I hate santa. There, I said it. I really, really, really hate this tradition.
No, I’m not an ogre. And I’m definitely not anti-Christmas. Every single year Christmas got me like:
So what gives? I hate Santa because it makes every mother out to be a liar. Your kid believes in santa? Super…but the minute another kid challenges that you’ve got an issue because SOMEBODY’S mama is lying.
There are very few things as distressing for kids as a mama who has lied to them.
When I used to work in daycare I remember having pairs of SOBBING kids arguing about the reality of santa. Each using the ultimate trump card of “but my mama SAID…” and losing it when their friend offered the same counter argument. It was traumatic for everyone, not least of all me who was trying to neither confirm nor deny the existence of santa to groups of teary eyed-children as I wasn’t about to call any one’s mama a liar!
When we had our own kids I decided I didn’t want to go the santa route. I was a kid that was highly sensitive to lies and couldn’t imagine lying to my own kids. Now I know, it’s all in the name of fun and magic, and I’m totally cool with that for you and your kids, just not me and mine. I also didn’t want my kiddo to be the one making other kids cry so we’ve just turned it into a game. We watch Rudolf on Christmas eve every year. We read stories about Santa and wave to the man in a Santa costume in the mall. It’s just a made up story and some people pretend it’s real…we even pretend with them because it’s fun. But he doesn’t bring us presents and elves don’t check on our behavior.
This went along great for the first few years. The kids love santa stories but never once thought he was real OR tried to convince another kid that he wasn’t. They just assume other people are playing the game, and they play along.
But this year his teacher brought an elf into the classroom and told the children she visited the north pole to get it with a letter to santa.
In that moment everything changed. Now he firmly believes that santa is real, because his teacher said so, and mama is either wrong or lying to him.
We’re working through it and I’m sure it will all be fine in the end, but it just seems to me like this whole “santa” deal is way more trouble than it’s worth.
What do you think? Love the santa tradition or hate it? and why!
Want more Christmas ideas? Check out these posts…
Rachal says
I am a santa loving, Christmas despising mommy. I am the oldest of 7 children, and my younger siblings always saw Christmas as a way to get whatever they wanted. I am on a fixed income, so a lot of years Christmas gifts are handmade. I was told just a few years ago that my heartfelt notions are the worst gift ever and that I needed to start spending more money on them. I HATE CHRISTMAS because it is too comercialized! When asked what I want for the holiday I tell them just to be with my family, because I don’t even do gifts for the siblings anymore.
I love santa, I love that a man who didn’t have to go out of his way to do anything for orphans MADE gifts to give to them. Yes elves and flying reindeer are just made up, but Saint Nicholas did live. And obviously people were moved by what he did for their children or themselves because hundreds of years later he is still the image of Christmas.
Christmas also happens to be a season that we use to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, even though his birth was closer to April. It was the pagan holiday of Yule, before it was Christmas. So for you parents that use this holiday to celebrate Jesus and tell your children that there is no Santa, tell them to keep it to themselves. Because your actually celebrating a stollen holiday for a man that was born in spring.
My best friend has told all of her children that santa isn’t real which just tells them not to believe in magic in the world. (they all know not to say anything to my son) But she wants them to believe that a man walked on water, made the blind see, died on the cross for their sins and came back 3 days later. So they can believe in magic but only that kind. I personally didn’t mind finding out that my parents were Santa, I still love that they wanted me to believe in all kinds of magic. Not just what I was expected to believe in.
Hannah says
Oh my goodness!!! I love you! I feel the same way and have never taught santa is real. We watch Santa movies, and list.en to songs with santa but I never could get past the fact it was a lie! So appreciative to find someone who feels the same way.:)
Erica Ramos says
Dude I’m with all of you ladies. Funny I wrote about it too on my blog @ crankyyogiyoga.com and then found this and was like thank god im not the only one!!
April says
agree, love christmas, but loathe santa!
Sabrina says
Yep love Christmas but hate santa so so much. It’s interesting the article said it’s just a pretend game people like to play… that’s what I’ve said to my son who also pretends to be Spider-Man etc. but santa is taking over Christmas!! It’s no longer harmless like Spider-Man I’m finding. That’s why I googled if anyone else hates santa. It causes disention even between Christans.
