This musing brings up an eternal question: what is real and what is not real? Studies have shown, although I don’t know how reliable they are, that the brain processes things that are real and imagined in the same manner. That means the real and imagined are experienced in the same way. This has obvious references to the “brain in a jar theory” aka the Matrix, tanra philosophy, quantum physics, Daoism (all overdone and simplified in pop culture). I think it would be a shame for a child to miss out on an introduction to different possible views of the world. I reckon it would be difficult as a parent not to share your views on things with your child.

There are aspects of the myth of Santa such as kindness that are good things to be learn (of course these can be learnt other ways). But I agree the idea of Santa in current times is problematic.

Lying to children, or to anyone for that matter, is another issue entirely. Although not nice, this barely rates a mention on the scale of child abuse. I see that deliberately exploiting a child’s trust could be. The debate around truth and lies is also extensive. The lies that we tell ourselves and other another that everyone knows are not ture but are necessary to keep the peace is one example. Children are drawn into this and many children are not opposed to lying. It is actually a marker of reaching a new developmental stage, as is the ability to imagine things that one can not directly see.

Honesty without moderation can be hurtful. Reality without moderation can be depression. Although, for some reason I still feel that truth is a good thing, it’s difficult to balance honesty with letting someone off lightly. I’ve hear people say that finding out that Santa is not real is good preparation for the disappointments that are inevitable in life. Maybe it is, because despite my fantasies it can still be shocking to discover something was not as it seems.

In normal circumstances, I would not use the word abuse, but only because parents tell their children about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy (etc) out of love, and not out of spite. Nonetheless, as falsehoods go, I don’t see the value to these ones. Grinch that I am.