To not want to lie to DD just so that we don't offend other people's religious and cultural sentiments?

[AliveAndSleeping]

I (and the majority of people) don't believe in this. We know it's not true. I have told DD that I don't believe in it but it's a nice story based loosely on history and that some others do believe it. She can make Up her own mind.

However, now the country I live in has very strong feelings on this matter. I feel that because of peer pressure I need to tell DD either that it is true or ask her to keep quiet about it or her friends will feel bad. I'm worried that if she'll voice her disbelief in the existence of this entity both the other kids and their parents will be offended and possibly ostracise her for it. I'm not exaggerating. Even the Catholic diocese had to apologise today for the comments of one of its bishops who inadvertently told kids the truth.

I'm tempted to lie to her just so that she won't offend anyone. I really don't want to. I don't think I should have to.

What would you do? Would you pretend that Santa exists even though you know that's not true? I love Christmas. I love all the Christmas traditions. The lights, the decorations, advent calendars, Christmas cookies. Even Christmas carols.
Why do kids need to believe in a mythical figure to make christmas magical? Isn't the other stuff enough? If it was any other religious or cultural sentiment would I be expected to lie and go against my beliefs to enable other people to continue with their deceit?

Oh gawd. Not this again! Every flippin year.

I thought the same as you when DS was small. Now he’s that excited about Santa that I can’t bear to tell him the truth

Santa doesn't exist?? How very dare you. Of course he's real!!!!!!

@MrsArchchancellorRidcully

Santa doesn't exist?? How very dare you. Of course he's real!!!!!!

😂😂

"Even the Catholic diocese had to apologise today for the comments of one of its bishops who inadvertently told kids the truth"

Where was this and what was said?

You are over thinking it.

Just don’t do Santa then, no need for all the hand wringing if you don’t believe in it don’t do it?

Because Santa gives gifts to children without expect of thanks and this experience instills self worth.

Because it is one of the best parts of childhood and hence our lives.

If you want to instill facts in your daughter you could start with linear algebra? But it seems you're not motivated by instilling facts, but destroying magic.

Sorry...I have no sense of humour with this post.

He is real OP. But he’s called Father Christmas.

Just remember - those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.

My Mum just told us he didn’t exist - we never did it as a family. We were fine with it. She asked us not to tell other children. So most of us siblings didn’t. One did.
It’s ok. Whatever you decide.
Imo the Bishop should not have apologized. What he said it correct

What would you do? Would you pretend that Santa exists even though you know that's not true?

Er, yes. As do millions of other parents in the UK/world. This can't be news to you surely.

@MistyGreenAndBlue

Oh gawd. Not this again! Every flippin year.

Oh gawd?? Who is this new deity called gawd that I need to pretend to believe in?

How old is your child?

Millions of kids believe in Father Christmas/Santa until they reach 'The age of reason'
It's not a lifelong belief system, it's a fairy story for kids. Lighten up.

Your DC your choice.
I don't see any harm in the mistyical magic of Christmases with Santa.

Tbh I don't think mine ever believed. I think they humoured me.

We say it is a very nice story. Never did it with the older two but the youngest has latched onto the idea. She knows we parents are Santa’s helpers though. She’s absolutely convinced he’s real even though we say it’s a story. So I’d keep saying that, I wouldn’t go along with him as fact to help other parents

Oh gawd?? Who is this new deity called gawd that I need to pretend to believe in?

Brother of Gawp.

I have never heard a single person complain about their terrible parents lying to and deceiving them. Only appreciation for the magic while it lasted and I feel sorry for the kids that are deprived of this because of over-thinking parents

But I didn't realise people took it so seriously until I joined MN

I don’t think there are any adults who have issues with their parents because they were lied to about Father Christmas when they were young.
Father Christmas gives children a huge amount of excitement & joy for a few limited years - I actually thing it’s a bit mean spirited to take that away

Oh bore off. Every single year, multiple threads about the same thing. Nobody cares and you're not special. Just tell your kid not to ruin it for others.

@StarryNightSky26

What would you do? Would you pretend that Santa exists even though you know that's not true?

Er, yes. As do millions of other parents in the UK/world. This can't be news to you surely.

But why? If it was any other belief or any other religion the daily mail and their pals would explode in righteous anger over being forced to belief in some made up shit.

If you were expected to believe and tell your children that there in fact is an entity with the body of a human and the head of an elephant would you do it?

Depends how old your child is.

Infant age: please just make sure she doesnt go blabbing about it to the youngest children. Older do what you want.

My children have tried to tell me Santa isn’t real, I refuse to believe them. 🎅