CATHY says
Obviously,parents can raise their kids however they want so this is only my respectful opinion. Kids are kids for such a short time. I love the wonder and anticipation of Santa: the letters to him, the wide-eyes when they see him, the milk and cookies and thank you note, the concern about how he will get in the house. My son is eleven so he no longer believes in Santa or his elves (but won’t admit it to me because he knows how much fun it is for his mom-lol), but it wasn’t traumatic when he found out. He didn’t think we “lied” to him. He thought that our family just participated in folklore and fun when he was little. Much like when you take them to Disney and they think the princesses are real or they talk to Elmo through the tv, because they think he can really hear them when they answer a question. I am curious if the kids that “know” that Santa isn’t real at an early age end up feeling like they are lucky that their parents didn’t lie or if they feel left out of something that only matters when they are little. I miss the days of Santa believing in my house and I wish I could turn back time to do it all again.
Angela says
beautifully said xx In our family, I wouldn’t give up the wonder and excitement and pure joy that believing in Santa gives my kids, I was never traumatised either and am dreading the years without the big man… although hopefully I will have some great nieces and nephews to continue the tradition until the grand kids arrive :) each to their own, but for us, we wouldn’t change participating and believing in Santa for the world
Kate says
Very well said. I totally agree with you. I don’t feel lied too. But I do have wonderful memories and believing in Santa and his magic. As you said, I wish I could have it back!
Charity says
Interesting take on that. My mother felt the same way as you. I’ve never believed in Santa. And as a child, I felt totally gypped. I was always jealous of my friends who truly believed. It was like Christmas seemed more magical to them. My brother never believed either. We are 18 months apart. My sister, on the other hand, is 5 years younger than me. I refused to let my mother ruin the magic for her. I made sure she believed. An in her belief, I found the magic I missed. My mother didn’t understand it, because she had her chance. She may have felt lied to, but she didn’t know how it felt to be the ONLY child who didn’t believe. She stole that from me. As you age, you forgive when you know a fib was told for good reason. This is one of those times. Clearly your son misses the magic. Santa, as a tangible person, may not be real, but his spirit is as alive as you or I. I now get to relive the magic through my grandchildren. It’s a joy to witness!
Karly says
I totally agree. I feel it would be more disheartening to the child feeling like the only one who doesn’t get to feel that magic, than being “lied” to by their mother. They forgive & appreciate the joy they had.
Nicola says
A very interesting take on the old tradition. I like it :). As a child I remember the magic that the whole pretence brought with it and I think I would want to give that to my children in the future. But as a pagan I would rather focus on the importance of giving that the whole Santa story represents. Its traditional for pagans to give gifts at Yule and my branch of paganism also teaches the role of elemental beings and fey folk, so this would definitely feature in the festive period for me and any future children. But I totally see where you are coming from and I actually think the message for the children is better like this.
Lindsay says
Santa plays a very minimal role (my family prefers to focus on the north of the Savior and fervor over Santa fosters craziness). He brings one gift (usually something that an elf would make, traditionally, like a wooden toy, dress, doll, etc.) and all other gifts come from Mom and Dad. We try to focus on creating our gifts not buying them.
Our greatest joy has been doorbell ditching a family or two for the 12 Days of Christmas. Each night we give them a poem, piece of a creche/nativity, and a treat. It’s much more fun to experience the joy of anonymous giving rather than a naughty/nice list.
Lindsay says
I love the idea of doing giving traditions instead on focusing on threatening that santa (or an elf) will be withholding presents. Like having santa give one small homemade gift or family activity and the rest of gifts from family, doorbell ditching is so cute, or I have heard of the gratitude elf that you think of a small giving activity everyday. It’s so funny the criticisms of the naysayers, it does not inhibit imagination, its not because of laziness (actually spending more time thinking of whats best instead of just blinding following), or thinking the kid will feel left out. Given the growing diversity of religion or culture within every community, not everyone will be in the majority all the time. Doing something just because everyone else is, is not a good reason. And my son honestly doesnt care who ‘gives’ him the present, he just wants the present! When my son goes to see Mickey at Disney, do you think his excitement is lessened if I he thinks Mickey is truly ‘real’ or not? Finally, how is santa a christmas tradition? Christmas is about jesus’ birth. If people want to be historically accruate and celebrate santa as part of a pagan winter solstice celebration for example, maybe it wouldnt feel so disingenous. But all the ‘santa is a tradition’ supporters I know would never do that. They dont really want to go to church and can get by uncriticized by going along with christmas traditions but with a focus on santa. So really, in my opinion, they are the ones who are lazy taking the easiest route without any thought. Or, santa is used as a behavior modification tool instead of taking the time to set up everyday behavior modifications that actually work. Whew, thanks for your post and thanks for listening.
