Submitted by CarlyMeyer on

Scary Santa

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Lifestyle

Why do we torcher the kids? Have you ever listened to the words of Santa Claus is Coming to Town?

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why.... (no crying?)

He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! (creepy)

He's making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice... (ummmm, opps)

Every year we place our precious children on the lap of a complete stranger, dressed as Ol' Saint Nicholas with a big, itchy white beard and yellow teeth. We encourage the child to give Santa the wish list. We tell the children he comes down the chimney in the middle of the night, whilst we're sleeping. YES, it's magical. We make it fun and light-hearted, but have we ever stopped to think about what we're saying?

 

I love Santa Clause and I love the idea, but noticed most children have a terrified look on their face when they sit on Santa's lap. A strange, uncertain, scared and sometimes terrified look.

 

Got any stories of your own? Merry Christmas!

Comments

Corey Bearak

A story in the New Yorker I read Christmas eve discussed Santa's lap in the era of #Metoo.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/a-reconsideration-of-santas-lap
Norman Spizz

I don't care who you are fat man. Get those f---in reindeer off my roof.
Kelly Welles

I loved Santa as a kid and will never tire of reindeer hooves on my roof once a year. Santa is for children of all ages. At age six when my brothers told me there was no Santa I promptly called the Fire Department and Police who told them they were wrong.
Fred Klein

Children’s lullabies are very similar- Rock-A - By Baby is pretty horrifying and yet I found myself trying to soothe my infants singing and rocking my babies. JOK
Carly Bentley

Right?! Strangely, I enjoy the melody and never paid much attention to the words until recently. Merry scary Christmas!
Paula Oleska

You need to check out this story by David Sedaris: https://www.npr.org/2019/12/25/788367771/david-sedaris-reads-from-santaland-diaries
Joshua Zinder

I was always jealous of people who celebrated Christmas as I did not, and people who when to sit on Santa's lap and get what gifts they want. For some time I was mad, and for years I looked down on the tradition until. I was even barred from watching Christmas special on TV as my father thought I would some how be polluted. I was told a story f a young girl who while sitting on Santa's lap crying told him she did nto celebrate Christmas as she was Jewish and Santa whispered in her ear "well so am I, after all who else would work on Christmas! ho ho ho" This cheered the girl immensely and instead of being jealous of those celebrating she saw the holiday was about giving. Even if you don't celebrate it it is the season of giving and that is the way I see it. So HO HO HO Merry Christmas!!!

Submitted by MarilynGenoa on Thu, 12/26/2019 - 01:28

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Marilyn Genoa

Santa Clause for me has always represented a kind benevolent jolly person who was there to bring joy to every single child and person, regardless of who they are or what religion (if any) they observe. I am Jewish and although my home is filled with an ever growing Menorah collection at this time of year, a very large stuffed soft Santa also comes out at this time of year for just a few days to sit in the Den. I have always loved Santa Claus even though our presents are handed out on Chanukah nights. We can all use good cheer and a little bit of believing. THAT SAID, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Safe Center LI I am aware of the need to balance what we teach our children---and we should never ever force anything on a child that makes them uncomfortable. With all the family gatherings at this time of year we need to recognize that each child should be allowed to dictate what makes them comfortable---hugs and kisses or a High Five. Happy New Year to all.

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