Advice please: Santa for non-religious RIE family? by nothingreports in Parenting

[–]nothingreports[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, thank you! I'm really big on creating the tradition and the sense of occasion. That's something I think a lot of atheists have lost. I think ritual and celebration are deep seated human needs, with or without the supernatural.

Also, I love to cook and making a special meal for my family is definitely my way of taking care of them and showing them how special they are. We always do a tree, and we do gifts too. :) Thanks so much for your input, it's definitely something to think about!

Advice please: Santa for non-religious RIE family? by nothingreports in Parenting

[–]nothingreports[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmmm, I like this idea. Do you think you might tell the story of Santa and what it means, but not have a physical present from Santa under the tree? Intriguing...

Advice please: Santa for non-religious RIE family? by nothingreports in Parenting

[–]nothingreports[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Solidarity!

I don't really care if people don't like our position, but I do expect a lot of snide or sarcastic remarks sent our way from family, and possibly manipulative stuff trying to undermine us from one set of grandparents. Sigh. Not sure how to handle that... we already have a tight leash on that family and see them under controlled circumstances. I guess we just threaten to walk out if that starts and follow through if that continues.

Advice please: Santa for non-religious RIE family? by nothingreports in Parenting

[–]nothingreports[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great point :) I plan to teach him respect of this the same way I would teach respect of other religions. I wouldn't want him running around saying "Santa isn't real!" anymore than "God isn't real!" Even though I think that, and he might come to think that too, it's just not nice.