Who doesn't like Christmas? All the stories, bullshit, and myths aside, who doesn't? Even if the season brings bad memories or hard times, there is something about Christmas that has everyone yearning to take part. The lights are beautiful; decorations, as well as the tree. It feels good to give, and even better to receive. The food is specially made and delicious. The music is most often corny, but upbeat and heart-warming. All of this is exponentially heightened when shared with family, friends, and loved ones.
Let me take a minute to be honest with you about what happened when all this turned around for me. A couple things happened:
The first Christmas season spent with an ex-fiance of mine (2006), shocked him to disappointment and disbelief. My children did not believe in Santa Claus. He reacted as though I was the worst parent in the world. I don't lie to my children because I value trust and honesty. Why lie to them about something that is blatantly not true? Above all, why have them, basically worship, this obviously false idol? Well, his mission that year was to create a whole Christmas display to have my children experience what they've been lacking in their lives.
While watching television one afternoon around this time, I saw a commercial. You may remember it. It featured a whole list of celebrities, I can specifically remember one being Santana, telling children Santa Claus is real. Forget what anyone has told you, he's real.
The famous argument I've heard over and over again is that it is the origin of a child's imagination. If you keep a child from believing in Santa Claus, you are guilty of destroying a child's imagination.
I was offended in two ways: as a mother, and as a believer in God. You may not believe in God, and that is OK. It is not crucial for you to acknowledge the point I want to make.
As a mother, there are people telling my children that what I tell them is a lie. Fortunately, we have a special bond that I attribute to the level of honesty I share with them, so it is not a huge problem. But, as a member of society, this offended me greatly.
As a believer in God, there are people willing to force my children into believe in something that is completely and undeniably false, using "imagination" as a defense. All year long I hear of people offended by "God" being used here and there; offended by the mere presence of a believer. A belief that has some validity to it since we are human, and humans have a spiritual nature. (If you think different, I welcome you to share that with me in the comments.)
Double standards cause me to be very curious: Why? Why is it acceptable to believe in Santa Claus, but condemnable to believe in God? Food for thought.
Henri Schuyers via FaceBook: You're absolutely right it does not matter what others think it's between you and your children.
ReplyDeleteThe fact of the matter is, one way or another, there will always be beliefs and ways of thinking imposed on children that contradict what parents want to instill in them. That only stresses the importance of a tight family unit that can combat anything that wants to "attack" it.
Everyone wants the freedom to believe what they want or convicted to believe, but very few are willing to give that consideration to others.