santa claus?
Sharissa13
What are people's opinions of telling kids that Santa
Claus is real? We never did with my kids, and now my
youngest is coming into contact with other children
who think that Santa Claus is real. I'm trying to
explain to my 6 year old about a fictional character,
but all these other kids keep insisting he's real.
It bugs me because now what I can't afford to buy my
son for Christmas, he thinks Santa is going to bring
him. We already struggle with materialism with him...
this isn't making things any easier. And what do I do?
Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Get easy, one-click access to your favorites.
Make Yahoo! your homepage.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Claus is real? We never did with my kids, and now my
youngest is coming into contact with other children
who think that Santa Claus is real. I'm trying to
explain to my 6 year old about a fictional character,
but all these other kids keep insisting he's real.
It bugs me because now what I can't afford to buy my
son for Christmas, he thinks Santa is going to bring
him. We already struggle with materialism with him...
this isn't making things any easier. And what do I do?
Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Get easy, one-click access to your favorites.
Make Yahoo! your homepage.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
wisdomalways5
--- In [email protected], Sharissa13
<sharissa13@...> wrote:
why my mom bought toys at the store. When we were old enough
to "get" the santa not being real it was no big deal because we
always knew mom and dad helped santa.
My daughters 4 and 3 would be with me when I bought christmas and I
would tell them I had to call santa to come get them so he could
bring them on christmas. I tell them mom and dad get the stuff they
want and then santa gets to bring it
<sharissa13@...> wrote:
>I was always told that mom and dad helped santa- that would explain
> What are people's opinions of telling kids that Santa
> Claus is real? We never did with my kids, and now my
> youngest is coming into contact with other children
> who think that Santa Claus is real. I'm trying to
> explain to my 6 year old about a fictional character,
> but all these other kids keep insisting he's real.
> It bugs me because now what I can't afford to buy my
> son for Christmas, he thinks Santa is going to bring
> him. We already struggle with materialism with him...
> this isn't making things any easier. And what do I do?
> Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
> Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
>
>
why my mom bought toys at the store. When we were old enough
to "get" the santa not being real it was no big deal because we
always knew mom and dad helped santa.
My daughters 4 and 3 would be with me when I bought christmas and I
would tell them I had to call santa to come get them so he could
bring them on christmas. I tell them mom and dad get the stuff they
want and then santa gets to bring it
Zoa Conner
Do you think he would understand that a story can be so special that some
kids really want to believe it? Other kids don¹t have to believe the same
story. In our house we celebrate the stories of the season all of them
that we possibly can. Celebrate St. Nikolas day Dec 6 and tell the stories
about him (no I am not religious in any way). Talk about the history of
Santa Claus. Learn about how other places around the world celebrate the
stories of Santa Claus or whatever he is called there. Work with him to
choose a family or child to give presents to let him be Santa Claus. Maybe
he will see how lots of kids around him think the stories are so fabulous
that they want to believe they are real.
Good Luck,
Zoa
kids really want to believe it? Other kids don¹t have to believe the same
story. In our house we celebrate the stories of the season all of them
that we possibly can. Celebrate St. Nikolas day Dec 6 and tell the stories
about him (no I am not religious in any way). Talk about the history of
Santa Claus. Learn about how other places around the world celebrate the
stories of Santa Claus or whatever he is called there. Work with him to
choose a family or child to give presents to let him be Santa Claus. Maybe
he will see how lots of kids around him think the stories are so fabulous
that they want to believe they are real.
Good Luck,
Zoa
On 11/25/07 11:00 PM, "Sharissa13" <sharissa13@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> What are people's opinions of telling kids that Santa
> Claus is real? We never did with my kids, and now my
> youngest is coming into contact with other children
> who think that Santa Claus is real. I'm trying to
> explain to my 6 year old about a fictional character,
> but all these other kids keep insisting he's real.
>
> It bugs me because now what I can't afford to buy my
> son for Christmas, he thinks Santa is going to bring
> him. We already struggle with materialism with him...
> this isn't making things any easier. And what do I do?
> Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
> Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Get easy, one-click access to your favorites.
> Make Yahoo! your homepage.
> http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
>
>
----------------
Zoa Conner, PhD
Physicist and Montessori Homeschooling Mother
zoaconner@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Debra Rossing
We've got an odd situation with "mythical critters" at our house (Santa,
tooth fairy, etc) - DS (9) doesn't really believe in them but at the
same time doesn't accept the actual situation - he wants to keep the
magical aspect without the personification. Back when the tooth fairy
started coming around, he asked me about it. I said "I'll tell you if
you want to know" He did. I said "Okay, after you're asleep, I sneak in
and take the tooth and put your prize under the pillow" His direct quote
response was "No, that's not it" Uh...wait a minute lol. Okay, so what
does happen do you think? We've had everything from aliens to
transporter beams to "tooth seeds" (the tooth is a seed with a prize
inside that pops open when it gets put under the pillow). Just the other
day, he said he really doesn't think there's a Santa Claus - there must
be some sort of transporter beam that beams the presents under the tree.
Okay, we'll go with that for now - it'll probably be something else next
year.
Oh, and DS *knows* that his wishlist is a WISH list - not everything on
it is something he'll get for Christmas. BUT he also knows that
Christmas (and birthdays) are not the only times he can get stuff.
Whenever he sees something cool that fits the budget, it's his. He looks
at prices and even HE thinks that some things are too expensive and
he'll just wait until the price comes down a bit first. It's all tied
up, I think, with an overall sense of abundance, a sense that his wants
are taken seriously and given equal priority with everything else. If
it's doable, we do it. If it's the middle of February and we see
something he didn't get that he still wants and NOW we've got the funds,
he gets it. So, there's no sense of desperation involved with Christmas
(or birthdays). If he doesn't get something on that one day, there are
lots of other days and other ways to get it.
Deb
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
CNC Software, Inc.
www.mastercam.com
**********************************************************************
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
tooth fairy, etc) - DS (9) doesn't really believe in them but at the
same time doesn't accept the actual situation - he wants to keep the
magical aspect without the personification. Back when the tooth fairy
started coming around, he asked me about it. I said "I'll tell you if
you want to know" He did. I said "Okay, after you're asleep, I sneak in
and take the tooth and put your prize under the pillow" His direct quote
response was "No, that's not it" Uh...wait a minute lol. Okay, so what
does happen do you think? We've had everything from aliens to
transporter beams to "tooth seeds" (the tooth is a seed with a prize
inside that pops open when it gets put under the pillow). Just the other
day, he said he really doesn't think there's a Santa Claus - there must
be some sort of transporter beam that beams the presents under the tree.
Okay, we'll go with that for now - it'll probably be something else next
year.
Oh, and DS *knows* that his wishlist is a WISH list - not everything on
it is something he'll get for Christmas. BUT he also knows that
Christmas (and birthdays) are not the only times he can get stuff.
Whenever he sees something cool that fits the budget, it's his. He looks
at prices and even HE thinks that some things are too expensive and
he'll just wait until the price comes down a bit first. It's all tied
up, I think, with an overall sense of abundance, a sense that his wants
are taken seriously and given equal priority with everything else. If
it's doable, we do it. If it's the middle of February and we see
something he didn't get that he still wants and NOW we've got the funds,
he gets it. So, there's no sense of desperation involved with Christmas
(or birthdays). If he doesn't get something on that one day, there are
lots of other days and other ways to get it.
