Why do parents tell their kids not to lie but they lie about santa Claus?

Is Santa Claus a figure of a culture meant to add to a festive season or is it an act of deception? Santa Claus does exist, but not in a physical sense as you are presenting. A Christian or non Christian does not always tell the truth. They may be a person that tries to interpret their believes or perceptions of reality as they see it; but may not be the truth necessarily. Here are more answers from WikiAnswers contributors: * This is a question that many parents, Christian and non, struggle with. Some choose to omit the Santa Claus legend from their children's upbringing, others see it as an "innocent deception," and still others see it in terms of a concept, rather than a living being. Opinions vary. My personal opinion is that one should be honest with your kids, and not bring in the concept of Santa Claus. I won't judge those who choose differently, as God doesn't give me that right. I do not have kids, but I don't think I'd bring in the Santa Claus thing if I did. That's just my personal opinion, though. --Joe Sewell 05:39, 30 Jun 2006 (CDT) == == * My friend tried to share the gospel of Christ with a guy he knew. That guy told him that he was really upset/hurt when he found out that Santa Claus wasn't real, and that he could never trust in Jesus because he couldn't go through that again if he found out that Jesus wasn't real. Yes it's a lie and should be taught as a fictional story, not fact. But as the guy before stated, it's just my opinion. But The Bible does say: Colossians 3:9 "Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices," == == * No it's not wrong. If you are a Christian then bring your child up by the Church, and go to the concerts they perform for the birth of Christ. If you are not a Christian there really was a Santa Claus (Dutch.) A wealthy man decided to give gifts to the poor children and once the Dutch landed in America the tradition was more Westernized and was scaled down more and Santa Claus appeared as a jolly old fat man with reindeer. Then the advertising companies got wind of a good thing and expanded on this idea. Children should have fond memories and taking Santa away is sad. We are only children for a blink of the eye. It's not lying and children have been dealing with it for centuries. You could go along with the thought of Santa, but get your child involved (even if you aren't Christian) by letting them go through their toys that they don't use anymore and letting them give to the poor. There is the Salvation Army that would be happy to take these extra toys. Years ago firemen would collect toys (my mom would take me down in the 1940s) but, unfortunately, they are too busy to do this anymore. Get your child involved in the true meaning of it all ... peace, love, the Christmas tree, a nice fire going in the fireplace, candy canes, goodies, laughter and if lucky, making snow angels in the snow! Don't take away Santa Claus because he really did exist in Holland! * An old Chinese Sage once said "Always tell the truth so you don't have to remember the lie." but Romans 3:7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? * If we take that to mean the usual idea of a present day fat, round, good- behaviour rewarding all-seeing person, then no-one whether Christian or not can claim that it is true!If we are talking about a historic figure then there is some truth in the St Nicolas bit (although he never did fit the description that the meaning of Santa Claus today has.).Possibly parents haven't made a connection between their faith as a dynamic practical part of daily life and social customs that are often difficult to let go. It is kinder in the long run to let them know the truth. There is no good reason to mix truth with lies. My own children have a very happy time at Christmas without the Santa Claus -or Father Christmas-myth coming into it. The lie tends to focus attention on the 'give me stuff' aspect for children.