The Santa Claus myth is a long-standing tradition across the globe; however, this myth is also grounded in truth- after all, St. Nicholas was a real person. But is it a good thing to let your child believe in Santa Clause? According to psychologists, it is healthy for kids to believe in Santa Claus because it reinforces good values and helps in their growth.
Santa – More than a Mythical Figure?
Ever heard of the St. Nicholas story? He was a 4th century saint and the Greek Bishop of Myra who had a reputation of giving gifts. He used to help poor people by leaving money secretly outside their home or putting coins inside the shoes of those who left them out for him. This is how he became like a model for Santa Claus.
Fantasies – Necessary for a Child’s Growth
A little imagination doesn’t hurt. Fantasy helps in stimulating creativity and imagination in kids. Imagining is an integral part of a child’s development and helps in making them more creative. Santa embodies values such as generosity, kindness and forgiveness. If parents are able to teach kids these values through this myth, there is nothing like it.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – What will Kids Learn?
There is no doubt that advertisers have hijacked Santa, making Christmas more of a retail event than just happy holidays. Even though kids associate Santa with gifts, this mythical character from the North Pole helps in teaching them the virtue of patience, of waiting for their gift/reward for being good the whole year.
At times kids write letters to Santa, expressing their feelings and desires in words which they might not do with their parents. According to psychologists, using Santa myth for the benefit of your child’s development isn’t harmful. It is a beautiful and healthy Christmas tradition that teaches them to be a happier and selfless person.