The imaginary old man!

FATHER CHRISTMAS

The one thing synonymous with Christmas is Santa Claus. As kids, one eagerly waits for the cherubic man in red, with his characteristic laughter 'ho ho ho' to bring those eagerly awaited gifts. An entire month is spent, 'being good' or hiding notes under the pillow addressed to Santa for that G-I Joe action figure or a Barbie. It’s only after a certain age that the myth about Santa – he doesn’t exist – is broken. And this realisation can be a heartbreaking experience for most kids.

Many kids with whom Metrolife interacted had interesting tales to tell about the ‘real’ Santa. They found out to their disappointment that the chubby man in red was just their dad in a costume or some random stranger hired by the school to handout gifts.

Skanda C S, a class 6 student of Kumarans says, “When I was in class 2, I found out that Santa doesn’t exist. My mom would hide the gifts before Christmas.” When asked how he found out about it, he smiles, “Dad told me.”

Some children, from very early on, were told by their siblings or parents that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. Guha Sharan Selven, a class 7 student of Gear Innovative International School says, “I found out early on that Santa doesn’t exist. I think my sister told me about it  and as I grew up I also stopped getting presents. I also noticed that there were different Santas on the streets. I spoke to more people and clarified. However, it is nice to believe in Santa Claus as he lets us know that money isn’t everything. He is also a really happy fellow and gives the message that when you give something to others, you become happy.”

It was in class 6 that Rishika Ramanand came to know about Santa’s non-existence. Rishika, who studies in class 8 at Kumarans says, “My cousin would write letters to Santa and hide them under her pillow. She always got what she asked for. It was on investigation I found out that her parents would read those notes and get her what she wanted. I personally believe that kids should be told he doesn’t exist.”

However, Gaythri R, studying in class 7 at Carmel School says, “I still believe in Santa Claus. I know that the Santa I see in shops during Christmas is not real but I have always had this fantasy that the real Santa Claus will come someday. I would then ask him for nice dresses, chocolates and take a promise from him that whatever happens in my life will be good.”