Deb
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
CNC Software, Inc.
www.mastercam.com
**********************************************************************
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Amanda Horein
We told our 6 year old that Santa wasn't real because she thought Santa was
going to bring her all kinds of gift, but we had very little money last
year. We explained to her that there was no "real" Santa as a person, but
when people talk about Santa they are are referring to the spirit of
christmas. Some people think that that spirit of *kindness*, *loving*, etc
has to take physical form and parents let their kids belive that and some
even teach it to them, but "Santa Claus" is not a real person.
There are people who act like Santa and give to people who can't afford it
(the salvation army runs a program where families can "adopt" other families
and buy for them) and there are people who dress up like Santa and sit in
stores and the mall and stuff. They are there to remind us that we need to
*be giving*, *be loving*, and/or *insert your favorite emotion*.
HTH!
--
Amanda
Wife to Roger (nearly 10 years)
Mum to Marti (7) and Lilly (4)
Babysitter to Stella (3)
http://whatmykidstaughtme.blogspot.com/
Since we can't know what knowledge will be most needed in the future, it is
senseless to try to teach it in advance. Instead, we should try to turn out
people who love learning so much and learn so well that they will be able to
learn whatever needs to be learned
� John Holt
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
going to bring her all kinds of gift, but we had very little money last
year. We explained to her that there was no "real" Santa as a person, but
when people talk about Santa they are are referring to the spirit of
christmas. Some people think that that spirit of *kindness*, *loving*, etc
has to take physical form and parents let their kids belive that and some
even teach it to them, but "Santa Claus" is not a real person.
There are people who act like Santa and give to people who can't afford it
(the salvation army runs a program where families can "adopt" other families
and buy for them) and there are people who dress up like Santa and sit in
stores and the mall and stuff. They are there to remind us that we need to
*be giving*, *be loving*, and/or *insert your favorite emotion*.
HTH!
--
Amanda
Wife to Roger (nearly 10 years)
Mum to Marti (7) and Lilly (4)
Babysitter to Stella (3)
http://whatmykidstaughtme.blogspot.com/
Since we can't know what knowledge will be most needed in the future, it is
senseless to try to teach it in advance. Instead, we should try to turn out
people who love learning so much and learn so well that they will be able to
learn whatever needs to be learned
� John Holt
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Truthfully, one of the things that I loved the most about homeschooling (and
specifically unschooling, but it was home vs. school thing that applies
here) was that Julian got to hold onto Santa as long as he wanted and needed it.
And he at least marginally believed until he was about 11.
I suspect that he mostly knew way before then, but he still wanted and
needed Santa, and he didn't have to worry about people making fun of him or
anything. His best friend was in a traditional school at the time (he later moved
to a Sudbury school) but he loved Julian and also wanted him to have it as
long as he wanted it.
Interestingly he was not a kid who wanted to visit Santa at the mall (At
four he said "I really don't want to go sit on a strange man's lap" which seemed
very sane to us), but I think he just liked the idea. He moved very naturally
to knowing Santa was a fantasy, and he told us that he never felt we lied to
him.
I asked recently (he's 18 now) what he would do when he had kids, and he
said that if asked he'd never lie (we never did), but that he would have Santa.
Kathryn
Come to the Northeast Unschooling conference Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25
2008 in Peabody, Massachusetts _www.northeastunschoolingconference.com_
(http://www.northeastunschoolingconference.com/)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
specifically unschooling, but it was home vs. school thing that applies
here) was that Julian got to hold onto Santa as long as he wanted and needed it.
And he at least marginally believed until he was about 11.
I suspect that he mostly knew way before then, but he still wanted and
needed Santa, and he didn't have to worry about people making fun of him or
anything. His best friend was in a traditional school at the time (he later moved
to a Sudbury school) but he loved Julian and also wanted him to have it as
long as he wanted it.
Interestingly he was not a kid who wanted to visit Santa at the mall (At
four he said "I really don't want to go sit on a strange man's lap" which seemed
very sane to us), but I think he just liked the idea. He moved very naturally
to knowing Santa was a fantasy, and he told us that he never felt we lied to
him.
I asked recently (he's 18 now) what he would do when he had kids, and he
said that if asked he'd never lie (we never did), but that he would have Santa.
Kathryn
Come to the Northeast Unschooling conference Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25
2008 in Peabody, Massachusetts _www.northeastunschoolingconference.com_
(http://www.northeastunschoolingconference.com/)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Allison
I have always told my kids the truth about santa claus. They actually
tell other kids he is not real and parents get so mad at me. But, oh
well. We just decided that we weren't gonna lie to or kids about all
those fictional characters. The way it is so commercialized now and
santa is always in the kids faces, my 3dd started questioning me about
it last year. I sat down with all the kids and explained to them about
the origins of christmas and how santa claus came about and that now
it's just someone dressed up in a costume. Just about every holiday we
do this now, we learn about the origins of the holidays and neat stuff.
tell other kids he is not real and parents get so mad at me. But, oh
well. We just decided that we weren't gonna lie to or kids about all
those fictional characters. The way it is so commercialized now and
santa is always in the kids faces, my 3dd started questioning me about
it last year. I sat down with all the kids and explained to them about
the origins of christmas and how santa claus came about and that now
it's just someone dressed up in a costume. Just about every holiday we
do this now, we learn about the origins of the holidays and neat stuff.
Lisa
We have always explained to our kids when they were old enough to ask
questions (at whatever age that arrived for each kid) that Santa was a
nice tradition based on a historical character but the whole Santa
process in our time is make believe. I don't offer that information
until they ask... until that time we play Santa.... when they want
something out of the budget I just remind that there are lots of kids
that Santa brings gifts to so they should only ask for a few things so
everyone can have toys from Santa (we ask our kids to put 5 things on
their Santa list that they REALLY want most. It eventually becomes
just a fun tradition... none of my kids have been traumatized when
they found out Santa wasn't real nor did any of them feel they had
been mislead or lied to... of course I always have told them the truth
when they asked at whatever point.
Maybe explaining to your child that the other children are playing a
make believe game so to speak with their parents as far as Santa is
concerned (I would never want my child to ruin the magic for another
child so I would caution him somehow about that) Someone else's idea
about parents have to help Santa so $ is a factor might be good since
your budget is limited this year.
Good luck!
Lisa B
-
questions (at whatever age that arrived for each kid) that Santa was a
nice tradition based on a historical character but the whole Santa
process in our time is make believe. I don't offer that information
until they ask... until that time we play Santa.... when they want
something out of the budget I just remind that there are lots of kids
that Santa brings gifts to so they should only ask for a few things so
everyone can have toys from Santa (we ask our kids to put 5 things on
their Santa list that they REALLY want most. It eventually becomes
just a fun tradition... none of my kids have been traumatized when
they found out Santa wasn't real nor did any of them feel they had
been mislead or lied to... of course I always have told them the truth
when they asked at whatever point.
Maybe explaining to your child that the other children are playing a
make believe game so to speak with their parents as far as Santa is
concerned (I would never want my child to ruin the magic for another
child so I would caution him somehow about that) Someone else's idea
about parents have to help Santa so $ is a factor might be good since
your budget is limited this year.
Good luck!
