Is there a Santa Claus?

New York Sun ^ | September 12, 1897 | Francis Pharcellus Church

[HungarianGypsy]

Santa Claus lives in my house. I enjoy New Years more because I rarely get to see him during the Christmas season.

[xowboy]

As a matter of fact, I write Santa a letter every Christmas Eve-have for years. It kind of puts the year past and future in some perspective for me.

[Steel Wolf]

Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'

Papa's a Democrat, I take it?

[weegee]

The original letter has been passed down through their family and was appraised (but not for sale) on Antiques Roadshow.

[Pest]

I watched Antiques Roadshow awhile back and there was this guy on there. His grandmother was the actual Virgina who wrote that letter. He had pictures and other info to back it up.

Pretty cool.

[Pest]

Beat me by 53 seconds!

[SteveMcKing]

So in a spirited, imaginary, philosophical kind of way, there is a Santa Clause.

But to be more plain and honest about it -- no.

[Tinman]

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[rit]

I remember as a kid my father answering the question by saying "Some might not believe, but as long as there is a bit of Santa in each and everyone of us, the world is a better place." I never really appreciated that answer until I was much older.

[jdm]

"Is there a Santa Claus?"

"Better think so, otherwise you be in a ho lot o' trouble come Christmas morning, boys and girls"

[Thrusher]

That depends on what your definition of "is" is.

[ZULU]

Sam Elliot inspired me last night on "Prancer"

Sam Elliot is class. He MUST be a Republican!!!

[Pest]

If the--if he--if 'is' means is and never has been, that is not--that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement....

[USS Alaska]

So in a spirited, imaginary, philosophical kind of way, there is a Santa Clause.

But to be more plain and honest about it -- no.

[cinives]

As I tell the kids "If you don't believe, you don't receive." That usually clears up the matter. :)

[sourcery]

There's usually at least one Santa Clause in every household (well, at least in Western countries, anyway.)

[GrandEagle]

OK, I guess I'm the old fluddy duddy here but I've never told my children that there is a Santa Clause.
I tell them that he is a made up tale but that we have a lot of fun with it.
They get stuff from Santa every Christmas, but they all know that he is not real.
I have never intentionally lied to my children.

And no, we don't do the Easter Bunny either.

[ßuddaßudd]

The question is,, Do you believe?

[i_dont_chat]

I don't have children. I've helped with step-children.

ANd I am fascinated with your approach of not lying to your children. I've often thought of how confusing it is to the children. Our society (and parents) tell children there is a Santa, a tooth fairy, etc. etc., and the children believe it -- until they find out that it is isn't true.

Then we tell teenagers that smoking tobacco and pot is bad for them. And they see adults smoking with impunity, and we wonder why they don't take our "word" for it, how harmful smoking really is. Instead, they try it for themselves and get hooked, because they have learned that we don't always tell the truth.

Interesting.