Thoughts?
I always wondered what Christmas was like for less economically advantaged kids. The lies about Santa were easy for my parents because they had presents to back them up, but what about the kids who got half of what I got, or nothing? How did that make them feel about Santa? About their families or even themselves?
If I had children I think I'd personally have a hard time with the Santa issue. On the one hand I know that it was a lot of fun for me to believe in Santa when I was a kid and I wouldn't want to deprive my children of that kind of fun. On the other hand, you have to ask yourself the question, 'But at what cost (both financial and other more hidden costs) did that come?'
It of course made me more spoiled than I already was, and what about my parents? That was a lot of stress for my Mom, I'm sure, and Moms and Dads everywhere. That all-mighty expectation to provide the postcard perfect Christmas for your family. I dunno... of course Christmas is really nothing like what it used to be and it really is nothing more than a glorified excuse to gorge on goods, but you have to admit, it is kinda fun (again, as long as you've got the cash to take part in the festivities). I was brought up in a commercialized version of Christmas, therefore it is all I know.
So what do you think: Is Santa good or bad for kids?