[blparent] Santa and children's reactions

[Karla Hudson]

Hi Group, 

I thought I would chime in here on the Santa reaction issue for small
children.  Well, I have the grumpiest picture of my two year-old with Santa.
He would stand by him but not take a nice picture.  Oh well, that is one for
the history books.  You certainly need to keep in mind the comfort level of
your child because lets face it this Santa guy is a stranger.  I needed to
deal with this discussion with my daughter recently while eating dinner and
talking about Santa.  Now keep in mind that she is testing the water about
this entire Santa process.  So she says to me "it is okay to go with Santa."
Well, we had a very pointed conversation about not going with people we
don't know Santa included.  We pointed out to her that someone could pretend
to be the real Santa and leaving with that person could be really bad. 

I think there are creative ways to help children to feel safe about Santa
coming in their home.  For instance, if you have a security code system
indicating that you only give Santa that number and then change it each year
after he leaves.  You could indicate that it is "okay" for adults to see
Santa in your home and that you wait up for him and let him in the house.
There are ways to get around these concerns with children.  I truly believe
that some day my kids will love the idea that mom and dad played an
important role in the Santa experience.  I certainly know I have very fond
memories of anticipating his arrival as a small child.  What pure magic! 

Good luck!  Your child will probably react different each year.  

Karla