Real or fake, Santa remains a part of Christmas

By Megan Blauvelt

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why – Santa Claus is (maybe) coming to town.

For those who celebrate Christmas, Santa Claus’ midnight house-visit was one of the most exciting parts of the holiday when they were younger.

Letters are addressed and sent to Santa — some of them as early as October — asking for all the newest toys from storefronts and television commercials. Afterwards, cookies are placed on the table for him to eat, and carrots for his reindeer are left outside.

After years of writing Santa letters and leaving him treats to eat, though, all have faced the sad moment when it is revealed that Santa does not actually exist.

Most people find out this unfortunate news around fourth or fifth grade, such as freshman Kimberly Knox, who found out while celebrating her December birthday in fourth grade.

“There was one friend in our group who found out first [about Santa] and introduced the idea that he didn’t exist,” she said.

Kim continued, saying that her mom did not refute the idea nor did she encourage it, but once the idea was in the kids’ heads, things began to piece together one by one.

Sophomore Lianne Silano found out because of a parental slip-up.

“I got a stereo from Santa one Christmas that was out of its box,” Silano said. “The following year, I noticed a box of decorations for the tree and realized it was the box from the stereo I had gotten the year before.”

Even though many find out the truth about Santa while in elementary or middle school, sophomore Shauna Scarano did not find out until her freshman year of high school.

“I had my doubts in eighth grade so my parents caught “footage” of Santa’s boots walking into my house on Christmas Eve,” Scarano said.

The truth finally came out the following year, however, while her group of friends sarcastically joked about Santa being real.

Although everyone eventually learns about the nonexistence of Santa Claus — except some characters in Christmas films (take Buddy the elf, for instance) — spreading holiday cheer to the children who still believe should remain a priority.

Thankfully, Santa is just one part of the excitement of Christmas. It is also the time for giving presents and spending time with family, and, like Buddy the elf would say, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”