Re: Santa Claus
Michele Moss
>i love the song by Alabama "Santa Claus, I still believe in you".
> LOL, my kids still believe in Santa, and they are in their 20's...
>
> Charlotte
>
Michele Moss
Mom of Sterling Tyler age 3 yrs old
Parents of Spirited Kids Resource Web site:
http://www.icstech.net/~michele
Parents of Spirited Kids Discussion Group:
http://www.egroups.com/list/psk
Shelley A Stefanic
At the age of 2 & 3, my son was terrified of the idea of a strange man
coming into our house through the fireplace. At 3 I told him that Santa
wasn't a real person, just a story. This made him feel better but he
still steered clear of the fireplace. At 4 he forgot all about that and
happily believed in Santa. At 5 he realized the whole story was pretty
far fetched and told me he didn't think Santa was real and he knew the
flying reindeer part wasn't. Sometimes I think we adults take things way
too seriously and think things through too much. Childhood is a magical
time and Christmas and the Solstice are a magical time. I don't think
children will resent the Santa thing unless the adult keeps pushing it
long after the child likes to hear about it.
~Shelley
coming into our house through the fireplace. At 3 I told him that Santa
wasn't a real person, just a story. This made him feel better but he
still steered clear of the fireplace. At 4 he forgot all about that and
happily believed in Santa. At 5 he realized the whole story was pretty
far fetched and told me he didn't think Santa was real and he knew the
flying reindeer part wasn't. Sometimes I think we adults take things way
too seriously and think things through too much. Childhood is a magical
time and Christmas and the Solstice are a magical time. I don't think
children will resent the Santa thing unless the adult keeps pushing it
long after the child likes to hear about it.
~Shelley
[email protected]
I know we began having this discussion and was wondering if some of you may
indulge me a bit. Those of you who do celebrate Christmas but are
uncomfortable with the whole Santa scene coming down a chimney, can you tell
me what you do? I have struggled with this issue off and on for many years
and have never come to a solution that is workable for me. Thanks
lovemary
If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then
make a change.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
indulge me a bit. Those of you who do celebrate Christmas but are
uncomfortable with the whole Santa scene coming down a chimney, can you tell
me what you do? I have struggled with this issue off and on for many years
and have never come to a solution that is workable for me. Thanks
lovemary
If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then
make a change.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
I have never backed down from my stance that Santa Claus is not real..my
children ( now 11 & 6 ) however, chose not to believe me...oh,well. At least
I told them the truth.
Regina
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
children ( now 11 & 6 ) however, chose not to believe me...oh,well. At least
I told them the truth.
Regina
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
April
I usually lurk but I'll pop in for a moment on this one...
We do celebrate Christmas but we treat Santa like we do Big Bird and Mickey
Mouse. He's a fun make believe character. Sometimes the kids used to like to
pretend he was real but then, they like to pretend Mickey Mouse is real too!
We also talk about the origins of the modern day Santa and how other
countries have their version of Santa. Our reasons for this are many. In
part, I found out that Santa wasn't real in 4th grade the hard way (I was a
bit of a naive child). It was very upsetting and embarrassing. I also don't
like to give credit to Santa for the presents I take the time to pick out.
We live in a small townhouse and with four kids, I don't have enough good
hiding places. And I don't like like to add to the commercialism and the
gimmee-gimme of the holiday that already exists. We've never said Santa was
bad or evil and we still hide some of the presents to put out Christmas Eve
because it's fun to get up and see what surprises await. We try to make sure
the kids don't spoil the secret for other kids. Though some have implied
that we've denied our kids a rite of childhood, they don't seem to have
suffered for it. Now that they are getting to be teens they don't wish we
had pretended Santa was real.(yes, I did ask). It was never a big deal for
us. And I don't think Christmas was any less fun by not having Santa bring
presents.
April
-----Original Message-----
From: lite2yu@... [mailto:lite2yu@...]
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 5:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Santa Claus
I know we began having this discussion and was wondering if some of you
may
indulge me a bit. Those of you who do celebrate Christmas but are
uncomfortable with the whole Santa scene coming down a chimney, can you
tell
me what you do? I have struggled with this issue off and on for many years
and have never come to a solution that is workable for me. Thanks
lovemary
If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and
then
make a change.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
We do celebrate Christmas but we treat Santa like we do Big Bird and Mickey
Mouse. He's a fun make believe character. Sometimes the kids used to like to
pretend he was real but then, they like to pretend Mickey Mouse is real too!
We also talk about the origins of the modern day Santa and how other
countries have their version of Santa. Our reasons for this are many. In
part, I found out that Santa wasn't real in 4th grade the hard way (I was a
bit of a naive child). It was very upsetting and embarrassing. I also don't
like to give credit to Santa for the presents I take the time to pick out.
We live in a small townhouse and with four kids, I don't have enough good
hiding places. And I don't like like to add to the commercialism and the
gimmee-gimme of the holiday that already exists. We've never said Santa was
bad or evil and we still hide some of the presents to put out Christmas Eve
because it's fun to get up and see what surprises await. We try to make sure
the kids don't spoil the secret for other kids. Though some have implied
that we've denied our kids a rite of childhood, they don't seem to have
suffered for it. Now that they are getting to be teens they don't wish we
had pretended Santa was real.(yes, I did ask). It was never a big deal for
us. And I don't think Christmas was any less fun by not having Santa bring
presents.
April
-----Original Message-----
From: lite2yu@... [mailto:lite2yu@...]
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 5:57 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Santa Claus
I know we began having this discussion and was wondering if some of you
may
indulge me a bit. Those of you who do celebrate Christmas but are
uncomfortable with the whole Santa scene coming down a chimney, can you
tell
me what you do? I have struggled with this issue off and on for many years
and have never come to a solution that is workable for me. Thanks
lovemary
If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and
then
make a change.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
www.
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Molly Mahnke
Our family has never done the Santa Scene. Our oldest is 13 years old. We do have
a book that tells about the life of the real Saint Nicholas. We tell them the real
Saint Nicholas was a very kind man and gave gifts to the children. We also tell
them that we give gifts just as the Wise Men gave gifts to the baby Jesus. Most
important, you have to remind your kids not to tell other children that Santa Claus
isn't real because some families do talk about him coming down the chimney. And
that's we we've always done.
Molly
--- lite2yu@... wrote:
a book that tells about the life of the real Saint Nicholas. We tell them the real
Saint Nicholas was a very kind man and gave gifts to the children. We also tell
them that we give gifts just as the Wise Men gave gifts to the baby Jesus. Most
important, you have to remind your kids not to tell other children that Santa Claus
isn't real because some families do talk about him coming down the chimney. And
that's we we've always done.
Molly
--- lite2yu@... wrote:
> I know we began having this discussion and was wondering if some of you may
> indulge me a bit. Those of you who do celebrate Christmas but are
> uncomfortable with the whole Santa scene coming down a chimney, can you tell
> me what you do? I have struggled with this issue off and on for many years
> and have never come to a solution that is workable for me. Thanks
>
> lovemary
> If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then
> make a change.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
Johanna
as a christian family, we celebrate Christmas very joyfully. We have been honest that Santa is a fun story but not real. All our children know Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth. On christmas eve, we light the house with candle light and a roaring fire. Sometimes we watch classic movies like It's a Wonderful Life and make gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate. We have had a birthday cake for Jesus and presented him with presents. (our talents, prayers or dreams). Some years we have had an Advent wreath. When we had family nearby we would visit at the grandparent's home. Even our Christmas tree has a story. Our tree topper is a star to represent the star in the sky leading the wise men to Jesus. a porcelan angel sits below the star, announcing to the shepards. Our nativity set has the magi and they start off by the front door and travel daily until they arrive at the manger on the mantlepiece. We have prepared a christmas turkey for a homeless shelter. Another way we have celebrated is each child is given a set amount of money to shop for Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. These boxes are given to children in places that often are lucky to have a roof and food, nevermind toys.It helps the children to get their focus off of what's in it for me to how can I help someone else. I guess if you are not a christian, most of these ideas may not help much. Either way we feel Christmas should be a wonderful time of family and sharing.
Johanna
Life is the ultimate learning experience!
Johanna
Life is the ultimate learning experience!
----- Original Message -----
From: lite2yu@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 4:56 PM
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Santa Claus
I know we began having this discussion and was wondering if some of you may
indulge me a bit. Those of you who do celebrate Christmas but are
uncomfortable with the whole Santa scene coming down a chimney, can you tell
me what you do? I have struggled with this issue off and on for many years
and have never come to a solution that is workable for me. Thanks
lovemary
If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then
make a change.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kim Baker
Johanna, This almost exactly wat we do!!! There
for a minute I thought I wrote it! ha ha
KIM MISSOURI MOM Dylan 11 Jacob 10 Noah 22mos
--- Johanna <saninocencio1@...> wrote:
Kim - Missouri MOM of Dylan(11) Jacob(10) Noah(21 mos)
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
for a minute I thought I wrote it! ha ha
KIM MISSOURI MOM Dylan 11 Jacob 10 Noah 22mos
--- Johanna <saninocencio1@...> wrote:
> as a christian family, we celebrate Christmas=====
> very joyfully. We have been honest that Santa
> is a fun story but not real. All our children
> know Christmas is the celebration of Jesus'
> birth. On christmas eve, we light the house
> with candle light and a roaring fire. Sometimes
> we watch classic movies like It's a Wonderful
> Life and make gingerbread cookies and hot
> chocolate. We have had a birthday cake for
> Jesus and presented him with presents. (our
> talents, prayers or dreams). Some years we have
> had an Advent wreath. When we had family nearby
> we would visit at the grandparent's home. Even
> our Christmas tree has a story. Our tree topper
> is a star to represent the star in the sky
> leading the wise men to Jesus. a porcelan angel
> sits below the star, announcing to the
> shepards. Our nativity set has the magi and
> they start off by the front door and travel
> daily until they arrive at the manger on the
> mantlepiece. We have prepared a christmas
> turkey for a homeless shelter. Another way we
> have celebrated is each child is given a set
> amount of money to shop for Operation Christmas
> Child shoe boxes. These boxes are given to
> children in places that often are lucky to have
> a roof and food, nevermind toys.It helps the
> children to get their focus off of what's in it
> for me to how can I help someone else. I guess
> if you are not a christian, most of these ideas
> may not help much. Either way we feel Christmas
> should be a wonderful time of family and
> sharing.
