We do not celebrate Santa at our home. The origin of our family’s choice lies in part in what Blackadder outlined below, the fundamental dishonesty of the matter. I have softened in my views somewhat. For instance, I no longer run Santa off the road when I see him. As many of the objections to Blackadder have come along the harmless myth lines – a proposition for which I’m dubious – I figured we might as well examine the point of myths. The purpose of myths is to impart truths, particularly about virtues and vices. So what is it that Santa imparts?
Some will claim that Santa imparts a spirit of giving. As an old boss put it rather cynically, no one gives a Lexus or a diamond broach. Certainly expensive gifts may be exchanged, but nearly all “gifts” are payments of obligation. No one describes a dowry as a gift. You will hear a dowry called generous though. Likewise the gifts given on Christmas are described as generous or Scrooge-like. Once we are dealing with children, we often don’t even bother with them giving gifts or if we do it is an issue of assignment. The quaint 50’s notion of Little Susie saving up to buy her brothers and sisters toys isn’t reality today in most households and probably wasn’t reality in the 50’s either. Of course Little Suzie doesn’t have $200 or $800 to spread between her four siblings, amounts commonly spent today.
No, I’m not a Scrooge. We will spend about $150 between our three children this year. If past years are a guide, they will receive $300 a piece in gifts from other family members. (They were the first grandchildren on both sides of the family.) I will again protest to other family members that our children do not need this much stuff. I will again be ignored. My children will know who gave each of their gifts. Extra big hugs I’m sure will be in store for the most generous.
Since considering Santa wasn’t an academic exercise in my household, I should warn people that there will be consequences if you reveal that Santa isn’t real. My mother almost disowned me over the matter. The most favorable reaction was a slight nod of the head and an affirmation of “I can understand.” Despite telling her otherwise, my 2nd oldest still wanted to believe. It has been about 4 years since I told them. They were maybe 3 and 4. There were some tears. My children still have wonder and awe though when they find and open the presents under the tree.
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