Believing in Santa
A school has apologised for telling a class of nine and ten year olds that Santa Claus does not exist. 'As a school,' says the headteacher Jackie Jackson, 'we delight in the magic of childhood and believe that Christmas is a special time.' Parents had complained. 'What gives the school the right to decide when children should know the truth about such a harmless matter when knowing the truth does take away that little bit of magic?' asked one. Behind our delight in sustaining children's belief in Santa lies a very anti-Dawkins assumption - that we are better off believing. And so we are. Anyway, I believe in Santa. He left me some excellent Issey Miyake socks last year. Only Santa could possibly have known how richly I deserved them.
# posted by Bryan Appleyard : 7:42 AM
5 Comments:
At December 20, 2006 9:14 AM,
Neil Forsyth said…
Anti-Dawkins? Holy crap! I must dash home and disabuse my children of their irrational beliefs right now. Santa could very well be a gateway belief that could lead to more serious, wacky beliefs later on. If only I had known. Thanks Bryan.
At December 20, 2006 9:37 PM,
Steve said…
I must admit I find this a tricky issue. It is fun to see his excitement coming up to Christmas, but I feel a bit guilty talking about Santa to my 6 year old, as I know from past experience that some smart and sensitive children are pretty upset to find out the truth. (Others take it in their stride, I know.) What worries me most is the example this gives for belief in their parent's religion.
Even though I am on the opposite side of the fence from Dawkins, it is because I take the issue of faith and belief seriously that I don't really like making a game of it.
Sorry to be serious about a lighthearted topic!
At December 22, 2006 4:49 PM,
Tom P. said…
Are you sure those socks weren't from Jeffrey Archer?
At December 22, 2006 5:01 PM,
Bryan Appleyard said…
Jeffrey does not shop in Issey Miyake, trust me on this.
At October 14, 2007 5:34 PM,
andy said…
A Santa letter arriving through the mail at Christmas is a magical moment especially for Children, when you see the look on their faces it makes you feel warm inside, knowing that your Children are thinking of Santa and friends.
Have a great Christmas! Santas Editor
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