished on the eve of Christmas due to any wrongdoing. Parents on the other hand use the myth to imply that Santa will discipline any naughty kid they have. They fail to take the responsibility as theirs.
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The myth also removes the true meaning of Christmas. Children fail to learn that Christmas is a festive season meant to focus on remembering the birth of Christ. They instead think the period is about Santa Claus moving in every house rewarding the good children while dispensing punishment to the naughty ones. The myth distorts the true meaning of Christmas.
Conclusion
The myth on Santa Claus is a personal choice. Parents may either opt to teach their kids about or as well ignore it and focus on teaching their kids to be responsible. The latter comes without including Santa Claus in the scenes. I would personally however focus on them not being taught about Santa Claus. It is misleading and does not achieve the real intended effect. Better methods of handling children who are good and those who are naughty must be devised.