Lisa B
-
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/25/2007 9:54:53 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
sharissa13@... writes:
Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
________________
i was never raised to believe in santa either an neither were my kids
(either set) but sometimes the older set would decide to for fun, lol. what i told
them then and tell the little ones now, is that santa is an idea, and all
that gift gifts are playing the role of santa. we can all be santa - and part of
that is giving anonymously, which is why some people like to believe in santa
as a real being. santa IS real - as real as any belief or thing that cannot
be seen or touched. love is an example that can be used for that, too. then,
on to the other parents, lol, THAT is harder! lol! i'd tell the same info,
and the parents want their children to believe in a little "magic" and that is
how they show their love to their kids. you, we, do that differently, but the
result is the same in the long run....of course I've had to alter how this
is said to make the ideas and terms age friendly...
its always a toughie!
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
sharissa13@... writes:
Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
________________
i was never raised to believe in santa either an neither were my kids
(either set) but sometimes the older set would decide to for fun, lol. what i told
them then and tell the little ones now, is that santa is an idea, and all
that gift gifts are playing the role of santa. we can all be santa - and part of
that is giving anonymously, which is why some people like to believe in santa
as a real being. santa IS real - as real as any belief or thing that cannot
be seen or touched. love is an example that can be used for that, too. then,
on to the other parents, lol, THAT is harder! lol! i'd tell the same info,
and the parents want their children to believe in a little "magic" and that is
how they show their love to their kids. you, we, do that differently, but the
result is the same in the long run....of course I've had to alter how this
is said to make the ideas and terms age friendly...
its always a toughie!
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/26/2007 7:55:14 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
KathrynJB@... writes:
Interestingly he was not a kid who wanted to visit Santa at the mall (At
four he said "I really don't want to go sit on a strange man's lap" which
seemed
very sane to us), but I think he just liked the idea. He moved very
naturally
to knowing Santa was a fantasy, and he told us that he never felt we lied
to
him.
_____________________
That was nice to read, Kathryn, thanks for that! Must be the name "Julian"
:)
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
KathrynJB@... writes:
Interestingly he was not a kid who wanted to visit Santa at the mall (At
four he said "I really don't want to go sit on a strange man's lap" which
seemed
very sane to us), but I think he just liked the idea. He moved very
naturally
to knowing Santa was a fantasy, and he told us that he never felt we lied
to
him.
_____________________
That was nice to read, Kathryn, thanks for that! Must be the name "Julian"
:)
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/26/2007 9:17:36 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
jlblock01@... writes:
Santa was a
nice tradition based on a historical character
_________________
oh, good point! I actually FORGOT about St. Nicholas and all the cool
traditions for gift giving around the world...lol...and I used to BEG for presents
in my shoes, lol...
Thanks for that reminder!
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
jlblock01@... writes:
Santa was a
nice tradition based on a historical character
_________________
oh, good point! I actually FORGOT about St. Nicholas and all the cool
traditions for gift giving around the world...lol...and I used to BEG for presents
in my shoes, lol...
Thanks for that reminder!
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ENSEMBLE S-WAYNFORTH
What are people's opinions of telling kids that Santa
Claus is real? We never did with my kids, and now my
youngest is coming into contact with other children
who think that Santa Claus is real. I'm trying to
explain to my 6 year old about a fictional character,
but all these other kids keep insisting he's real.
=================================
I told Simon and Linnaea this year that we acted as Santa Claus. I'd done all of the magical gifters, like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy and it had always weighed on me. I don't know why, really. I had loved all of those creatures as a child and had not felt sad or deceived upon discovering the truth, but there was something in my being the deceiver that bothered me. Neither were bothered. I was worried that Linnaea would be distraught, but she made her own peace, she said that David and I were so good to her that she didn't feel a need for Santa Claus. She said that she imagined there were other children who needed Santa to be generous to them. She still believes there is a Santa Claus, but he is a bringer of joy and not goods.
==================
It bugs me because now what I can't afford to buy my
son for Christmas, he thinks Santa is going to bring
him. We already struggle with materialism with him...
this isn't making things any easier. And what do I do?
Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
====================
I would worry less about what you tell your son and more about your concern with materialism. Humans are materialistic. Just are. In 1626 Peter Minuit managed to buy Manhattan from some Native Americans for beads and trinkets worth about $28. People like stuff.
The funny thing is that on the run up to this Christmas Simon and Linnaea can't really think of much stuff that they want. They'll enjoy the getting of things, but they really don't feel needy enough to hope for the piles and piles of stuff that never really make you happy, but you really hook your hopes and dreams onto, or at least I did for a long, long time. They get what they want mostly when they want it. If we can't afford it in that moment, we think and strive and save or look for things that we can trade in or sell to make it work. I can't remember a time when as a child I went to the store with my mom and she offered to get me something and I turned it down. My daughter, who has a love of clothes that makes me smile, will walk away from an outfit that she doesn't think works as well as another outfit. And it isn't because she isn't materialistic, it's because she isn't needy. I was needy. I equated love with stuff.
I would listen to my son about the things he hopes Santa will bring in the face of your own lack of funds. I would write them down and spend time looking at ways to make those gifts possible. I would spend time scouring ebay for used goods or Craigs Lists or asking relatives if they could help out with these wishes. If you aren't going to give a magical giver you need to be that giver.
If you want to direct your son's responses to his believing friends, just tell him to be sensitive to their faith. I have talked to Simon and Linnaea about those people who believe and how they need to let them revel in their own relationship with Santa Claus. As an atheist who often finds herself amidst theists I know it can be hard, but it helps more to be kind and supportive of someone else's magical world than to crash it down with stories of parents as liars.
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Claus is real? We never did with my kids, and now my
youngest is coming into contact with other children
who think that Santa Claus is real. I'm trying to
explain to my 6 year old about a fictional character,
but all these other kids keep insisting he's real.
=================================
I told Simon and Linnaea this year that we acted as Santa Claus. I'd done all of the magical gifters, like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy and it had always weighed on me. I don't know why, really. I had loved all of those creatures as a child and had not felt sad or deceived upon discovering the truth, but there was something in my being the deceiver that bothered me. Neither were bothered. I was worried that Linnaea would be distraught, but she made her own peace, she said that David and I were so good to her that she didn't feel a need for Santa Claus. She said that she imagined there were other children who needed Santa to be generous to them. She still believes there is a Santa Claus, but he is a bringer of joy and not goods.
==================
It bugs me because now what I can't afford to buy my
son for Christmas, he thinks Santa is going to bring
him. We already struggle with materialism with him...
this isn't making things any easier. And what do I do?
Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
====================
I would worry less about what you tell your son and more about your concern with materialism. Humans are materialistic. Just are. In 1626 Peter Minuit managed to buy Manhattan from some Native Americans for beads and trinkets worth about $28. People like stuff.
The funny thing is that on the run up to this Christmas Simon and Linnaea can't really think of much stuff that they want. They'll enjoy the getting of things, but they really don't feel needy enough to hope for the piles and piles of stuff that never really make you happy, but you really hook your hopes and dreams onto, or at least I did for a long, long time. They get what they want mostly when they want it. If we can't afford it in that moment, we think and strive and save or look for things that we can trade in or sell to make it work. I can't remember a time when as a child I went to the store with my mom and she offered to get me something and I turned it down. My daughter, who has a love of clothes that makes me smile, will walk away from an outfit that she doesn't think works as well as another outfit. And it isn't because she isn't materialistic, it's because she isn't needy. I was needy. I equated love with stuff.
