Some psychologists say it's not fair to make children believe that Santa Claus exists. We disagree.
Does Santa Claus exist? Sure, as long as you are a child Yup. And even at 40 if we want, to make sure that that "story" relives with our children who for nothing in the world we would like to leave disappointed.
Because Santa Claus for them is much more than a "story". It's a chubby gentleman, good and funny guy that, yes, many times we find ourselves here and there in the markets of the various cities, but we well know that the real one actually lives in Finland, on Christmas Eve he drives a sleigh and patiently brings gifts to all the children of the world.
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In short, nothing to do with those who are thundering against a similar myth these days: the psychologists Christopher Boyle and Kathy McKay, professors at Exeter (Great Britain) and at the Australian New England University, in fact had to complain about this legend that has been going on since the world began: telling the tale of Santa Claus, according to them, means shamelessly lying to their children, who, when they discover the truth, will no longer trust adults and will enter an authentic existential crisis.
No, no, no, wait a minute. The mouse (or the fairy) comes to take a tooth and leaves the money and Santa Claus is no good? And what do we do with the imaginary friend, the dragons and Spider Man? Children have things that we adults have long forgotten: the fantasy and magic of the imagination. And the happiness of thinking just for a moment with how enthusiastic my children s is puts the chills on methey write that precious letter every year.
But nothing, according to that slice of cynical psychologists we are all half-mad at letting children believe that there is a chubby gentleman who travels in the sky with reindeer.
So much so that - they write in an article published in the Lancet with the indicative title "A magnificent lie”-“ if a parent manages to lie about something so special and magical, how can he continue to be considered the guardian of the truth? ”. And they define "terrifying" the idea that there is some sort of "Agency" at the North Pole capable of determining for each child who deserves what.
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How many stories! But are we really raising disturbed future adults? Do you think so? Well, if deep down we want with our children to relive the magic of Santa Claus, it means that that memory is not so terrible for us and who, rather, has left in our hearts a sack full of so much emotions. Pure emotions, free from any chain, clean, as only those of children can be.
And that's right tell him the truth at some point? More than anything else, we believe that it is something that happens gradually, a suspicion that slowly creeps in and, as some psychologists say, there is "a phase in which reality and magic coexist". Children will realize that their parents bring (and buy!) The gifts but they remain fond of the idea of Santa Claus.
In short, as long as the children play along, we will gladly hold it! If they are still small and someone has told them that Santa Claus does not exist and they are sad we can tell them that some people do not believe it, but that we believe it and that we respect this tradition. If, on the other hand, they are a little older and begin with the usual questions, perhaps at that point it is good to confirm their fears. But water in the mouth, of course, if there is a younger brother in the house!
Germana Carillo
