[December 21, 2025] Santa Claus is not a lie; he is a story we tell children. Although the story itself is fictional, it conveys a profound message. The essence is that if you are a good child, there will be rewards for you in the future.
This narrative encourages children to be aware of the world around them and to seek understanding. They learn the importance of being vigilant, especially in recognizing potential dangers.
Although there is no literal Santa Claus, we can view this concept, as Dr. Jordan Peterson suggests, as a game—a pretend game. Engaging in these imaginative games with our children is not only harmless but also beneficial. This is why Santa Claus is not a lie.
Furthermore, Santa symbolizes the spirit of giving, one of the highest values we can embody as human beings. There is nothing more significant in this world than the act of giving ourselves to others. This message is a must for our children who tend toward self-gratification.
Is Santa real? Yes. He is real in the same way that anything that symbolizes what is good in us is real. That is what is essential. And if your child is the first to realize that Santa is not a literal being and is sufficiently perceptive, they will not tell the other kids. They are more likely to play out this drama with their younger siblings.
Santa Claus is for younger children, and when your child figures out that there is no literal Santa and that there is greatness behind the symbolism of giving, that is a sign of emotional growth and maturity. That child should be congratulated for that intellectual step. Pat them on the back for being this aware.
Then, this child can play that game with his children when he is older, married, and has kids. And have fun, too.
Tell your kids that Santa Claus is a theatrical game they can play, too. Once they are in the know, they can play along. This makes it fun for younger kids. Treating this like a game lessens the disappointment that Santa is not literal.
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Whew, and I thought I was crazy bad by ‘lying’ to my kids about Santa.
Do not lie, cheat, or steal. One of Gen. Satterfield’s key messages to us all. And now we have him addressing the issue of Santa Claus. We are not lying to our kids when we talk about Santa. We are, in essence, playing a game with them, and as they soon figure out that Santa is really part of the game, they learn better how to be a mature adult, who is giving, rather than being a nuisance or burden to the world.
One of your better, shorter articles. Anytime we can have something so simple explained in terms we can all understand, and especially on something so important. We are often told to “not lie” and that is the right thing to do. But to tell your kids that Santa Clause exists is a lie, or is it? Santa is a game of sorts, and that is a good way to look at it. Gen. Satterfield says it well, “Santa Claus is not a lie; he is a story we tell children. Although the story itself is fictional, it conveys a profound message. The essence is that if you are a good child, there will be rewards for you in the future.” Santa is a story. And that is the essence of the man. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and yes that is early but I might not be online for a few days. Lots of family members coming over.
Nick, so true, and well put. Santa is, in my mind, real. He is us. We have found him and he is within us. If we are generous and giving to all, to help our fellow man, and to do right by Him, Jesus, then we can say that we do epitomize the idea of giving in Santa. There is an echo of Jesus in Santa (I believe). Anyway, good tidings to all. And don’t forget to take a look at yesterday’s article on why we put up a Christmas Tree. Gen. Satterfield nails it. And be sure to get at least one of his books this month to help him out. Plus, you will be personally better off for it.
🦌🦌🦌🎅🏻🛷
We love Santa. He cannot be a lie.
🎅🏻🎄🎁
….. and correct. Thank you, sir.
EXCELLENT
Good one, sir. Thanks. You put into words what I was thinking but couldn’t say it in words.
Tracey, this is why I read this blog. Now we can all say that Santa is not a lie but a game to play with our children (if we are strong enough to have kids).
This is why I read this leadership website. Insights are always there in every article. Like Northeast wrote below, I could tell that Santa was not a lie. But Santa is more than a symbol of giving (which is really important and something to teach the young), but it is a game to play with your children. That is why the idea of Santa has persisted for so long. Here is the key to this article, “Santa Claus is for younger children, and when your child figures out that there is no literal Santa and that there is greatness behind the symbolism of giving, that is a sign of emotional growth and maturity. That child should be congratulated for that intellectual step. Pat them on the back for being this aware.” — Gen. Doug Satterfield. And a happy Christmas to you all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS … a couple of days early.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I could tell that Santa was NOT a lie because I could feel it in my bones. This is a great way to think of the idea of Santa Claus. 🎅
Nailed it, Northeast. Santa Claus is NOT a lie. He may have been perpetuated by commerical companies, but he continues because he is a game of good. Oh, be sure to get a copy of Gen. Satterfield’s two books as gifts this year. You won’t regret it and everyone who gets a copy will appreciate your respect for them.
“Our Longest Year in Iraq” – https://www.amazon.com/Our-Longest-Year-Iraq-Construction/dp/1737915510/
“55 Rules for a Good Life – https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/