I would listen to my son about the things he hopes Santa will bring in the face of your own lack of funds. I would write them down and spend time looking at ways to make those gifts possible. I would spend time scouring ebay for used goods or Craigs Lists or asking relatives if they could help out with these wishes. If you aren't going to give a magical giver you need to be that giver.
If you want to direct your son's responses to his believing friends, just tell him to be sensitive to their faith. I have talked to Simon and Linnaea about those people who believe and how they need to let them revel in their own relationship with Santa Claus. As an atheist who often finds herself amidst theists I know it can be hard, but it helps more to be kind and supportive of someone else's magical world than to crash it down with stories of parents as liars.
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ENSEMBLE S-WAYNFORTH
It isn't really oh, well. Your children are hurting other people's relationship with Santa Claus, with the holidays, with their parents. I can remember when kids at school told me there wasn't a Santa Claus. IIt was a boy who we used to carpool with to school. I can picture his face, I can remember hating him so much for those words. It was mean and hurtful. It made me feel bad and it made me question things I wasn't ready to question. Maybe you should take the time to talk to your children about being sensitive to other children's understanding of the world. I can understand if they are answering when another child asks if they believe in Santa Claus, but to just tell them that their parents are lying, to be so unprepared to bend to another's needs, I would be disturbed by that.
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
=======================
I have always told my kids the truth about santa claus. They actually
tell other kids he is not real and parents get so mad at me. But, oh
well. We just decided that we weren't gonna lie to or kids about all
those fictional characters.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
=======================
I have always told my kids the truth about santa claus. They actually
tell other kids he is not real and parents get so mad at me. But, oh
well. We just decided that we weren't gonna lie to or kids about all
those fictional characters.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
diana jenner
We told our 6 year old that Santa wasn't real because she thought Santa was
generosity and selflessness of the season by giving and being kind to
others. The kids have been giving *Santa Spirit* gifts since they were
small. We acknowledge those who dress up, again in the Spirit of Santa, to
remind folks of the wonderful parts of the holiday. Santa's not any *one*
person, to us, Santa is *anyone* who personifies what Christmas means on an
emotional level, the it-feels-good-to-make-others-happy way.
Santa's *not* about materialism, at least not at my house. It's about
squeezing really tight and being more generous than I ever thought possible
with what I know I don't have yet somehow it all works out. It's amazing
what I find I can live without (sometimes it's my pride) every year in order
to get a special Santa Gift for Xmas Day (We open the other gifts on
Solstice).
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> going to bring her all kinds of gift, but we had very little money last***At our house we call it "The Spirit of Santa" in which we're honoring the
> year. We explained to her that there was no "real" Santa as a person, but
> when people talk about Santa they are are referring to the spirit of
> christmas. Some people think that that spirit of *kindness*, *loving*,
> etc
> has to take physical form and parents let their kids belive that and some
> even teach it to them, but "Santa Claus" is not a real person.
>
generosity and selflessness of the season by giving and being kind to
others. The kids have been giving *Santa Spirit* gifts since they were
small. We acknowledge those who dress up, again in the Spirit of Santa, to
remind folks of the wonderful parts of the holiday. Santa's not any *one*
person, to us, Santa is *anyone* who personifies what Christmas means on an
emotional level, the it-feels-good-to-make-others-happy way.
Santa's *not* about materialism, at least not at my house. It's about
squeezing really tight and being more generous than I ever thought possible
with what I know I don't have yet somehow it all works out. It's amazing
what I find I can live without (sometimes it's my pride) every year in order
to get a special Santa Gift for Xmas Day (We open the other gifts on
Solstice).
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sharissa13
LOL I don't think I could get everything on my son's
list. We got a catalog from Toys R Us in the mail and
he circled nearly every single toy in the book. Then
he did the same with the Target catalog. Every time we
go out, be it the grocery store, pet store, mall, or
hardware store he pesters me to buy him something. And
he does the same with his relatives.
It's to the point that I make sure we eat a meal or
have a snack before we head out (or at least make sure
my son eats something). We'll be 5 minutes on the road
and he starts whining about being hungry and how badly
he needs chicken nuggets to eat. Even if I point out
that he just ate a bunch of goldfish crackers and told
me he was "full" before we left, he then insists that
he was only full of goldfish crackers and now he is
hungry and really needs chicken nuggets (or candy or a
donut, etc).
Talking to him won't get him to stop bugging me to buy
him something (or something to eat). And he starts
crying. Eventually, after talking doesn't work, I
ignore him. He's not going to get something every time
we go out. I thought it was a phase or something, but
it's been going on for a few years now and I'm really
tired of it. And now I'm being told, "Well, Santa will
get this for me because he loves me. You don't love me
because you won't get me this."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
list. We got a catalog from Toys R Us in the mail and
he circled nearly every single toy in the book. Then
he did the same with the Target catalog. Every time we
go out, be it the grocery store, pet store, mall, or
hardware store he pesters me to buy him something. And
he does the same with his relatives.
It's to the point that I make sure we eat a meal or
have a snack before we head out (or at least make sure
my son eats something). We'll be 5 minutes on the road
and he starts whining about being hungry and how badly
he needs chicken nuggets to eat. Even if I point out
that he just ate a bunch of goldfish crackers and told
me he was "full" before we left, he then insists that
he was only full of goldfish crackers and now he is
hungry and really needs chicken nuggets (or candy or a
donut, etc).
Talking to him won't get him to stop bugging me to buy
him something (or something to eat). And he starts
crying. Eventually, after talking doesn't work, I
ignore him. He's not going to get something every time
we go out. I thought it was a phase or something, but
it's been going on for a few years now and I'm really
tired of it. And now I'm being told, "Well, Santa will
get this for me because he loves me. You don't love me
because you won't get me this."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Ren Allen
~~Your children are hurting other people's relationship
with Santa Claus, with the holidays, with their parents. ~~
Weeellll...if parents weren't lying to their children then nobody
would get hurt eh?
I think it's great to ask children to respect someone else's desire to
play with the fantasy, but to blame those children for the hurt?
They're telling the TRUTH. If the lie wasn't so intensely perpetuated
and people were just having fun with it, then what is the big deal
when a child hears reality?
My children like playing with the fantasy, but I don't try to
perpetuate a lie when they ask me questions. Jalen really loves the
Santa fantasy so I tell him that "Mom and Dad have a lot to do with
the way it all works". I would probably never even be vague except
that dh is all for the fantasy.
The magic of Christmas isn't in the lie of Santa. Kids can grasp that
magic just fine without it.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
with Santa Claus, with the holidays, with their parents. ~~
Weeellll...if parents weren't lying to their children then nobody
would get hurt eh?
I think it's great to ask children to respect someone else's desire to
play with the fantasy, but to blame those children for the hurt?
They're telling the TRUTH. If the lie wasn't so intensely perpetuated
and people were just having fun with it, then what is the big deal
when a child hears reality?
My children like playing with the fantasy, but I don't try to
perpetuate a lie when they ask me questions. Jalen really loves the
Santa fantasy so I tell him that "Mom and Dad have a lot to do with
the way it all works". I would probably never even be vague except
that dh is all for the fantasy.