Mira says
You couldn’t have said it better. I feel the same way! Tell them the truth and think that they’re not the only kids out there that don’t believe in Santa……they’re more than just our kids. For me it was so hard trying to come up with all sorts of “lies” each time they’d ask me if he was real,until I thought, you know what, I’ll just be honest and tell them the truth,none of them was devastated or even upset, they just asked questions and I answered them. They do try to keep it to themselves though so they don’t spoil the “magic of Santa” for other kids.
God bless!
Laura says
Allowing your children to believe in Santa is not lieing to them! It is nurturing and enriching to them at the tender ages that young children are open to such wonder and excitement. Why do you think they were so quick to believe the teacher? Because it’s their instinct to believe her story, they are comforted having this. Do you deny them playing with dolls because they’re not real babies? Not allowed to talk to their teddy bear because he’s not real? Once they are old enough to know that Santa is imaginary, they certainly do not feel betrayed by their mama! Quite the opposite, actually. Children feel so secure and loved knowing they have a mama who loved them enough to go through something so elaborate for them to experience something so magical! Parents who find excuses for this are just too lazy to go through the motions, and lack confidence in themselves. Sorry to say! Your children are forming a grudge against you already, and will ultimately question your love for them. Makes me sad. Please reconsider your selfish ways and give to your children a happy and healthy childhood.
Holly says
Wow. Whether or not someone chooses to go along with Santa being real or not doesn’t even make a drop in the bucket as to the sacrifices made as parents. Magic comes in all forms, sorry, Santa doesn’t corner the market. Not all children will be scarred for life because they experienced the joy of Christmas/Yule/Hanukkah or what ever you choose to celebrate. Tis the season of joy by the way, not condemning or chastising others based on their rights to believe and live how they want. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!
Lindsay says
Wow, that was way over the top. Do families go through elaborate ruses to encourage their children to think that their dolls and teddy bears are actually real? No they dont and you would be considered crazy if you told people, ‘shhh… Susie thinks the elmo doll comes alive at night so don’t ruin this magical experience for me, err, I mean her!’ Further, a parent who says such mean spirited things about another parent for how how they choose to celebrate a holiday about GIVING pretty much says it all! Sorrrry to sayyyy!
Laura says
If Susie does think her Elmo doll is alive, are you going to tell her he’s not? Poor Susie :(
Cathy Schuman says
When my first child was very young I thought we would do Santa but then one day I saw a mom in the grocery store tell her son that he couldn’t have the candy on the shelf because it wasn’t for sale. I saw a friend tell her kids they couldn’t watch TV because it was broken. I was so disturbed by these lies that I vowed to myself that I wouldn’t lie to my children and Santa happened to be a casualty of that decision. And if I had any wavering, it was quelled by the little boy in the store who asked his mom who had told him the shoeboxes from operation Christmas Child may be the only present a poor child gets and the little boy asked his mom “Why doesn’t Santa bring them presents?” So what do we say? That every child living in poverty is “naughty?” Now, we still had Santa decorations because they were festive and we took pictures with Santa because well, my kids were darn cute ! :) My kids thought Santa was fun just as they did Winnie the Pooh or Barney. My kids were given plenty of opportunity for imaginative play and therefore had a very “magical” childhood. At one point when my oldest was three or four we did run into people asking her what Santa brought her, so we started having Santa bring a family present. Just one thing that was an activity for all of us to enjoy together. The kids enjoyed this but knew we were just having fun and when they were older they knew it was just mom’s way of getting in creative family time. All of my children (ages 21, 18 and 15) have mentioned to me at some point that they are glad that we didn’t fully embrace Santa. They were glad that I didn’t lie to them but that they could believe in the magic at whatever level their little minds chose. They have all said that that was what they would do with their children.
Karly says
Our mother used to tell us that she brought the gifts then ‘Santa’ would deliver them, so some years when we didn’t get a lot it wasn’t because we had been naughty it was because mum couldn’t afford it.
