Updated: Oct. 23, 2020 | Originally Published: Nov. 9, 2014
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself facing a familiar question: “Are you one of those parents?” You know, the ones who opt out of the Santa Claus narrative?
I can already foresee the reactions from my in-laws, my own parents, my husband, and many friends. But let’s take a moment to dissect the rationale behind perpetuating the Santa myth.
I get it—it’s “tradition.” But let’s be real; many traditions exist that aren’t necessarily beneficial. If you’re talking about the kind of traditions that unite families and create joyful memories, I’ll admit that secular families often miss out on certain rituals celebrated by their religious counterparts.
That said, every December, we still get a beautiful Christmas tree and decorate it together. I enjoy baking my favorite cookies while listening to a mix of holiday tunes, from classic Johnny Mathis to quirky South Park songs. My son’s grandparents come to visit us on Christmas Eve, and we prepare a deep-fried turkey that usually takes me hours to figure out how to cook after searching for the flavor injector I hastily stashed away in the garage toolbox. We have a delicious stuffing and glazed carrots, and we brew some warm wassail while we unwrap gifts. Sometimes we even sing carols. My dad reads “The Night Before Christmas,” a tradition he shared with me as a child. Our day ends with more presents, relaxation, and, of course, cookies. That’s what I call a tradition—Santa Claus or not.
I’m not against sharing the Santa Claus legend with my son; I just prefer to explore various stories from cultures around the world. The beauty of myths lies not in their factual veracity, but in their ability to inspire and bring joy to our lives.
Some argue that teaching kids about Santa Claus is a vital part of childhood magic. But in my view, that perspective is rather narrow. I’m not robbing my child of anything. He experiences a joyful holiday surrounded by loving family. If you believe he’ll somehow be missing out without the myth of Santa, let’s look at the facts: children from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i, Wiccan, and atheist backgrounds grow up to be well-adjusted adults without ever expecting a visit from a jolly man in a red suit.
I grew up immersed in the Santa myth, and honestly, it didn’t add much value to my childhood. I remember “Santa” being portrayed by our neighbor, Mr. Thompson, and he definitely didn’t match my expectations. I quickly figured out the truth—the letters from Santa looked suspiciously like my mom’s handwriting, especially since they always advised me to leave out tuna sandwiches (my dad’s favorite).
What I cherish from my childhood are the other holiday traditions: the tree, the carols, the cookies, and family time. The push to instill the Santa myth often stems from a desire to recapture childhood innocence, but personally, I find joy in celebrating the return of the sun, the warmth of family gatherings, and even the triumph of finally locating that elusive turkey injector. Isn’t that magical enough?
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Summary
The article discusses the author’s stance on the Santa Claus myth, emphasizing the importance of family traditions beyond the fictional narrative. It argues for the value of storytelling from various cultures, rather than adhering strictly to one myth. The author reflects on personal childhood memories and the joy of creating new traditions, while also touching upon family-building options like home insemination.
Keyphrase: The Santa Claus Myth
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