I've come across something that I am not sure how to address with my Ethiopian kids.
Santa.
All our older bio kids now know that Santa isn't real. Yet today I was listening to them in the car tell Hana and Andy all about Santa. And Hana and Andy were like "What!? He brings gifts to all the kids? You leave him cookies?..." etc...
I was just waiting for them to ask me why Santa didn't come to any children in Ethiopia. I am glad they didn't. But my mind was racing. What if they ask me? Do I tell them Santa isn't for real? Or do I try to cook up some story to explain why he skips over Ethiopia? Seems silly I know, but I just thought I'd throw that out there.
10 comments:
Wow, that is a tough one...
A lot of times with difficult subjects, it is suggested to only answer questions children ask with the shortest answers possible but always answer honestly. They will only ask what they are comfortable asking.
If they find it too incredulous perhaps you tell them the truth but then let them know that they can still feel the spirit of Santa.
Leave cookies, play secret Santa with the brothers and sisters.
Let me know how it all turns out.
Loved Vickie's answer. I realize that I have a rather non-conventional opinion when it comes to this subject and there are a lot of people who won't agree with me. But, I feel like the whole Santa thing is overrated and borderline ridiculous. We play along with it until our kids are old enough to ask questions and legitimately question the gig. By the time our kids are around 7 years old, they pretty much know. I think the magic of Christmas is found in many more things than just Santa.
It's much easier to explain the fact that there really is no Santa than it is to explain why he skips over most of the world.
Funny, but this year with Aftyn I've been wondering if we even go with the Santa idea or not. So I can understand this predicament somewhat. I really like both answers already given, and obviously I need to talk to Reed about what we're going to be telling Aftyn this year. I like the honest answer, especially really like the idea for myself of presenting the idea of being a secret santa to others. It's all about sharing and showing love as Jesus did when he was on the earth, right?
Tell the truth..Like Vicky said, it's the spirit of Santa that counts..Explain why he is made up..We've decided if we have any more kids that they will know from the get go...Today Christmas is so commercialized and I think Santa is now us just used for product placement...It's a disgrace what we've done...Start on the right path to the true meaning of Christmas..
We finally told our oldest this year. I knew he would take it hard if it didn't come from us. Here's my thinking with them. You're building trust with them. That's the most important thing right now. They won't need Santa for Christmas to be magical for them. I'd tell them about the real man...St. Nicolas, so they understand what all the fuss is about. But I'd tell the the truth. There is too much at stake with their trusting you right now. Just my thoughts.
Thanks for your thoughts guys. I really appreciate your input!
When our girls came to me and said "We need to talk". I told them absolutely not until Mario was with me. Mario told them the story of the real St. Nicolas and the spirit that he brought. He told them that now they were old enough to understand they were now also responsible to carry on the traditions of St. Nicholas. To create the magic of giving. They accepted it very well. Mind you they were way over 7 and had known in their hearts for years but I always told them they had to "Believe to Receive" from Santa.
I don't think the "Santa Image" is as important as your image with the children. Santa is fun even if you know that he isn't real.
I love everyone's answers. You are all amazing.
Santa DID go to Ethiopia. You just didn't have your red suit on.
I really like the book "I believe in Santa Claus". It talks about how they both come in the night, love little children, bring gifts, and others, with simple illustrations. Then it says Santa Claus is a symbol of Christmas and they can remind us of the true meaning. The symbols of Christmas remind me of Christ so I believe in Santa.
I like that 'santa' makes it easy to give anonamously. My mom kept giving us gifts from santa for years after we all knew.
We don't talk about Santa a whole lot at our house. I think the older kids know, but I am not sure. I kinda have a hard time with the whole Santa thing, because I don't want my kids to ever think I lie to them. It's a tough one. Not sure. Love ya Amanda!
Jen Tate
Post a Comment