by WendyBlom in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Events, Media, Schools and Youth
Posted on December 7, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Last Modified on December 16, 2009 at 11:38 pm
| December 15, 2009 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 7:00 pm |
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SCAT is hosting Santa Claus in the TV studio on Tuesday, December 15 from 6:00 to 7:00pm. This event is free. Children may come up to tell Santa what they want for Christmas in person, or watching the live TV show from home on Channel 3, they may call in to him at 617-628-9876. The event/TV program will include holiday songs by Jeff Jam, and storytime with Tarsha Stacke. Santa will look a lot like Somerville Director of Communications, Tom Champion, and Mrs. Claus will resemble JoJo LaRiccia. No reservations are needed for a spot in the studio (90 Union Square), but please come by 5:45pm for cookies and juice before the show goes live at 6:00. Call 617-628-8826 for more information.
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I wonder what value adults in our society see in perpetuating the Santa Claus myth?
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I wonder what value children place on perpetuating the Scrooge attitude in adults? It’s exciting and fun to have some magic in life, especially when it centers around love and gratitude.
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Wendy, I’m not sure I understand your question. Can you explain how the Santa Claus experience centers around love and gratitude? It seems to focus instead on the act of a child requesting toys and things that he or she did not earn. I fail to see what positive lesson should be instilled in the children.
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Children are thrilled that a father figure such as Santa loves them, listens to them carefully, and is willing to travel all the way from the North Pole to make them happy. It is very affirming to their self-esteem that someone is so thankful and generous just because they and other children exist. I remember the absolute wonder and joy on my children’s faces when their grandfather dressed up as Santa and talked to them. They feel a lot of gratitude to Santa for loving them and coming to their house; that is why they want to leave cookies and milk for him. It is only when children become old enough to not believe that the commercialism becomes self-serving. Santa is pure love, no matter what he brings.
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Wendy, thank you for sharing your perspective. The way you describe him, Santa Claus sounds like he’s Jesus Christ – as a figure who represents pure love. Having a good self-esteem and feeling loved are important emotional needs for anyone, but especially so for children. However, I challenge the notion that a stranger dressed up in a red suit coming with promises of gifts once a year can have a lasting or significant positive effect on a child. The important part of what you mentioned is the experience for a child of gaining the special attention of a caring adult, who does not need to be a grand-father nor even a man for that matter. I’d argue that the time bringing children to Santa Claus would be better spent if parents or guardians instead used it to listen and talk with them. But if the parents or guardians can perform the same function and even more frequently than once-a-year (hopefully), then I’m back at the same question of why the Santa Claus ritual survives with its commercial trappings? Is there something more there than a sense of tradition and whimsical frivolity?
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Wow Barry, you are a Scrooge. I will bring my 2 year old to see Santa and go to mass on Christmas since he knows who Jesus is.
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Janine, why the name-calling? Is that the example you hope to set for your son?
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Did you call Wendy out when she used the word Scrooge? What is wrong with people taking their kids to see Santa? We are raising our sons to realize that Christmas is not just a time for receiving gifts but giving those less fortunate gifts too. I have worked for years with St. Vincent de Paul at St. Paul’s in Harvard Square (my parish) and see many who need help. I want my boys to help those who need it too. it is up to parents to decide how they wil raise their child/children. I apologize for calling you Scrooge.
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Janine, I didn’t object to Wendy’s use of the term because she didn’t insult me with it the way you did. I accept your apology.
I applaud your efforts to instill a sense of empathy and community responsibility in your sons. I have nothing against the Santa Claus ritual, but the point of my inquiry is to find out what motivates some adults to hold on to this tradition? What do you think?
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Because this is what I grew up with as well as my husband (except he calls Santa Father Christmas). It is a time of year that brings a cheer to our hearts and we finally realize after having two boys that the holiday is for children. It is a time for family, love and happiness. If Santa helps bring that, then I am OK with that.
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Good lord, Barry, what did Santa do to you? You have a serious grudge against the dude. Santa is cool.
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Barry,
Why so much discrimination?
Santa, Jesus, or Thetans are all figments of imagination as far as I’m concerned, but that’s not a reason to go out there a trash other people’s beliefs/choice.
C’mon, let’s all get along. It’s winter solstice after all…
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Knut, I’m not trying to trash anyone’s beliefs, just trying to understand this tradition.
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I think traditions in general are something that does not necessarily have a logical explanation but are done by people because that’s what they have been taught or grew up with and found it agreeable.
I don’t disagree with your original comment/question but I think it’s just one of those things that people do not because it’s logical, but because it’s a…. tradition.
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Barry – Ok no toys or sweets for you! Just go home and think about this earth shattering question you have posed to your blog readers.
Let me give you a hint. Adults perpetuate the myth of Santa, Father Christmas and the rest because it teaches CHILDREN some valuable lessons. Those lessons should come from the parents or caregivers and have different lessons depending on the messenger.
Like you. I think I read once that you are a parent of a newborn. I strongly advise you to get with the program, decide what you think the holiday traditions are all about(Santa, eight nights of light and gifts, etc.) and give your kid a strong foundation for a sometimes rocky road of life.
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I think I may have perpetuated the Santa thing with my kids for the sake of the grandparents, but it does add an element of charm and excitement to the season. A really important exercise for kids (and others) is to imagine what you’d want if you could have anything. The hoopla around Santa makes you believe it enough to actually go there. Now, what I want is a big fat scholarship to college for my kids. Any of those in the big red bag? Ho, ho, ho!
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