The magic of Christmas isn't in the lie of Santa. Kids can grasp that
magic just fine without it.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
Ulrike Haupt
Dears
I am not disturbed by your seeming realistic views. I am just wondering why you find it necessary to destroy your children's magical views in the name of honesty.
All fairy tales, myths and other ancient sagas as well as 'saintly biographies' (of which santa (St Nicholaus) is one) evolved to satisfy a soul need and hunger, that 'honest realism' can never ever satisfy.
I mentioned this thread to my youngest daughter, 22, with two lovely little girls, and she immediately said, "When Santa Claus is not 'real' any more, angels loose their 'truth' and power and I would not want that for myself or my children. I believe in Santa and the fairies of the universe and every other part of fantasy. It is part of my creativity."
Now, speaking as Ulrike I want to add that I find that every fairy tale contains valid messages for modern man and woman whithin its symbolic language or soul speak.
Go ahead, disenchant your children, so that they can, with struggle, relearn the language of the soul when they are grown.
The success of Disney's fairy tale movies clearly shows that the essence of fairy tales satisfy the need of certain human archetypes.
Monsters under the bed exist and, even though you and the child know its not real, does the monster know? Because you know Santa doesn't exist, he does not bring you any presents anymore. He does to others though (us included).
For me, telling children the stark realistic truth of no santa falls in the same category as teaching them to read before they are ready, or insisting on facts of history when for them the universe started when they became self aware.
You might do well to start believing in Santa again yourself, instead of taking this belief away from your children. Watch the Secret and understand that the Genie is more real than your seeming realistic views. Take away Santa (and any of the other fairy tale creatures) and you limit the Universe's ways of granting you your desires to the measly three or less ways you can barely imagine for yourself.
Dears, I am really talking to you grown up people here. Anyone who does not believe in Santa is a poor minded person in my not so humble opinion.
Regards
Ulrike aka DragonDancer (on another list)
and Charlotte, staunch supporter of unicorns, leprechauns and mermaids
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I am not disturbed by your seeming realistic views. I am just wondering why you find it necessary to destroy your children's magical views in the name of honesty.
All fairy tales, myths and other ancient sagas as well as 'saintly biographies' (of which santa (St Nicholaus) is one) evolved to satisfy a soul need and hunger, that 'honest realism' can never ever satisfy.
I mentioned this thread to my youngest daughter, 22, with two lovely little girls, and she immediately said, "When Santa Claus is not 'real' any more, angels loose their 'truth' and power and I would not want that for myself or my children. I believe in Santa and the fairies of the universe and every other part of fantasy. It is part of my creativity."
Now, speaking as Ulrike I want to add that I find that every fairy tale contains valid messages for modern man and woman whithin its symbolic language or soul speak.
Go ahead, disenchant your children, so that they can, with struggle, relearn the language of the soul when they are grown.
The success of Disney's fairy tale movies clearly shows that the essence of fairy tales satisfy the need of certain human archetypes.
Monsters under the bed exist and, even though you and the child know its not real, does the monster know? Because you know Santa doesn't exist, he does not bring you any presents anymore. He does to others though (us included).
For me, telling children the stark realistic truth of no santa falls in the same category as teaching them to read before they are ready, or insisting on facts of history when for them the universe started when they became self aware.
You might do well to start believing in Santa again yourself, instead of taking this belief away from your children. Watch the Secret and understand that the Genie is more real than your seeming realistic views. Take away Santa (and any of the other fairy tale creatures) and you limit the Universe's ways of granting you your desires to the measly three or less ways you can barely imagine for yourself.
Dears, I am really talking to you grown up people here. Anyone who does not believe in Santa is a poor minded person in my not so humble opinion.
Regards
Ulrike aka DragonDancer (on another list)
and Charlotte, staunch supporter of unicorns, leprechauns and mermaids
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ENSEMBLE S-WAYNFORTH
If parents have come to you more than once upset or concerned because your children have told their children there is no Santa Claus, I think it is irresponsible of you to not talk about it with your children. It was the comment about shrugging and dismissing that bothered me. It might not be the child's fault, but it seems a disservice to both your own children and these other children to not at least talk to your children about how much it might hurt to be told that Santa isn't real.
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
=====================
~~Your children are hurting other people's relationship
with Santa Claus, with the holidays, with their parents. ~~
Weeellll...if parents weren't lying to their children then nobody
would get hurt eh?
I think it's great to ask children to respect someone else's desire to
play with the fantasy, but to blame those children for the hurt?
They're telling the TRUTH. If the lie wasn't so intensely perpetuated
and people were just having fun with it, then what is the big deal
when a child hears reality?
My children like playing with the fantasy, but I don't try to
perpetuate a lie when they ask me questions. Jalen really loves the
Santa fantasy so I tell him that "Mom and Dad have a lot to do with
the way it all works". I would probably never even be vague except
that dh is all for the fantasy.
The magic of Christmas isn't in the lie of Santa. Kids can grasp that
magic just fine without it.
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
=====================
~~Your children are hurting other people's relationship
with Santa Claus, with the holidays, with their parents. ~~
Weeellll...if parents weren't lying to their children then nobody
would get hurt eh?
I think it's great to ask children to respect someone else's desire to
play with the fantasy, but to blame those children for the hurt?
They're telling the TRUTH. If the lie wasn't so intensely perpetuated
and people were just having fun with it, then what is the big deal
when a child hears reality?
My children like playing with the fantasy, but I don't try to
perpetuate a lie when they ask me questions. Jalen really loves the
Santa fantasy so I tell him that "Mom and Dad have a lot to do with
the way it all works". I would probably never even be vague except
that dh is all for the fantasy.
The magic of Christmas isn't in the lie of Santa. Kids can grasp that
magic just fine without it.
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
April Morris
We never did the Santa thing....I believed in Santa and found out at school
that it was make believe. I was very embarrassed by the whole thing and
didn't want my kids to have to have that happen (I decided that long before
we homeschooled, let alone unschooled). But given my experience, I also
didn't want my kids to be the one to traumatize some poor kid. We love
pretend and make believe and Santa was just one of many make believe
characters as my kids grew up. Right up there with Mickey Mouse, Big Bird,
their imaginary friend....but we never had presents from Santa. (I love
picking out special presents for my kids and wanted to get the credit!)
Christmas was and still is a very magical special time at our house, with or
without Santa. My first three kids were pretty good about not spoiling the
magic for other kids. They never had a problem going along with the whold
Santa thing. We talked about different families having different traditions
and how special it was for them...but my 4th child never wanted anything to
do with Santa (big strange man in a very strange suit...no way!). And he
tends to be very honest, so a little white lie to spare the feelings of
another child just didn't work for him. So we taught him the child's version
of "pass the bean dip". We role played conversations and ways to answer
them. If he was asked directly "do you believe in Santa?" He would answer
something along the line of "I can hardly wait for Christmas morning! What
are you hoping to get?" Or something along that line, basically, teaching
him to redirect the question back to the other child with a different
conversation. For kids young enough to believe in Santa, it was pretty
effective. It was tricky for a couple of years because we have baby sat a
girl since she was 5 and she believed in Santa and her Mom did the Santa
thing big at their house. We managed to get through those years without
spoiling it for her (now that she's almost 11 she doesn't believe any more).
It was tricky sometimes though. I don't have agree with other parents and
the Santa thing, but I can certainly respect their right to do that and not
impose our way on them.
