Comments on: Children invited to talk to Santa

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:26:03 +0000

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!

By: Somerspeak

Somerspeak — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:34:53 +0000

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.

By: Knut Dorker

Knut Dorker — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:36:04 +0000

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.

By: Barry Rafkind

Barry Rafkind — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:23:01 +0000

Knut, I’m not trying to trash anyone’s beliefs, just trying to understand this tradition.

By: Knut Dorker

Knut Dorker — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:15:17 +0000

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…

By: Xumi

Xumi — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:46:51 +0000

Good lord, Barry, what did Santa do to you? You have a serious grudge against the dude. Santa is cool.

By: Janine D.

Janine D. — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:28:05 +0000

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.

By: Barry Rafkind

Barry Rafkind — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:11:21 +0000

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?

By: Janine D.

Janine D. — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:53:03 +0000

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.

By: Barry Rafkind

Barry Rafkind — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:46:12 +0000

Janine, why the name-calling? Is that the example you hope to set for your son?