Also an idea for wealthier families is to give the more valuable gifts like game machines, bikes etc as presents from mum and dad, and have Santa give gifts that don’t hold as much expense.
April says
In our family, just as Thanksgiving is a reminder to always be thankful, Christmas is a reminder to always give of yourself and help do for your fellow man. That being said… we do believe in Santa. He too, is a reminder to give back to do kind things for others, without seeking the glory of recognition. My girls also know that one day, they will transition from receiving from Santa to becoming one of his helpers. (Once they reach the age that they work it out for themselves, or question me if I am Santa – but I’ve only told them they will know when it’s time.) When they do come to me at “that time”… I will teach them the whole story of Chris Kringle and the orphans. I have also taught them that some people don’t believe in Santa, and not to argue. Because, after all, some people don’t believe in God, either – but that doesn’t make him any less real to those of us that do!
Sandra says
I despise the whole Santa Claus and Elf on the Shelf business. There are soo many other things that are so much more important to spend time on. and teach kids. I viewed the Santa and Easter Bunny as ok to tell my kids just so they don’t ruin it for others. When my oldest child went into to Kindergarten and I discovered that now leprechauns and elf on the shelf are real. Oh good grief! I made sure to tell my kids they weren’t real. One more fake commercialized thing for us as mothers to do. One more lie parents have to tell kids. One more way business can trick us into spending our money. It’s sad that women are the ones who eat this stuff up. Which holiday is big business going to hijack next? And how come a holiday like Thanksgiving hasn’t been taken advantage of or misused? Because it’s hard to figure out how to get people to buy a lot if products for a day we give thanks for the things we already have like home, family, clothes, food, etc. Maybe we should change all holidays to have “Thanks” at the first -just kidding-. Thanks for letting me vent.
Aimee says
Kids are only young for such a short period of time. They don’t considering it lying when they are at the age of not believing. They appreciate ALL THE HARDWORK we did as parents to make Christmas so special. As I think back of how my parents, like myself stay up until 3 am wrapping anticipating thier little faces when the awaken to see Santa came or waking up to see the Elf moved — bravo to us. We also created a Tradition-not a lie- of being allowed to create a magnificent memory for them to them share with their own children. Own it. Have fun with it. Christmas is fun. Yes it’s commercialized then don’t buy so much. But geez. Have some fun. Your kids will appreciate all your effort when they grow up as they stay up doing the same your parents did to provide you with wonderful Christmas memories. ??
Michele says
It’s not about lying for me and my husband. We saw friends’ kids and realized that Santa was all about ‘getting stuff.’ Santa doesn’t get thanked. It’s just GIMME. Christmas is a season of sharing Christ’s love. We give gifts as one way of showing that we care about others, and when we receive a gift, we know that it is special that someone thought of us in this way and are grateful. It has fostered a love of giving all year round. My children are constantly making gifts for their family and friends just because. I don’t think they’re missing any magic. They’re filled with joy and love every second of the Christmas season.
Kara says
This was always how my parents felt as well. On top of feeling like they were lying to us and that it wasn’t in the true spirit of the holiday, my mom always used to say, “I work so hard all year to be a mother, why would I give one of the greatest moments each year to a fake fat man in a red suit?!” I remember even as a small child getting behind that statement. Parents work hard all year and especially at Christmas for their children and they shouldn’t have to give away the credit to a fictional character.
Stephanie says
See, though, for me, the experience was exactly the opposite. My parents didn’t tell me there is no Santa until I was about 8. When they did tell me, I cried. It wasn’t because they had “lied” to me. I was never mad at my parents for telling me Santa was real. It was the loss of that magic that kind of sucked. Not long after that, though, I started to realize just how much my parents did to make Christmas wonderful and magical for my siblings and me, and it made all those Christmas memories SO much more special. I am SO glad my parents chose to go with the Santa “lie”. A question about your argument against Santa… If the season is supposed to be all about giving without a need for recognition, why are parents so eager to be recognized for their gift-giving? Isn’t that a contradictory argument?
