Grinchy remark sends kids home in tears

Lebanon Daily News ^ | 12/23/05 | RORY SCHULER

[Texas Mom]

It amazes me that people who insists they won't LIE to their children about Santa Claus then go on to say "But I told them not to tell the other children," which, of course, is asking your children to LIE!

It teaches their children about keeping secrets, not intentionally making some one else sad and how it's none of their business to enlighten others because their business ends at the end of their nose. Something I wish every person would learn. One of the best lessons I was taught as a kid, was " keep you nose out of other peoples business or it might get punched. " Too bad this substitute teacher didn't learn that. Her job was to teach music. Other than that it was none of her business.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

In spite of the fact that we personally have explained the whole spirit, background and enjoyable story of Santa Claus to our kids -- rather than leading them to believe that he's literally who he's portrayed to be by the popular myth -- I really doubt that very many kids feel betrayed by their parents. Although it's possible that some might.

I do think, however, that being honest (while also seeking to maintain -- and even emphasize -- the spirit of Christmas rather than just slap it down like this grinch-lady did) sends a message to our kids:

Your parents really are honest with you. You can trust what they say.

And you've brought to mind a point that I don't think anybody has covered here. People have talked about the delight of believing in a mystical Santa Claus who flies from the north pole with reindeer to deliver presents to good children. That delight is real and undeniable.

But how many kids also remember the disappointment of finding out that it wasn't really true?

So it's not just a one-edged sword. It's two-edged. The delight eventually turns (no matter whether or not it's a big disappointment) to disappointment.

I don't expect everyone to do things our way. But I do feel that our way is a good way, and it's right for us. And I don't think any of our kids feel the slightest bit deprived. And I have every confidence that they would laugh at the notion they've been deprived, and say the same.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

It teaches their children about keeping secrets, not intentionally making some one else sad and how it's none of their business to enlighten others because their business ends at the end of their nose. Something I wish every person would learn. One of the best lessons I was taught as a kid, was " keep you nose out of other peoples business or it might get punched. " Too bad this substitute teacher didn't learn that. Her job was to teach music. Other than that it was none of her business.

Golly, Texas Mom. That's straightforward and darned eloquent. I wish I'd said it that way.

Someday, far in the future at this point, I'd like to run for some kind of office. Can I hire you to write my speeches? ;-)

[Texas Mom]

Someday, far in the future at this point, I'd like to run for some kind of office. Can I hire you to write my speeches? ;-)

LOL! If I'm still around I'll work for you. Just a Mom and Grandma who has gone through this twice with two generations and I do hope I have acquired some common sense over the years.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Clue x 4: FR is not Wikipedia

[Cyber Liberty]

What is it with Music teachers?

[HiTech RedNeck]

Kids have zero problem with make believe that is identified as such. Santa is a fun PRETEND game.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

I think I should send this thread to John Gibson. He can excerpt it in his next book.

BTW, our approach to how we deal with the Santa Claus story in our family culture has nothing to do with "the war on Christmas." We're all in favor of Christmas, and entirely not in favor of "Happy Holidays."

[Howlin]

I'm quoting Godwin's Law; take it up with him.

[Howlin]

The burden of proof in on your for that statement. I'd love to see you prove that.

So you are saying that you have NEVER under any circumstances told a lie -- an untruth -- a little white lie -- however you would characterize it to your children? Ever?

I call BS on that.

[Howlin]

Or assembling that bike all night long.

The only thing worse than a bike was the Star Wars airplane.

Oh, and that little metal stove and refrigerator we all had when we were growing up. :-)

[Howlin]

What is it with Music teachers?

Congratulations; you're the first person on this thread to connect the dots. (That I saw anyway.)

[DKM]

What is it with Music teachers?

Noticed that as well....liberal arts, I reckon.

[Howlin]

It teaches their children about keeping secrets

We didn't have secrets at our house; we had "family talk," wherein things inside our family weren't shared with outsiders. And I do mean day to day personal stuff.

She best be glad my child wasn't in that classroom that day.

[imskylark]

No, she doesn't. She asked if he was real simply from confusion. Everyone was talking about Santa as if he was real and she just wanted to make sure.

I actually know a woman who thought Santa was real for many years after her marriage. Her husband thought it was funny so he always bought the gifts and hid them from her.

[SuziQ]

“I did not tell the students Santa Claus was dead,” she explained. “I said there was a man named Nickolas of Myrna who died in 343 A.D., upon whom the Santa Claus myth (is based).”

This chick doesn't even have her facts right. St. Nicholas was the Bishop of MYRA, which is why he's pictured in a long robe wearing a Bishop's Mitre (cap).

This incident proves that this woman has no business teaching little children, if she cannot indulge in a little bit of fantasy for their sakes.

Whatta hag!

[Miss Marple]

Well, I am leaving this thread, because I detect a whole lot of people who are not on the same wave-length with me concerning Christmas (and that would include you) and I think, in the spirit of the season, I am going to refrain from further comment.

Merry Christmas!

[HiTech RedNeck]

Clue x 4: Study HTML better.

[safisoft]

And you say you're not Jewish? And you're "grinning" because your children would tell a "little white lie?"

What "white lie"? Our home has a menorah in the window this time of year. Actually, we have a hanukkiah (9 branches). And no, I'm not Jewish.

I often ask my students, which festival, Christmas or Hanukkah is specifically mentioned in the "New Testament"? The answer of course is Hanukkah - not Christmas.

Read John 10:22. Jesus celebrated Hanukkah. Hanukkah is the "Feast of the Dedication." You incorrectly assume that one must be Jewish to celebrate Hanukkah, or to have a menorah. My Master is Jewish, His family is my family.

[Howlin]

I didn't say you were Jewish or that you were celebrating Hanukkah.

I merely pointed out that your kids are dodging, which, in itself is a little white lie.

I certainly hope you are aware that Santa does come to some Jewish children's homes. And, yes, those that have a Menorah.