Spinal Decompression

Santa Psych 101

If you’re a parent, regardless of what religion you are, the question is going to come up--you know, the same one Virginia asked--is Santa the real deal?

How do you answer it?

And how do you explain all those Santa Clauses around during the holidays?

Old Saint Nick is such a visible part of the American holiday season now, regardless of religion, many kids believe in Santa Claus--until a certain point.

When and how do you let the child in on the big secret? And should the Santa story be perpetuated in the first place?

There are a lot of differing opinions.

Six year old Brandon Fernandez placed his order with the big man at the home of the miracle--on 34th street that is—at Macy’s.

Now, ask ten-year-old Jordan Gause who puts the presents under the Christmas tree. She says, “Santa does.” She still believes, even though she’s right at that age where some kids start to doubt.

Cheri Bowman has a 7-year-old daughter. She hasn’t thought about “the talk”.

“I don’t know what to do about that,” says Cheri.

So when do you tell them?

Dr. Charles Goodstein, a psychiatrist at NYU School of Medicine says, “You have to have a sense of that kid rather than pronounce a certain age that’s the exact age in which you talk to them about it.”

Dr. Goodstein says broach the issue gently. The message won’t hurt, unless it’s given in a harsh way.

And when it comes to older siblings ready to hear, the younger children need to be kept in mind. “For the time being we are going to continue this with your younger sibling, I think there is enough time for him or her to learn what is real and what is not real.”

Then there’s the question over all those Santas--so many of them all over the place. How can you explain that?

Well, one can say is that those many Santa’s are Santa’s workers, he cant do everything all over the world, and there are a lot of children all over the world, so he needs some people to help him out -- without them they will be some kids who will be left out.

Cheri Relston is different…she has four kids between ages 5 and 15. None of them believe in Santa. “They never really have, plus I don’t want him to take credit for something that I do, I have to buy all the stuff.”

And some say the Santa story should really be put to bed once and for all kids of all ages--because Santa is just a big lie.
Still, many psych experts would say that it’s okay to have myth in our lives, because it makes us feel good especially during childhood, which should be a period of innocence.

Dr. Goodstein says, “Children need to feel a faith in some adult figures who are protective of them, helping them survive, and I think Santa Claus in that way is another one of those figures.”

Brandon’s mom Vilma says, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with it cause it kids something to celebrate during the holidays, it gives them anticipation, gives them a lot of excitement and I guess think it’s a lot of fun.”

And maybe the kids will remember the magic their parents gave them for as long as they could.

“I want to say I like being in this family,” yells Brandon.

Now that’s the true spirit of Christmas.

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