The Santa Clause "Myth"

Here is a discussion I recently had while visiting relatives on Christmas Day:

Relative: "Are you including the Santa Clause Myth as part of your Christmas tradition?"

Me: "Well, our girls are still a little too young, but I'm sure we will in the future."

Relative: "Let me share with you my experience. When I was about seven years old, I learned that Santa wasn't real and that everybody had been lying to me all this time. I also went to Sunday School at the time and I think that's when I started questioning other things that seemed impossible, like Noah's Ark and The Flood."

Me (wanting to avoid continuing the conversation): "Oh, I think it's good for kids to question things."

Relative (thinking I'm missing the point): "But, that's when I started questioning all those things I had been taught and I think that's why I believe what I do today. It all started with Santa Clause."

Me (now fully engaged): "And what do you believe now?"

Relative: "I believe in Jesus's teachings, but I don't believe all the stories in the Bible that seem too outrageous too be true -

Relative's wife chimes in: "There's not enough water for a flood to cover the world"

Me: "Ok. But do you think you would have come to that conclusion eventually anyway?"

Relative: "Yes, but I think it started with Santa. I just wanted to tell you my experience so you consider it with your kids."

Me: "Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your experience with me."

Well, I still think there's no harm in continuing a cross-cultural tradition that has been around forever,but the conversation got me thinking about what kind of impact the Santa Clause story has on our youngsters, particularly when they find out it isn't exactly true.

Are children who spend their early years believing in the jolly old fat man who brings presents more likely to hold feelings of distrust towards their parents once they learn the truth? Are there any psychological impacts that carry into adulthood? Do children who grow up expecting Santa to dive down their chimneys (or climb through a window as the case may be) end up abandoning their faith in the Lord once they learn that Santa is just a fun game we play?

Where is the research on this subject? Surely someone in academia has addressed these issues.

When science hasn't come up with answers yet, all one can do is follow one's instincts as a parent. All children begin to question their beliefs as they grown into adolescents and young adults. It's just a stop on the road to adulthood. As parents, it's up to us to offer support and guidance without being judgmental. I'm sure that some children may be thrown off track a little when faced with the reality that Santa Claus doesn't really fly around the world in a sleigh powered by flying reindeer. But, with good parenting, I think that the likelihood of any long-term trust issues is minimal.