Jo says
Bah humbug. I hear your point but how sad for your kids to have the magic of Santa taken away just because you don’t like it or feel like keeping the belief alive. Is it a pain as a parent sometimes? Yes. Is it annoying as a parent sometimes? Of course. But it’s part of being a kid to have the magic of Santa shared with them. I think you just don’t feel like spending the time and money on any of it so you’re using the excuse of “being sensitive to lies”. Whatever. That’s lame. So what, do you not believe in Jesus either??
jonirae says
you’re seriously equating a belief in SANTA CLAUS to a belief in JESUS?!? Jesus.
she’s not too lazy to do the whole Santa thing, she doesn’t like the inherent lies. that’s her parenting decision. if she doesn’t believe in Jesus, that’s a whole other story, one that is also absolutely none of your judgemental business. she stated an opinion, and if all of you took time to actually read it, you’d see that she shared that opinion without once attacking people who choose differently. some of you guys should try that.
Hanna says
We went the same route as you for the first couple of years, but between year two and three, my son forgot that Santa wasn’t real! I could understand how he got confused with most adults acting like it’s a reality, but I had a hard time deciding whether to crush his excitement or participate in the lie. I ended up letting him be excited while carefully never saying whether Santa was real or not until he asked on his own. Then I explained again how it’s a fun thing that people like to pretend, etc. Lol. Just thought it was funny that he forgot that Santa wasnt real
Kristine says
I was never traumatized or upset by finding out my parents were actually Santa. In fact I don’t think they ever told me otherwise, I just figured it out eventually but still played along because they were so into it. I’m now 27 years old and still get gifts from my parents that say from Santa. Whenever I was approached by another child that didn’t believe in Santa it was always just “o ok, my family does believe in Santa” no big deal. Everyone is different, but I so enjoy the memory’s my parents gave me as a child by letting my believe. My dad even wrote me a letter from Santa one year with finger prints on it from coming down the chimney :) I can not wait to do all of that stuff with my kids. They have such great imaginations during those young ages.
Kristin says
I also was very sensitive to lies as a child and was more devastated my mom lied to me than the truth about Santa. I also did not want to lie to my children so we have also always played it as a game, pretending Santa is real. Santa does come to our house and it is a very enjoyable pretend game just as playing house is a fun pretend game. Children have amazing imaginations and can make pretend be as real as they want. Some of my kids choose to make it very real and others just find it fun to play along. We also talk about Santa representing the spirit of the season which is giving, kindness, caring, and fun. I have been very happy with this choice for my family. I am a horrible liar and it is very freeing to not feel the pressure of keeping up the facade. Being open about it has also enabled my kids to make it their own. They have their own characters they have created that leave gifts for each other throughout the year for other holidays.
Karly says
Our mother used to tell us that she brought the gifts then ‘Santa’ would deliver them, so some years when we didn’t get a lot it wasn’t because we had been naughty it was because mum couldn’t afford as much this year. She didn’t want us to feel that we were naughty children & didnt deserve as much.
Also, Santa never came to us on the 25th of December as this was Jesus’ birthday and we ought to be celebrating his birth, not Santa. Santa would come any time between the 1st and 31st of December which always added even more of a thrill for us as we never knew when he was coming. It also brought mum more time to buy us presents if she didn’t have as much money before Christmas Day.
I honestly can’t remember ever finding out that Santa wasn’t real & I certainly don’t feel that my mum was a liar, just that she was adding excitement to our lives. Even after we knew Santa didn’t exist, we still received it & loved the magic.
Nikki says
I don’t know if I hate Santa exactly, I just can’t stand the commercialism of Christmas. Supposedly all these children are asking a guy for toys and he gives them everything that want. Well guess what, that doesn’t always happen. I was 6 years old when I stopped believing in Santa. Other kids got everything they asked for, I was good and was told so. Yet since my Mamaw raised me and did not have the money to buy toys and wants, I got what I needed. Mostly a few clothes.
Fast forward to now, I am a divorced mother to a 4 year old. We live on a very strict income. My son wants a $200 toy car and a $400 ride on Power Wheels. He is an exceptionally good boy to be a 4 year old. Every where we go, people comment on how well behaved he is. So, since he is such a good child, Santa should have no issues with over $600 in just 2 items. Mommy however has big issue with it. As in, it is impossible. The Power Wheels I will eventually find a cheaper one to get, but the other one is ridiculously priced.
He knows not to tell others we don’t believe in Santa. But he has a very active imagination and plays pretend all the time.