> Johanna
> Life is the ultimate learning experience!
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: lite2yu@...
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 4:56 PM
> Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Santa Claus
>
>
> I know we began having this discussion and
> was wondering if some of you may
> indulge me a bit. Those of you who do
> celebrate Christmas but are
> uncomfortable with the whole Santa scene
> coming down a chimney, can you tell
> me what you do? I have struggled with this
> issue off and on for many years
> and have never come to a solution that is
> workable for me. Thanks
>
> lovemary
> If you wanna make the world a better place,
> take a look at yourself, and then
> make a change.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free
> newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read
> archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education
> Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
Kim - Missouri MOM of Dylan(11) Jacob(10) Noah(21 mos)
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
Tammy Graves
This is a difficult one for me... I found out about Santa when I was 5 (stayed
up longer than my mom could hold out). I got over the shock pretty quickly but
sortof missed it later on. And it was hard not telling my friends who still
believed. I still have the last present that Santa brought for me too (a REAL
bean-bag leopard toy). For my girls, I wanted them to believe for as long as
they want (ages 6 & 3) and they still do. Right before having the girls, I
commented to my mother that we are strange people... we tell out kids not to
talk to strangers, but every Christmas season, we go out and put our children on
their laps and tell them to smile! So, needless to say, I did not do this with
my first born for the first 2 yrs. Then, in a mall that we go to, there is one
older gentleman that sortof breaks the mold. He does not wear the typical Santa
gear. He will wear dark green or red corduroy pants and a long sleeve Christmas
shirt with suspenders holding up the pants. He is as jolly as old St. Nick and
comes with a real beard and mustache. He truly looks as if he could hold the
name Santa. He is at the same mall every year now for the past 4 yrs. He is
remarkable with the kids as well. So, who's to say he's not Santa... not me! As
long as they believe or want to believe, I will go along with it and provide at
least one special gift that has his name on it. Well, thats my 2 cents worth.
up longer than my mom could hold out). I got over the shock pretty quickly but
sortof missed it later on. And it was hard not telling my friends who still
believed. I still have the last present that Santa brought for me too (a REAL
bean-bag leopard toy). For my girls, I wanted them to believe for as long as
they want (ages 6 & 3) and they still do. Right before having the girls, I
commented to my mother that we are strange people... we tell out kids not to
talk to strangers, but every Christmas season, we go out and put our children on
their laps and tell them to smile! So, needless to say, I did not do this with
my first born for the first 2 yrs. Then, in a mall that we go to, there is one
older gentleman that sortof breaks the mold. He does not wear the typical Santa
gear. He will wear dark green or red corduroy pants and a long sleeve Christmas
shirt with suspenders holding up the pants. He is as jolly as old St. Nick and
comes with a real beard and mustache. He truly looks as if he could hold the
name Santa. He is at the same mall every year now for the past 4 yrs. He is
remarkable with the kids as well. So, who's to say he's not Santa... not me! As
long as they believe or want to believe, I will go along with it and provide at
least one special gift that has his name on it. Well, thats my 2 cents worth.
Tami Labig-Duquette
>From: "Tammy Graves" <tgraves@...>So, who's to say he's not Santa... not me! As
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Santa Claus
>Date: Tue, 29 May 2001 08:55:57 -0500
>
>long as they believe or want to believe, I will go along with it andI agree with this, my 10 yo still believes, as does my 7yo. My 12yo doesn't
>provide at
>least one special gift that has his name on it. Well, thats my 2 cents
>worth.
(but kinda does).
Indiana Tami
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Rachel Wolfe Ravenhart
Hi,
My name's Rachel, and i guess I'm de-lurking *G*
Our ds is 5 and has ALWAYS asked about everything - including Santa.
