LILY ANDERSON / ASST. OPINION EDITOR

As a kid, there was nothing quite like the magic of Christmas morning — the excitement of finding presents left by Santa and his elves. Nothing compared to the miracle of Santa knowing precisely what you wanted for Christmas. 

I can vividly recall the days of my innocence before I discovered the terrible truth: Santa isn’t real. The belief in jolly old Santa Claus was the glue that held the Christmas experience together, including a world where reindeer could fly and magic was as real as the snow flurrying outside the window.

The realization that Santa was a lie hit me like a snowball to the face — unexpected, cold and with a lingering burn. As the curtain lifted, a harsh reality set in: the magic of Christmas became just another fantasy destroyed by the growing pains of real life.

Moving forward, as we decorate our homes with lights and gather as family, it’s time to rethink the role of Santa in our holiday celebrations. The danger in lying about Santa extends beyond the broken hearts and disappointment of children. It’s a matter of morals, leading by example and teaching right from wrong.

Lying, even with good intentions, sends a mixed message about the importance of honesty to impressionable kids. We are urged not to lie, yet spin a web of deceit, all in the name of a make-believe character, which has broader implications. Instead, we are learning that it is okay to manipulate people and spin the truth to get what we want. 

Threatening kids with receiving only a lump of coal discourages the development of genuine compassion, insinuating that we should only participate in good behavior for rewards. Instead, we should emphasize the inherent value of honesty and integrity. Future children should learn that being a good person doesn’t stem from the fear of ending up on Santa’s naughty list but from a developed, mature sense of right from wrong, which has implicit benefits for those who do “right.” 

Preserving the myth of Santa Claus also leads to confusion among children who are less fortunate financially. For those who may not receive gifts, the thought that Santa either chose to skip them or forgot about them entirely can be deeply upsetting and disheartening. People who do not celebrate Christmas or have an equivalent to Santa in their traditions may also feel left out, or isolated during the celebrations. In an era where we are taught that inclusivity and empathy are important values in our society, it is crucial to reconsider a tradition that continues to strengthen inequalities and disparities.

The time has come for us to say goodbye to the elaborate ruse of Santa Claus. Doing so teaches kids about the gift of truth instead of the gift of lies. We should switch the narrative and  embrace the joy of giving and receiving without the baggage of an imaginary man in a sleigh. 

We can still celebrate Christmas and the idea of Santa without pretending like he is real and has control over our festive celebration. Instead, we can celebrate Santa for the fable he truly is and use him as an example of joy and spirit. 

As we enter the holiday season, we need to unwrap the myth of Santa and replace it with the magic of love, kindness and honesty, because these are the gifts that keep on giving no matter what age.

The shock of finding out Santa isn’t real can be jarring for many children.

Photo courtesy of @Krakenimages/Unsplash