Question to all, why is it ok to tell children about Santa, but not God?

Take Santa out of the minds of children!

But tell them about Jesus, the Giver of all gifts .... in fact, He is the gift of the Father!

It's just all based on belief and faith. God is created for people to believe that there is someone/something out there watching over them. This gives people faith that things happen for a reason or whatever they want to believe. Just as Santa gives children belief that anything is possible. Obviously anyone will end up making their own choices of what to and what not to believe in.

Also I'm Jewish and was personally never taught about Santa so not everyone knows about this guy. Just as other religions are not taught about God. Of course when the holidays came arround I leanred early on who Santa was, but I also was able to see what people believed God was thruogh churches, poster, and other things.

Basically anyone has available sources at any age to learn about God whether or not their parents choose to teach them or not.

I do not have any children, but when I do I do not plan on telling them about Santa. If they ask then I will tell them the truth. I do not want to lie to them and I don't want christmas to be all about Santa when it is the time to celebrate the birth of our lord and savior.

Not every one believes in God and santa is something fun to do with their kids. Some used Santa as a way to make their kids behave this time of year.

The standard atheist answer is that wars have not been fought over Santa Claus but wars have not been fought over the proper God or gods. Santa is not seen as a religious figure.

Religion is seen as the enemy to the progress of man in the minds of many atheists.

Santa does not demand that homosexuals remain celibate or burn.

Santa does not demand equal time in Science class to explain why gravity is just a theory.

Atheists may have had fond memories of celebrating Christian holidays as children.

I am a Christian but have been here long enough to understand that many atheists like a little ho, ho , ho and getting gifts like the rest of us.

I have been annoyed at the focus on Santa in public schools since my family tends to want to focus on Jesus through the holiday. Children will sing "Up On the Housetop" and "Here Comes Santa Claus " for every winter assembly but nothing that smacks of the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ.I understand these are government schools and it is important to honor all religions but since 65% are Christian, it would seem that that percentage of music could be Christian and then other religions traditions could present music from their religious traditions. We would have to include some uplifting atheist songs about why God doesn't exist but it would be well worth it.

I DID tell them about gods and they grew up believing in Santa...

One is a Christian, the other agnostic, both adults...

neither now believe in Santa and were not somehow 'traumatized' by the experience, no matter what some seem to think will happen to their children... they look back at it as a wonderful experience and laugh... it was never used it as a prize punishment thing...

Guess what, I'm proud of them both for making their own decisions...

EDIT: Look again, I AM AN ATHEIST and I told my kids Santa was REAL...

Why dont u tell your children God is santa. He gives them many gifts mainly the gift of life, and its true. And Christmas is all about Worship... many people forget this. And to explain the other gifts under the tree, well just say u wanted to see them smile.

This will solve your problem. And the main reason people rather keep their children out of religon in their very young ages is because religon can sometimes be confusing, as their are things even we cannot explain.

As for the athiests, they wont ever tell their kids about god because if they dont believe and think we are 'mad' for believeing... they dont want to tell them these things

Because some parents doesn't have the idea of god, they don't believe in him (but he's real, definitely). Most parents just tell their children about santa because they can give gifts to their kids, and the kids would think this is a *surprise*.

Well assuming you are right, which I don't think you are about most atheists.

God has other implications other than getting presents. Your children should know about religion and be allowed to believe if they want. There is a difference between answering your childrens questions when they ask them; and fabricating a story to tell them to believe.

Santa is an exception of tradition.

Let me tell you how I did. I did not want my kids left out of a major cultural event. I didn't think it would draw them closer to God, but rather make them feel isolated from their culture and community. Now - I certainly dont want my kids following all the ways of the world. But this one I thought needed consideration. When they were tiny ... I explained that Santa was a fun thing, like Disney Land. But God was real. They did not question it. When they were old enough I told them the truth - and what I said when they were small made sense to them. I also explained to them very young that Dec 25th was not Christs birthday.

But I see your point ... about the lie. I think that most people reject God not because they dont believe - but because they do not want the critical analysis of their behavior. They want to do, act and desire what they want. So they get the one who judges them out of their life. Others reject God because Christians have confused the truth about God with their own disobedience and hypocrisy.

Supernatural beings from pre-Christian European religions, such as fairies, pixies, elves, gnomes, and so on, have been relegated to fairytales or folklore for children.

Easter eggs and the Easter bunny are relics from pre-Christian fertility symbols. The resurrection of the crops was supplanted by the resurrection of Christ.

And the roots of Santa Claus are probably ancient Norse/Germanic religions, perhaps a connection with Odin and Yule. He has been Christianised by being identified with St Nicholas of Myra (St Nicholas/Claus).

Whether there was an intention of original religious leaders or rulers to suppress the supplanted religions by making the beliefs "childish fantasy", so making it seem unmanly/unwomanly for adults to hold them, or whether it's something that happens sub-consciously within a community as a kind of viral folk memory, might be an interesting discussion.

Fundamentally there isn't a difference between modern religious beliefs and supplanted religious beliefs. It just depends on what religion was held or favoured by those in power; in the case of Christianity, that was the Roman empire and those who later replaced it, when it was part of the political power base; although the religion has diversified by the adoption into it of some pre-Christian elements.