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At what age and how do you tell children about the truth of Christmas? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by Clymene@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I'm writing this as someone who has mostly lived in the US and Canada. Personally, I find the whole "lying to children about Christmas" thing just a bit weird (no judgment on those who enjoy this aspect of the holiday). But because it's completely normalized in our culture, this is something many people have to deal with.

Two questions:

What age does this normally happen? I suppose you want the "magic of Christmas" at younger ages, but it gets embarrassing at a certain point.

And how does it normally happen? Let them find out from others through people at school? Tell them explicitly during a "talk"? Let them figure it out on their own?

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[–] Saigonauticon@voltage.vn 21 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I think a key observation in my childhood, was that adults don't generally know what's best, or right, or even what's true. Intentions mattered more than some arbitrary 'correct' behavior. I figure all children work this out at some level, faster than we're willing to acknowledge :D

So I guess yeah, it is a bit weird, but that doesn't make it bad. Maybe the best we can do is suggest parents hold their children's best interests at heart, and do what's best for their specific situation.

[–] sigh@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

adults don't generally know what's best, or right, or even what's true. Intentions mattered more

this is why I'm so damaged