--
~April
Mom to Kate-21, (out on her own now), Lisa-18, Willis-17, Karl-16, & Ben-12.
*REACH Homeschool Grp, an inclusive group in Oakland County
http://www.reachhomeschool.com
* Michigan Unschoolers
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/michigan_unschoolers/
*Check out Chuck's art www.artkunst23.com
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."
Gandalf the Grey
that it was make believe. I was very embarrassed by the whole thing and
didn't want my kids to have to have that happen (I decided that long before
we homeschooled, let alone unschooled). But given my experience, I also
didn't want my kids to be the one to traumatize some poor kid. We love
pretend and make believe and Santa was just one of many make believe
characters as my kids grew up. Right up there with Mickey Mouse, Big Bird,
their imaginary friend....but we never had presents from Santa. (I love
picking out special presents for my kids and wanted to get the credit!)
Christmas was and still is a very magical special time at our house, with or
without Santa. My first three kids were pretty good about not spoiling the
magic for other kids. They never had a problem going along with the whold
Santa thing. We talked about different families having different traditions
and how special it was for them...but my 4th child never wanted anything to
do with Santa (big strange man in a very strange suit...no way!). And he
tends to be very honest, so a little white lie to spare the feelings of
another child just didn't work for him. So we taught him the child's version
of "pass the bean dip". We role played conversations and ways to answer
them. If he was asked directly "do you believe in Santa?" He would answer
something along the line of "I can hardly wait for Christmas morning! What
are you hoping to get?" Or something along that line, basically, teaching
him to redirect the question back to the other child with a different
conversation. For kids young enough to believe in Santa, it was pretty
effective. It was tricky for a couple of years because we have baby sat a
girl since she was 5 and she believed in Santa and her Mom did the Santa
thing big at their house. We managed to get through those years without
spoiling it for her (now that she's almost 11 she doesn't believe any more).
It was tricky sometimes though. I don't have agree with other parents and
the Santa thing, but I can certainly respect their right to do that and not
impose our way on them.
--
~April
Mom to Kate-21, (out on her own now), Lisa-18, Willis-17, Karl-16, & Ben-12.
*REACH Homeschool Grp, an inclusive group in Oakland County
http://www.reachhomeschool.com
* Michigan Unschoolers
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/michigan_unschoolers/
*Check out Chuck's art www.artkunst23.com
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."
Gandalf the Grey
On Nov 25, 2007 11:00 PM, Sharissa13 <sharissa13@...> wrote:
> What are people's opinions of telling kids that Santa
> Claus is real? We never did with my kids, and now my
> youngest is coming into contact with other children
> who think that Santa Claus is real. I'm trying to
> explain to my 6 year old about a fictional character,
> but all these other kids keep insisting he's real.
>
> It bugs me because now what I can't afford to buy my
> son for Christmas, he thinks Santa is going to bring
> him. We already struggle with materialism with him...
> this isn't making things any easier. And what do I do?
> Tell these other kids that their parents are liars and
> Santa Claus isn't real? What the heck do I tell my son?
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Get easy, one-click access to your favorites.
> Make Yahoo! your homepage.
> http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ENSEMBLE S-WAYNFORTH
It seems to me that you are arguing that without magic and fairies and unicorns and dragons the world is a place without wonder. I live in a world devoid of magic but full of wonder. Today we went to a museum filled with the most amazing sculptures and carvings and paintings, the Francis Bacon pieces disturbed us all. But as we wandered about looking at these beautiful creations we found a sculpture of Venus who glittered and shone, and as we drew near we discovered that she was covered in the fine filiments of webs spun by hundreds of spiders who found her bumpy surface the best possible surface for catching the bugs for which they hungered. It was wonderful, but it wasn't the act of a fairy or a magical creature, it was spiders' works that fascinated us.
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
===========
Dears
I am not disturbed by your seeming realistic views. I am just wondering why you find it necessary to destroy your children's magical views in the name of honesty.
All fairy tales, myths and other ancient sagas as well as 'saintly biographies' (of which santa (St Nicholaus) is one) evolved to satisfy a soul need and hunger, that 'honest realism' can never ever satisfy.
I mentioned this thread to my youngest daughter, 22, with two lovely little girls, and she immediately said, "When Santa Claus is not 'real' any more, angels loose their 'truth' and power and I would not want that for myself or my children. I believe in Santa and the fairies of the universe and every other part of fantasy. It is part of my creativity."
Now, speaking as Ulrike I want to add that I find that every fairy tale contains valid messages for modern man and woman whithin its symbolic language or soul speak.
Go ahead, disenchant your children, so that they can, with struggle, relearn the language of the soul when they are grown.
The success of Disney's fairy tale movies clearly shows that the essence of fairy tales satisfy the need of certain human archetypes.
Monsters under the bed exist and, even though you and the child know its not real, does the monster know? Because you know Santa doesn't exist, he does not bring you any presents anymore. He does to others though (us included).
For me, telling children the stark realistic truth of no santa falls in the same category as teaching them to read before they are ready, or insisting on facts of history when for them the universe started when they became self aware.
You might do well to start believing in Santa again yourself, instead of taking this belief away from your children. Watch the Secret and understand that the Genie is more real than your seeming realistic views. Take away Santa (and any of the other fairy tale creatures) and you limit the Universe's ways of granting you your desires to the measly three or less ways you can barely imagine for yourself.
Dears, I am really talking to you grown up people here. Anyone who does not believe in Santa is a poor minded person in my not so humble opinion.
Regards
Ulrike aka DragonDancer (on another list)
and Charlotte, staunch supporter of unicorns, leprechauns and mermaids
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Schuyler
www.waynforth.blogspot.com
===========
Dears
I am not disturbed by your seeming realistic views. I am just wondering why you find it necessary to destroy your children's magical views in the name of honesty.
All fairy tales, myths and other ancient sagas as well as 'saintly biographies' (of which santa (St Nicholaus) is one) evolved to satisfy a soul need and hunger, that 'honest realism' can never ever satisfy.
I mentioned this thread to my youngest daughter, 22, with two lovely little girls, and she immediately said, "When Santa Claus is not 'real' any more, angels loose their 'truth' and power and I would not want that for myself or my children. I believe in Santa and the fairies of the universe and every other part of fantasy. It is part of my creativity."
Now, speaking as Ulrike I want to add that I find that every fairy tale contains valid messages for modern man and woman whithin its symbolic language or soul speak.
Go ahead, disenchant your children, so that they can, with struggle, relearn the language of the soul when they are grown.
The success of Disney's fairy tale movies clearly shows that the essence of fairy tales satisfy the need of certain human archetypes.
Monsters under the bed exist and, even though you and the child know its not real, does the monster know? Because you know Santa doesn't exist, he does not bring you any presents anymore. He does to others though (us included).
For me, telling children the stark realistic truth of no santa falls in the same category as teaching them to read before they are ready, or insisting on facts of history when for them the universe started when they became self aware.
You might do well to start believing in Santa again yourself, instead of taking this belief away from your children. Watch the Secret and understand that the Genie is more real than your seeming realistic views. Take away Santa (and any of the other fairy tale creatures) and you limit the Universe's ways of granting you your desires to the measly three or less ways you can barely imagine for yourself.
Dears, I am really talking to you grown up people here. Anyone who does not believe in Santa is a poor minded person in my not so humble opinion.
