Santa Clause Myth

December 10, 2012

Reading Time: 2 minutes How did you find out that Santa wasn’t real?

Reading Time: 2 minutes
For many, Christmas is a time for family, gift giving, service and holiday traditions. One Christmas tradition in particular tends to be especially important. It is the Santa Claus myth. For children, the excitement of the holidays is brought on by the idea that a jolly old man with a white beard and red clothes will fly to every child’s house and bring them gifts if they were good. For many people the Christmases from their childhood or the Christmases put on for their children that involve believing in Santa Claus are their favorite.

When asked about one of her most memorable Christmas, UVU student Suzie Whiting replied, “When I was little we were in the bathroom brushing our teeth before bed when we heard a jiggle of a bell. I ran out of the bathroom expecting to see Santa Claus but instead saw my grandma walking up the stairs with bells on her socks.”

“One of my most memorable Christmas experiences was when me and my sister saw the cookie crumbles and half drank glass of milk that Santa had left. We wanted to take the glass and get it tested for Santa’s DNA,” said Corina Broadhead.

But as children grow older the magic that is brought on by Santa Claus begins to be questioned or even solved as they discover the truth about the Santa Claus myth. When asked how they found out about the myth, UVU students reported a variety of ways.

“I was looking around in my parent’s room when I found Christmas presents that were hid under the bed,” said Tyler Sanders.

Alex Cobabe said, “I got this present from Santa Claus that had a price tag on it so I knew the elves didn’t make the toy.”

“My Santa experience was kind of drawn out,” said Bethany Johnson. “I mean I had had other kids tell me that he wasn’t real but I never believed them. I remember just thinking my grandma says she saw Santa and I was convinced that she wouldn’t lie to me. But slowly I grew out of it.”

However the experience of the Santa myth concludes, the question still remains: Is the myth justified or does it have flaws?

“I think it’s a little of both,” said Cobabe. “I like the myth but if a kid grows up without it they wouldn’t have to be disappointed.”

“Christmas is important for little kids because they don’t understand the true meaning of Christmas yet so it gives them something to believe in,” said Sanders. “Besides it’s a big deal. And without Santa it wouldn’t be as good.”

Cheyenn Clay, Life Writer [email protected]