Here’s why you SHOULD tell your kids Santa Claus really exists, according to a philosopher

Psychology fiction, Pinterest, science, short story, tech iNthacity Network December 22, 2024 0 Comments

So, there's this lively debate that's been happening in households around the world every December. Should we tell our kids that Santa Claus is real? Enter stage left, Tom Whyman, a lecturer in philosophy at the prestigious University of Liverpool. According to Whyman, "kids need Santa." And hey, who doesn’t need a jolly old guy shimmying down the chimney once a year?

Telling children about Santa Claus isn’t just about bringing a little sparkle to the holiday season. Whyman argues there's much more beneath those red and white robes. This is not just tradition; this is about magic, joy, and creativity. It's about feeding that vibrant imagination that makes the world feel like an endless wonder, full of possibilities and mysteries waiting to be unveiled.

But why should we feed into this legendary narrative of a bearded man from the North Pole? According to Whyman, it taps into fundamental aspects of childhood that help foster creativity and bolster emotional growth. Now, more than just a philosophical argument put forth by some brainiac from a British university, this has social value mixed with some spark of enchantment.

Think about it: children are dreamers, architects of future wonderlands inside their heads. When you weave tales of the Santa Claus myth, it serves not only as a joyous tradition but a building block for creativity. Santa becomes a metaphor, a powerful vehicle carrying messages of selflessness, tradition, and yes—magic. It allows children the freedom to suspend disbelief, which is essential not only for their imagination but for their overall development.

The Cultural Significance of Santa

There's something universally heartwarming about Santa. Across continents and cultures—from top-hat-fringed European Father Christmas to the American Coca-Cola Santa image—Santa is a Global Citizen spreading values that transverse cultural lines. We introduce Santa to sustain that twinkle of joy and benevolence when things feel a bit grey.

It's unparalleled how this magical myth gives us an opportunity to bring families together, telling stories, making memories, and reinforcing values like generosity, kindness, and hope. Some might argue that children should be grounded on hard facts and reality, but who wants to steal their sense of wonder before they're ready to handle the world's weight?

The Psychological Perks of Believing in Santa

Child psychologists align with Whyman, indicating that myth fosters emotional well-being. Encouraging imagination seems directly tied to advanced problem-solving skills, creativity, and even social adeptness. It's a genius play cloaked in a Santa suit. By believing in Santa, children learn to cultivate hope and delight—which are pillars of resilience.

Furthermore, parents play an essential role in this whole gift-giving spectacle. You don't just spark joy in your child; you're secretly teaching them a profound lesson in selflessness and the joy of giving. Telling kids about Santa is a subtle way to show them the spirit of generosity and make them understand that giving feels equally as joyful as receiving.

So, how does this benefit parents?

Apart from contributing to your kid’s imaginative growth, how about riding on that wave of nostalgia—a burst of internal smiles and the towering memory montages from your childhood when the clock ticked slowly to midnight? Yes, crafting elaborate tales about the jingle-belled visitor could become your fondest adult memory too. Who says Santa is just for kids?

Embracing Santa in the Modern World

The disenchanted might say it's all just a commercial ploy—a plot by major corporations to inflate sales. Still, the excitement on your child’s face, the spark in their eyes, isn’t that priceless, transcending beyond monetary measures? Father Christmas brings with him timeless traditions enveloped in glitter and warmth that money can’t buy.

In today's fast-paced tech-driven world, where facts are at our fingertips and everything is dissected into digital breadcrumbs, dare I say—let the little ones hold on to their innocent beliefs for just a tad longer. After all, adulthood is right around that snowy corner.

A Call to Action?

Parents, embrace Santa not just to bring smiles this season but as a tool for teaching lessons steeped in love, generosity, and wild creativity. Reflect, why curb an innocent imagination when we didn’t want the same ceiling curtailing our limitless and infinite dreams when we were children?