Friday 23 December 2011

The Best Lie Ever told to Children!

The best lie ever...
The origins of Santa and the stories surrounding Christmas are buried beneath layers of popular cultural belief. I am, of course, for the moment, putting aside the religious meanings of Christmas – it’s not that I am anti Christian or anything, simply that the notion of telling children the story of Santa and his reindeer has got to be one of the greatest and most enduring stories of all time ( next to the bible and religious teachings). It is also the biggest lie that parents happily enthral their children with.
I mean, when you think about it the image of a big fat man in a bright red suit sliding down your chimney (breaking into your house), eating your food and drinking your wine and then going into a child’s bedroom when they are asleep, ought to be pretty scary for most children. But, hey, it’s okay for this intruder because he’s bringing a sack full of presents! Right!
It just struck me that in other circumstances you could possible write a reasonable paranormal thriller story around the notion of this superman character who can get his reindeer to pull a sledge around the heavens and visit every child in the world in the space of just one night!
But hey, who am I to spoil the kiddies’ fun? I believed it myself for a fair few years… And enduring and endearing it still is – especially when you watch their little faces light up with the wonder and the thrill of it all because they’ve listened hard on Christmas Eve and heard the sleighbells…
A very Merry Christmas to one and all and here’s hoping we all have a peaceful 2012!

5 comments:

  1. I've often thought if I should perpetuate this lie myself to my own daughter. Funny, she believes more in the Tooth Fairy than in Santa.

    All the blessings to you and yours during this holiday!

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  2. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season, Pat.

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  3. I don't feel guilty about telling this best lie ever to my kids when they were little. Those were mighty happy times. It didn't detract from the real meaning of Christmas because they were so young and not materialistic, just pretty much happy with all the childhood delights! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Pat. And, yes, a peaceful 2012, for sure!

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  4. Ha! It IS one of the most enduring stories! One I'm totally fine with. :)

    I hope you had a fabulous Christmas! Happy New Year!

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  5. Thanks everyone for your kind comments. Hope you all had a peaceful and happy christmas?

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