Kitty says
I am a grade 3 teacher this year, and I have some students who are past believing, some who are sharing their Elf-on-a-Shelf stories every morning, and still others who are of other faiths or beliefs who don’t do Christmas and therefore don’t believe in Santa. I don’t find, however, that the kids get into fights over it. I overheard a conversation between a Turkish and Sri Lankan student a couple weeks ago that went like this:
“What do you think about Santa?”
“Well, I’m not sure. He doesn’t visit me, so sometimes I think he’s not real.”
“Sometimes me too, but I’m not sure.”
*shrug* “Well maybe, maybe not. But we don’t do Christmas at my house.”
That was the extent of it. I asked about the holidays they do celebrate and all the kids listened while they explained their own traditions. There were no arguments.
I’ve been teaching for nine years and only once heard a heated discussion about the existence of Santa when I was teaching Grade 1 (6/7 year-olds). The kids never attacked each other’s mothers. They used things like “If Santa isn’t real, how do all the presents get delivered?” and “If he’s not magic, how does he get into the house?” There were no ill-feelings after this discussion.
I have had one student this year loudly declare there is no such thing as Santa and it’s your parents that do it. Literally, the other 20 kids in the room didn’t even seem to hear her. They chose to selectively ignore this comment, and I quietly spoke to her about how even if she doesn’t believe, most of the grade still does and that’s what happens as you get older. A bit like you to your children we “play along”. She understood that and was fine with it.
I would never bring an Elf to school, though! That’s a step too far, I think. For reasons like your son, and also the other faiths and beliefs in my room.
Ashley says
I totally respect that what is right for one family might not be right for another and even what works for one kid might not be work for another. I have chosen to go along with the Santa fable but simplify it as much as possible. We just don’t put a lot of emphasis on Santa for our Christmas celebration. On Christmas morning he comes fills the stockings and leaves an unwrapped present for them. Unwrapped because I have no interest in my “special” paper that I have to hide and then wastefully throw away the unused portion also Santa’s gift is usually not there “big” gift because I don’t want to be caught in a lie when I accidently say “I paid a lot of money for that so please take care of it”. And when that question finally comes “Is Santa real?” I usually answer with “Believing in Santa makes Christmas feel more special” that usually works until 9 without any additional questions and then when I’m asked again I’ll usually answer the same but throw in “if you choose not to believe in Santa you’ll still get presents from me and dad but Christmas loses a little of that magic feeling”. I have four really spaced out kids with a 16, 13, 5, and a 20 month old and so far this has worked without every being accused of lying or had any negative responses when they choose not to believe any longer. Now that the older children no longer believe in Santa we try to fill that magic feeling with a service project in December. My older children are volunteering at a local charity that provides Christmas to families in need.
Nikki says
I’ve read a couple comments here but not many. In response to your post I agree wholeheartedly. I despise all the imaginary characters: Santa, easter bunny, tooth fairy… I have a two year old and she will be told from the start the truth of the matter. I don’t see the appeal of telling your children strangers come into your home while they’re sleeping and leave things and eat treats?! Especially in today’s society. And why start life out lying to your children?! On that note I’m pagan so my child will also not believe in the mythos of Christ and the bible. She will be informed of the true person of St nick and the true person of Jesus of Nazareth as historically accurate as I can find info for her and she will be informed of Mithras who was born on December 25…. she will believe in magic as I believe in magic through the worship and care of nature and the magic in all things natural.
Sally says
Really? You’ve never told your child even the slightest fib? Kids go through a million phases and this is just another one of them. They will grow out of it on their own like everything else. Why cheat them out of the wonder and magic that is Santa, reindeer and Christmas magic. I never thought of my parents as ‘liars’. They were just my parents making childhood special. And we carry on traditions from my own childhood with our kids which is so meaningful because my mom, who has Alzheimer’s, will never get to make these memories with them herself. So I say, get over your own personal hang ups and let your kids be kids and enjoy the magic. Don’t deny them because you have your own guilt about ‘lying’
Sabrina says
.
Christmas is about Jesus… as in Christ! It’s in the name. Santa is like some sort of distraction from what is a Christian celebration. No one hijacks Jewish or Muslim holidays like Santa has with ours. if my Muslim friend doesnt want to celebrate Christmas and has a New Years tree ? instead – no one is less for that… but if a Someone wants to celebrate a Christian holiday without add ons like santa – well, we have children fighting & mother’s having arguments with each other about A LIE !!! A mass LIE. I’ve had enough of it.