Back at comp.lang.cobol (yeah, I still post there), someone asked why is it important for us to believe in Santa Claus. Pete Dashwood (remember him?) had a great reply.

Apart from the obvious answers about holding something over kids so they will behave and commercialism in retail stores, I think all of us pine when we lose our innocence and realise that there is no tooth fairy or Santa Claus. We somehow feel that if we encourage our kids as long as possible, their age of innocence will last a little longer and they will be protected from grim reality for a while further.

The idea of the Santa story touches a place in our "evil" (if Judson is to be believed...) hearts, and we WANT some kindness and goodness. (I know... it's contradictory if we are truly evil, but I don't believe we are...)

If belief in Santa Claus causes a little more kindness, a little more "goodwill towards men", how can it be bad?

The answer is that it is bad because we are lying to our children and lying is always bad. (Sometimes you may remain silent, but don't lie...)

This is just one of the many dilemmas parenthood presents. (It is no wonder parents are stressed... :-))

I believe there may be a "middle path" here....(c.f. Buddhist belief...)

Tell kids the story of Saint Nicholas of Smyrna and explain why what he did was so good. (TRUE)

Tell them that presents are left for good kids in memory of this, and the legend goes that Saint Nick brings them in a sled with reindeer and gets in the house down the chimney. (Don't frighten little kids whose house doesn't have a chimney, and when they ask how he does it; it's supposed to be "magic".) (TRUE).

Tell them about the Nativity as well. It's a pretty good story... no room in the inn, wise men, star etc. making the point that many people believe in the divinity of the baby born at this time (and many others don't), and that it doesn't really matter as long as we are good to each other. (TRUE as far as possible).

Tell them that we have a custom, in memory of these stories. We spend this time thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves, and trying to make life a bit better for all people. As a mark of this we exchange presents with our friends and family, but not just them if we can manage to go further. (TRUE)

Then sit down and get them to think of someone they consider less fortunate than themselves who they might like to get a present for. The emphasis is not about getting or giving presents, it is about considering others, WITHOUT looking down on them or feeling smug or superior...recognising that any of us can be in any condition any time.

Older kids can be encouraged to discuss why the "Christmas Spirit" shouldn't pertain all year...

Just some thoughts...

Pete