The religious part of Christmas has always been at the forefront of my family's holiday celebration. We have always made sure that the children clearly understood what the true meaning of Christmas was, and that Santa was a supplement or add-on to the holiday. The kids have always known that Mom and Dad do the bulk of the shopping, but that Santa brings some special presents that he "considers" from their lists. As the children got older, we put out fewer "Santa" decorations and when we would sing Christmas carols, the majority of the songs were about celebrating the holiday (Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls) or those celebrating the birth of Jesus (Silent Night and Come All Yee Faithful). This approach made it a lot easier when it was finally time to tell the kids the truth about Santa.

Christianity does come first at Christmas time, and all year around.
However, Santa is not a lie, nor is all the joy that is brought with the stories of Christmas, and of the coming of Santa Claus with presents.
It is a wonderful time in a childs life and should last as long as it can, before the reality of why they really can't have what they want for Christmas is told to them.
It does not mess up a child, to believe in Santa. Infact it teaches so many wonderful things, like giving, and sharing, and love for each other, including family and strangers alike.
The story of St. Nicholas like I tell my children is one that is real in our history, and to carry on that type caring for others is something that seems to only come at this time of year for many.
Christmas is a time of giving, and I believe more people learn about giving through the Santa stories, than at any time other time of the year.
It is also a time of hope, of believing in dreams and the possibility of those wants, dreams and desires.
It is an exciting time whether you get what you ask for or not, and whether you are young or old.
Christmas memories of the expectations, the sights, sounds, family, friends, gifts, and all that is Christmas and Santa are important to everyone.
The fact that toy companies etc. make a profit during this time, is not wrong either, as we want to give to our children.
The birth of Jesus can be taught understood, and observed just a much and has more meaning in the end.
For the past 9 years through my efforts with Angels On Earth Inc. I have helped provide for Christmas to families that have not, and kept Santa alive for many children who may not recieve anything on Christmas day from Santa, if it weren't for me, and individuals/families and businesses, who believe in keeping alive the wonders of Santa Claus.
There is nothing wrong with letting our children believe in Santa Clause for as long as possible, because the realities of this world come soon enough.

We do Hannukah at our house these days but I grew up with Santa. As soon as I was old enough to look my mom in the eye and ask her if he was "really really REAL" she said no and talked about the spirit of giving and all that sweet stuff. I wasn't scarred. I was 4 and couldn't figure out how Santa and his elves and that workshop would make stuff like Lite Brites and Nerf boomerangs. Stuff that very clearly said MATTEL, not Santa's Workshop.

My boy knows not to spoil Santa for others and we've explained it like Santa is a character that lots of people have fun believing in and not to spoil the fun. He's into it.

I don't know what I'd do if we had presents tied into a magical dudes observation of good behavior though. That's tough.

why are you so worried about confusing your kids?? Why not give them some credit and allow them to make up thier own minds about the holidays? Parents always force religion on children that are too young to really care all that much. Everyone eventually makes up thier own minds about what they believe.

Some of these comments caused me to have a "Hallmark moment.'' It was nice to see the holiday spirit out there. This comment made me want to hug a Christmas tree: "It is also a time of hope, of believing in dreams and the possibility of those wants, dreams and desires.'' Santa, bring me Kleenex!

I ,too, grew up celebrating Christmas, but now celebrate Hanukkah. My family was VERY Catholic, and religion was at the forefront of the holiday. I was never confused about what the holiday was really about.

As I celebrate Hanukkah with my children, I really deemphasize the gifts. We get one "big" gift and six small token gifts. For the eighth gift, my children go shopping for a gift to give to a local homeless shelter.

I can't believe that I just read this. Rather than bring joy to your childs face and take her to see Santa Claus, you'd rather tell her that he communicates by email? You've finished getting her gifts without finding out what she'd like? It seems to me that you're a little too wrapped up in yourself and what is easiest for you instead of concentrating on making your child happy. You're a parent, so act like it and try to give your child something that will make them happy rather than worry about how they'll feel in a few years.

Apparently I'm not the first person to suggest that Santa be emailed. There are a few websites out there offering this service!

Interesting blog!

Wow Brittany,

Aren't you a Grinch.

Being a child and believing in Santa is one of the most wonderful things there is.

What you haven't learned yet, is that Santa represents the true meaning of giving and we have always told the story of the real Kris Kringle and when the kids are growing up, we don't bust their bubble.

It is not unusual to get caught up in the hype, but don't get mad at the holiday, instead, embrace the true meaning of it.

I will forever be grateful to my parents for telling me that they still believe in Santa and if you stop believing, he does not come. I have amazing childhood/adult memories of Christmas because the magic was always kept alive. I am doing the same for my children today. At 41, I still receive gifts Christmas morning that say "From: Santa". It is a magical time for a child (even if they are old enough to "get it").