Latter-day Saint Life

Debating the Santa Question: Harmless Tradition or Harmful Lie?

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Ho, ho, ho or no, no, no? The great Santa question can be a tough one for parents to tackle. But, check out the pros and cons of this topic before you make up your mind.

► You'll also like: What Prophets Have Said About Santa Claus

They say honesty is always the best policy, but when a lie wears a fur-trimmed coat and showers gifts upon good little girls and boys, well, all bets are off. If you're a parent, chances are you've questioned the ramifications of encouraging the "Santa myth" in your household. Whether you choose to uphold the "ho, ho, ho" or serve your kids a hearty helping of Christmas truth, you may want to consider the consequences of both.

You'll also like: Poll: What Do You Tell Your Kids About Santa Claus?

The pros

It allows kids to exercise their imagination

There's just something about Christmastime for a child, and a big part of the magic comes in the rotund form of Jolly Old Saint Nick. Believing in Santa Claus allows children to let their imagination sparkle as bright as a trimmed Christmas tree.

"There is a magic and wonder about Christmas, Santa, his elves, reindeer and sleigh," said Brett Williams, director of outpatient mental health at Mountain View Hospital in Payson.

Lead image from Deseret News.
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