Regards
Ulrike aka DragonDancer (on another list)
and Charlotte, staunch supporter of unicorns, leprechauns and mermaids
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/27/2007 10:26:26 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
rica@... writes:
Dears, I am really talking to you grown up people here. Anyone who does not
believe in Santa is a poor minded person in my not so humble opinion.
____________________
gosh, i suppose i am, indeed, a poor minded person. i do not and never have
believed in santa, per se. but i DO believe in the beauty and "magic" (rather,
"magik") of reality - space, earth, rocks, stars, water, meadows, small
woodland creatures, et al. i know for fact that not believing in santa or fairies
or any other mythological or imaginary creature does not create a poor
minded person. those are wonderful things to believe in, to enjoy and have in your
heart, yes! but i'm not limited, nor is my imagination because I do not.
we all need to respect other's beliefs, yes. that i hold as a truth. but i
admit, i feel a bit slighted in hearing that i am poor minded. though since i
know full well i am not, perhaps this should not have agitated me. and i,
perhaps, have misunderstood your point.
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
rica@... writes:
Dears, I am really talking to you grown up people here. Anyone who does not
believe in Santa is a poor minded person in my not so humble opinion.
____________________
gosh, i suppose i am, indeed, a poor minded person. i do not and never have
believed in santa, per se. but i DO believe in the beauty and "magic" (rather,
"magik") of reality - space, earth, rocks, stars, water, meadows, small
woodland creatures, et al. i know for fact that not believing in santa or fairies
or any other mythological or imaginary creature does not create a poor
minded person. those are wonderful things to believe in, to enjoy and have in your
heart, yes! but i'm not limited, nor is my imagination because I do not.
we all need to respect other's beliefs, yes. that i hold as a truth. but i
admit, i feel a bit slighted in hearing that i am poor minded. though since i
know full well i am not, perhaps this should not have agitated me. and i,
perhaps, have misunderstood your point.
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/27/2007 10:45:17 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
klkb624@... writes:
but my 4th child never wanted anything to
do with Santa (big strange man in a very strange suit...no way!). And he
tends to be very honest, so a little white lie to spare the feelings of
another child just didn't work for him. So we taught him the child's version
of "pass the bean dip". We role played conversations and ways to answer
them. If he was asked directly "do you believe in Santa?" He would answer
something along the line of "I can hardly wait for Christmas morning! What
are you hoping to get?" Or something along that line, basically, teaching
him to redirect the question back to the other child with a different
conversation. For kids young enough to believe in Santa, it was pretty
effective.
____________________
I really like that. It's very kind and honors both children :)
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
klkb624@... writes:
but my 4th child never wanted anything to
do with Santa (big strange man in a very strange suit...no way!). And he
tends to be very honest, so a little white lie to spare the feelings of
another child just didn't work for him. So we taught him the child's version
of "pass the bean dip". We role played conversations and ways to answer
them. If he was asked directly "do you believe in Santa?" He would answer
something along the line of "I can hardly wait for Christmas morning! What
are you hoping to get?" Or something along that line, basically, teaching
him to redirect the question back to the other child with a different
conversation. For kids young enough to believe in Santa, it was pretty
effective.
____________________
I really like that. It's very kind and honors both children :)
Karen
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
We just waited until the kids asked about it and then asked "What do you
think?" I tended to give them a playful smile and avoid the question. But I'd be
honest if they really pressed me, I just don't remember how much they did.
They figured it out quickly enough though.
As far as presents, we all like having the ones from each other under the
tree before Christmas, so they start appearing as they're bought and wrapped.
And tags on the first ones usually say they're from the pets. We wonder about
how they're able to do the shopping, and joke about the dog sneaking out late
at night for a sale and how hard it must be for the cat to use the keyboard
when ordering things over the internet, and wrap presents without having
opposable thumbs.
So then when Christmas day comes and a few anonymous presents show up
mysteriously, it's all part of the game. Then they're free to make up whatever they
think is really going on, and add to it.
Last year I think my daughter's stuffed rabbit got me something nice, so that
reminds me, this year I'll have to be sure to return the favor.
Patty
To support me in helping the orphanages of Baja, Mexico, visit
_Patty's Corazon de Vida Orphans of Baja Pledge Page_
(http://www.active.com/donate/cdvholiday/pattyhunt)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
think?" I tended to give them a playful smile and avoid the question. But I'd be
honest if they really pressed me, I just don't remember how much they did.
They figured it out quickly enough though.
As far as presents, we all like having the ones from each other under the
tree before Christmas, so they start appearing as they're bought and wrapped.
And tags on the first ones usually say they're from the pets. We wonder about
how they're able to do the shopping, and joke about the dog sneaking out late
at night for a sale and how hard it must be for the cat to use the keyboard
when ordering things over the internet, and wrap presents without having
opposable thumbs.
So then when Christmas day comes and a few anonymous presents show up
mysteriously, it's all part of the game. Then they're free to make up whatever they
think is really going on, and add to it.
Last year I think my daughter's stuffed rabbit got me something nice, so that
reminds me, this year I'll have to be sure to return the favor.
Patty
To support me in helping the orphanages of Baja, Mexico, visit
_Patty's Corazon de Vida Orphans of Baja Pledge Page_
(http://www.active.com/donate/cdvholiday/pattyhunt)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Jeanette Crichton
In my family my husband needs fantasy in his life and lives for it. I on the other hand live for reality! We joke with eachother a lot on this topic. I wonder how he doesn't seem to find as much enjoyment in reality as I do and he wonders how I could possibly not LOVE fantasy. Neither of us can explain it, but we are just complete opposites when it comes to this! As much as I can't understand him in that aspect, it is what draws me to him and as much as he can't understand me, he is drawn to my grasp on reality.
We do Santa here and most of it is majorly *played* up by him. We started a tradition with our little ones a couple of years ago where we make an elf door every Christmas Eve and have an elf party where we eat everything miniature, eat from miniature plates, drink from miniature cups, and eat at a little table.
When I was little we did Santa and at a certain age (I think around age 8) my mom told us that it was our turn to create the Santa experience for our younger siblings. For three years my brother and I got to be Santa for our little sister. We had so much fun and it lightened the blow that Santa was not *real*.
Jeanette
----- Original Message ----
From: "Kidgie@..." <Kidgie@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 3:17:40 PM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] santa claus?
In a message dated 11/27/2007 10:45:17 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
klkb624@gmail. com writes:
but my 4th child never wanted anything to
do with Santa (big strange man in a very strange suit...no way!). And he
tends to be very honest, so a little white lie to spare the feelings of
another child just didn't work for him. So we taught him the child's version
of "pass the bean dip". We role played conversations and ways to answer
them. If he was asked directly "do you believe in Santa?" He would answer
something along the line of "I can hardly wait for Christmas morning! What
are you hoping to get?" Or something along that line, basically, teaching
him to redirect the question back to the other child with a different
conversation. For kids young enough to believe in Santa, it was pretty
effective.
____________ ________
I really like that. It's very kind and honors both children :)
Karen
************ ********* ********* ********Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money. aol.com/special/ hot-products- 2007?NCID= aoltop0003000000 0001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a better pen pal.
Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
We do Santa here and most of it is majorly *played* up by him. We started a tradition with our little ones a couple of years ago where we make an elf door every Christmas Eve and have an elf party where we eat everything miniature, eat from miniature plates, drink from miniature cups, and eat at a little table.
