Santa Claus and critical thinking.

[phrog]

I don't recall if it was one of the members of our weekly coffee chat or I heard this story on IIDB but I think back on it often. A mother of an 8 year old was relating the story of her daughter coming to the realization that Santa Claus was imaginary. She told her mom that she wondered how the sleigh could fly, I mean if the reindeer were magic and could fly, they would have to fly really fast to keep the sleigh from just hanging there and then if they slowed down to land again the sleigh would dangle and lose all the toys, not to mention Santa. So she thought maybe the sleigh was magic too, but then if the sleigh was magic, why would Santa need the reindeer? She soon concluded Santa must be make believe. Eight years old and she was using critical thinking processes to examine the evidence and draw conclusions. Her mother was so proud. Soon after that she came to mom and said "God is made up too, isn't he?" Mom beamed! I rarely regret our decision not to have children but I do have to say I would relish such a moment.

[David]

That is touching and heart-warming all at the same time.. There might be hope after all!

[Stumpy]

Now let's just hope that this little girl's reasoning is not muted by the constant bombardment of religion by society, the government and the school systems. If anything, I hope that it forces her to further strengthen her faith in reasoning and logic rather than fairy tales and stories.

[lorryfach]

That's a great story. :)

I wish I could remember how I figured out there wasn't a Santa Claus. I feel like I must have believed it at some point, but I don't remember it. I just remember thinking the whole idea was silly, but realizing it wouldn't be diplomatic to break the news to my friends. :laugh: