Help! We can’t afford a Christmas puppy
Q: What do you do when your 5-year-old child asks Santa for a puppy for Christmas?
I tried to explain that we already have a dog and it might be hard for Santa to bring a puppy. She answers that she’s seen movies where Santa brings puppies, and Santa is magic and can do anything. Help! I don’t want to ruin the magic of Santa but we can’t afford a puppy.
A: Christmas is a magical time and, eventually, every child comes to recognize that the story of Santa Claus is a myth. To some, the news is shattering. Many a good parent tries to delay the little ones making this discovery hoping that with age, the realization comes easier. If there are older siblings, keeping the myth alive is even more challenging. It reminds me of the line from Marmion, a poem by Walter Scott: “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
However, I am on your side and would like to offer a strategy to help.
Agree with your little one that Santa is magic and as such, he must concern himself with the feelings of all living things. Santa knows she wants a puppy but he must also concern himself with the feelings of the other pets in the home.
We want to create a sense of understanding that a wish alone doesn’t mean fulfilment, and of empathy, by considering how others may be affected.
You can also explain that there are only so many puppies to go around and, in looking at your family situation and the fact there is already a dog, Santa must establish priorities so that every child who wants a dog may have the opportunity of the experience.
This will reinforce the values of empathy and caring for others in your child.
After all, isn’t that consistent with the meaning of Christmas?
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus … and he will grant wishes — assuming they are good for others involved and don’t cause injustices against other children.
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