When I was little we did Santa and at a certain age (I think around age 8) my mom told us that it was our turn to create the Santa experience for our younger siblings. For three years my brother and I got to be Santa for our little sister. We had so much fun and it lightened the blow that Santa was not *real*.
Jeanette
----- Original Message ----
From: "Kidgie@..." <Kidgie@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 3:17:40 PM
Subject: Re: [unschoolingbasics] santa claus?
In a message dated 11/27/2007 10:45:17 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
klkb624@gmail. com writes:
but my 4th child never wanted anything to
do with Santa (big strange man in a very strange suit...no way!). And he
tends to be very honest, so a little white lie to spare the feelings of
another child just didn't work for him. So we taught him the child's version
of "pass the bean dip". We role played conversations and ways to answer
them. If he was asked directly "do you believe in Santa?" He would answer
something along the line of "I can hardly wait for Christmas morning! What
are you hoping to get?" Or something along that line, basically, teaching
him to redirect the question back to the other child with a different
conversation. For kids young enough to believe in Santa, it was pretty
effective.
____________ ________
I really like that. It's very kind and honors both children :)
Karen
************ ********* ********* ********Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money. aol.com/special/ hot-products- 2007?NCID= aoltop0003000000 0001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a better pen pal.
Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Deb
--- In [email protected], pattywithawhy@... wrote:
blanket?
--Deb
>>Stuffed carrots? A companion stuffed bunny? A snuggly flannely lap
> Last year I think my daughter's stuffed rabbit got me something
>nice, so that
> reminds me, this year I'll have to be sure to return the favor.
>
> Patty
>
blanket?
--Deb
pattywithawhy1
--- In [email protected], "Deb" <debra.rossing@...>
wrote:
A companion stuffed bunny?
Has it. Six others in different colors by the same maker.
A snuggly flannely lap
Shoot. Just what *do* you get for the bunny who has everything?
<g>
-Patty
wrote:
> Stuffed carrots?Has it. She sewed them herself.
A companion stuffed bunny?
Has it. Six others in different colors by the same maker.
A snuggly flannely lap
> blanket?Has it.
Shoot. Just what *do* you get for the bunny who has everything?
<g>
-Patty
Michelle Turnbow
i love this! great ideas!
pattywithawhy@... wrote: We just waited until the kids asked about it and then asked "What do you
think?" I tended to give them a playful smile and avoid the question. But I'd be
honest if they really pressed me, I just don't remember how much they did.
They figured it out quickly enough though.
As far as presents, we all like having the ones from each other under the
tree before Christmas, so they start appearing as they're bought and wrapped.
And tags on the first ones usually say they're from the pets. We wonder about
how they're able to do the shopping, and joke about the dog sneaking out late
at night for a sale and how hard it must be for the cat to use the keyboard
when ordering things over the internet, and wrap presents without having
opposable thumbs.
So then when Christmas day comes and a few anonymous presents show up
mysteriously, it's all part of the game. Then they're free to make up whatever they
think is really going on, and add to it.
Last year I think my daughter's stuffed rabbit got me something nice, so that
reminds me, this year I'll have to be sure to return the favor.
Patty
To support me in helping the orphanages of Baja, Mexico, visit
_Patty's Corazon de Vida Orphans of Baja Pledge Page_
(http://www.active.com/donate/cdvholiday/pattyhunt)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
pattywithawhy@... wrote: We just waited until the kids asked about it and then asked "What do you
think?" I tended to give them a playful smile and avoid the question. But I'd be
honest if they really pressed me, I just don't remember how much they did.
They figured it out quickly enough though.
As far as presents, we all like having the ones from each other under the
tree before Christmas, so they start appearing as they're bought and wrapped.
And tags on the first ones usually say they're from the pets. We wonder about
how they're able to do the shopping, and joke about the dog sneaking out late
at night for a sale and how hard it must be for the cat to use the keyboard
when ordering things over the internet, and wrap presents without having
opposable thumbs.
So then when Christmas day comes and a few anonymous presents show up
mysteriously, it's all part of the game. Then they're free to make up whatever they
think is really going on, and add to it.
Last year I think my daughter's stuffed rabbit got me something nice, so that
reminds me, this year I'll have to be sure to return the favor.
Patty
To support me in helping the orphanages of Baja, Mexico, visit
_Patty's Corazon de Vida Orphans of Baja Pledge Page_
(http://www.active.com/donate/cdvholiday/pattyhunt)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Michelle Turnbow
how 'bout a 10 CARROT diamond? ha ha
pattywithawhy1 <pattywithawhy@...> wrote: --- In [email protected], "Deb" <debra.rossing@...>
wrote:
A companion stuffed bunny?
Has it. Six others in different colors by the same maker.
A snuggly flannely lap
Shoot. Just what *do* you get for the bunny who has everything?
<g>
-Patty
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
pattywithawhy1 <pattywithawhy@...> wrote: --- In [email protected], "Deb" <debra.rossing@...>
wrote:
> Stuffed carrots?Has it. She sewed them herself.
A companion stuffed bunny?
Has it. Six others in different colors by the same maker.
A snuggly flannely lap
> blanket?Has it.
Shoot. Just what *do* you get for the bunny who has everything?
<g>
-Patty
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/27/2007 4:19:05 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
pattywithawhy@... writes:
Shoot. Just what *do* you get for the bunny who has everything?
<g>
______________________
Bunnywear, of course! :)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
pattywithawhy@... writes:
Shoot. Just what *do* you get for the bunny who has everything?
<g>
______________________
Bunnywear, of course! :)
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.
(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ren Allen
~~It might not be the child's fault, but it seems a disservice to both
your own children and these other children to not at least talk to
your children about how much it might hurt to be told that Santa isn't
real.~~
Sure. But how realistic is it to expect a young child to remember that
it might be hurtful? They are simply going to share information as
they know it. No different than other information. Basically, you're
asking someone to stay silent when they know different information
than someone else. How fair is that?
People share information. That is so natural for a child. Some kids
are going to have a much harder time staying silent than others. My
kids heard from people that didn't believe in Santa when they were
still wanting to buy into the myth, but we just said "everyone
believes something different...it's all ok". Same with God. Same with
the tooth fairy. They're going to run into different beliefs on
everything...how can you prevent that hurt?
Parents can remind a child that it might be hurtful, I don't think
it's realistic to expect a kid to stay silent every time they
encounter a conversation about something as innocent as Santa.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com
your own children and these other children to not at least talk to
your children about how much it might hurt to be told that Santa isn't
real.~~
Sure. But how realistic is it to expect a young child to remember that
it might be hurtful? They are simply going to share information as
they know it. No different than other information. Basically, you're
asking someone to stay silent when they know different information
than someone else. How fair is that?
People share information. That is so natural for a child. Some kids
are going to have a much harder time staying silent than others. My
kids heard from people that didn't believe in Santa when they were
still wanting to buy into the myth, but we just said "everyone
believes something different...it's all ok". Same with God. Same with
the tooth fairy. They're going to run into different beliefs on
everything...how can you prevent that hurt?
Parents can remind a child that it might be hurtful, I don't think
it's realistic to expect a kid to stay silent every time they
encounter a conversation about something as innocent as Santa.
Ren
learninginfreedom.com