Santa Claus is a beloved tradition for many families across the world but the majority of the households celebrating him do not stop to ask why the children feel the way they do about the stranger from the north pole. In fact, many children are scared of the idea of a large man falling down their chimney and eating their milk and cookies. Santa Clause teaches children one important lesson that parents can only use once a year and that is patience. To face it plainly, kids want new things all the time. Mr. Clause will be bringing all the presents on Christmas Eve and because of that, children must wait until the holiday to ask for new toys. Traditions like these help make the holiday season a little easier for parents but does this really call for an elaborate lie that may eventually leave children confused or sad?

Though there are some benefits about the Santa tradition, it ultimately may turn into an awkward conversation about how he is not real and he is not the one who puts the presents under the tree. Though I disagree with the claim that Mr. Clause gives PTSD to children, I honestly don’t see the major loss in not celebrating the tradition. Children may learn better manners and life skills if they are put plainly and not taught by an imaginary character. It will also eliminate the stress parents feel about hiding the lie from their children and trying to protect them from knowing the truth. At most, Santa should be seriously celebrated until the child reaches about the age of six or seven. From then on I believe that it is important to create a better understanding of historical traditions, religious or not. I interviewed a childhood friend of mine, McKenna Clevenger, about the topic and she replied “Yea, I believe that the whole idea of the harmless lie of Santa is a little drawn out, there is no reason for it to get dragged on past a few years and I feel that it takes away from the idea of spending time with loved ones. Not everything is about presents and that is a major component of the Santa tradition”. She agrees that it is wholesome for a short period of time but can easily take over a holiday meant to be spent being with friends, family or anyone else who one truly cares about.