We're a mixed religion household, so this is what we tell him:
Santa is real, just like love is real. And around Christmas, people put
on Santa suits, and help the spirit of giving by becoming Santa. So,
instead of just one Santa, there are lots of Santas, and when you're
older, you can be a Santa too. But it's kind of a secret, because it's
a fun game to pretend there is only ONE Santa and he...(Fill in the
Santa story of your choice)
Rachel
Tammy Graves wrote:
My name's Rachel, and i guess I'm de-lurking *G*
Our ds is 5 and has ALWAYS asked about everything - including Santa.
We're a mixed religion household, so this is what we tell him:
Santa is real, just like love is real. And around Christmas, people put
on Santa suits, and help the spirit of giving by becoming Santa. So,
instead of just one Santa, there are lots of Santas, and when you're
older, you can be a Santa too. But it's kind of a secret, because it's
a fun game to pretend there is only ONE Santa and he...(Fill in the
Santa story of your choice)
Rachel
Tammy Graves wrote:
> This is a difficult one for me... I found out about Santa when I was 5[www.debticated.com]
> (stayed
> up longer than my mom could hold out). I got over the shock pretty
> quickly but
> sortof missed it later on. And it was hard not telling my friends who
> still
> believed. I still have the last present that Santa brought for me too
> (a REAL
> bean-bag leopard toy). For my girls, I wanted them to believe for as
> long as
> they want (ages 6 & 3) and they still do. Right before having the
> girls, I
> commented to my mother that we are strange people... we tell out kids
> not to
> talk to strangers, but every Christmas season, we go out and put our
> children on
> their laps and tell them to smile! So, needless to say, I did not do
> this with
> my first born for the first 2 yrs. Then, in a mall that we go to,
> there is one
> older gentleman that sortof breaks the mold. He does not wear the
> typical Santa
> gear. He will wear dark green or red corduroy pants and a long sleeve
> Christmas
> shirt with suspenders holding up the pants. He is as jolly as old St.
> Nick and
> comes with a real beard and mustache. He truly looks as if he could
> hold the
> name Santa. He is at the same mall every year now for the past 4 yrs.
> He is
> remarkable with the kids as well. So, who's to say he's not Santa...
> not me! As
> long as they believe or want to believe, I will go along with it and
> provide at
> least one special gift that has his name on it. Well, thats my 2
> cents worth.
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Rachel Wolfe Ravenhart
Hi,
My name's Rachel, and i guess I'm de-lurking *G*
Our ds is 5 and has ALWAYS asked about everything - including Santa.
We're a mixed religion household, so this is what we tell him:
Santa is real, just like love is real. And around Christmas, people put
on Santa suits, and help the spirit of giving by becoming Santa. So,
instead of just one Santa, there are lots of Santas, and when you're
older, you can be a Santa too. But it's kind of a secret, because it's
a fun game to pretend there is only ONE Santa and he...(Fill in the
Santa story of your choice)
Rachel
Tammy Graves wrote:
My name's Rachel, and i guess I'm de-lurking *G*
Our ds is 5 and has ALWAYS asked about everything - including Santa.
We're a mixed religion household, so this is what we tell him:
Santa is real, just like love is real. And around Christmas, people put
on Santa suits, and help the spirit of giving by becoming Santa. So,
instead of just one Santa, there are lots of Santas, and when you're
older, you can be a Santa too. But it's kind of a secret, because it's
a fun game to pretend there is only ONE Santa and he...(Fill in the
Santa story of your choice)
Rachel
Tammy Graves wrote:
> This is a difficult one for me... I found out about Santa when I was 5[www.debticated.com]
> (stayed
> up longer than my mom could hold out). I got over the shock pretty
> quickly but
> sortof missed it later on. And it was hard not telling my friends who
> still
> believed. I still have the last present that Santa brought for me too
> (a REAL
> bean-bag leopard toy). For my girls, I wanted them to believe for as
> long as
> they want (ages 6 & 3) and they still do. Right before having the
> girls, I
> commented to my mother that we are strange people... we tell out kids
> not to
> talk to strangers, but every Christmas season, we go out and put our
> children on
> their laps and tell them to smile! So, needless to say, I did not do
> this with
> my first born for the first 2 yrs. Then, in a mall that we go to,
> there is one
> older gentleman that sortof breaks the mold. He does not wear the
> typical Santa
> gear. He will wear dark green or red corduroy pants and a long sleeve
> Christmas
> shirt with suspenders holding up the pants. He is as jolly as old St.
> Nick and
> comes with a real beard and mustache. He truly looks as if he could
> hold the
> name Santa. He is at the same mall every year now for the past 4 yrs.
> He is
> remarkable with the kids as well. So, who's to say he's not Santa...
> not me! As
> long as they believe or want to believe, I will go along with it and
> provide at
> least one special gift that has his name on it. Well, thats my 2
> cents worth.
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
> To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
> http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
> Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
> http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.