Thursday, November 27, 2008

?

Holidays just aren't the same anymore. After a certain point everything in life develops into solid reality, but in a bad way. Magic becomes lies becomes boring. It is strange how parents talk to children about Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, and god. The latter being the only one that they inevitably hide behind. Santa Clause is to presents as God is to Earth. All of this worries me. What should I tell my own children? What do I say to them if another child tells them that there is no Chris Kringle? This reminds me of the stork lie. Children ask where babies come from and the child's parent tells them that the baby is delivered by the stork. First, that implies that children are not really connected or related to their parents. This does not seem like a better explanation than the truth, it just sounds confusing. Second, the answer doesn't even explain where the babies come from. Do the storks give birth to the babies or do the babies come from somewhere else?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree that children are fed fantasies but, from the point of view of the parent, I wanted to make your childhood magical. Do we try to cushion to the shock of growing up, facing reality? Much food for thought!

Cynthia Sherrick said...

Breaking free from the innocence and magic of childhood can be a heartbreaking, emotional experience. Not always easy, but truly worth the journey. :)

Selina said...

I guess the struggle with "lying" to your kids depends on how you felt upon finding out all the make believe holiday creatures were fake. If you could relive your life, would you be happier knowing all along that Santa Claus wasn't real?

I think parents also like to have the excuse of someone like Santa or God so they can say "You better be good or Santa won't bring you any presents!"

I for one intend on using that line repeatedly once I am cursed with brats and if they aren't good "Santa" will happily return their gifts on use the money recieved in returns on a trip to somewhere warm, tropical and childless. Maybe an island where people can't get pregnant...

matrodon