NoSoup

After giving this some thought, I am having quite a bit of difficulty deciding.

I agree that it was probably not in the teacher's place to tell the children that Santa doesn't exist, but I also agree that it isn't her place as a public teacher to continue to perpetuate the belief in a myth, either.

I suppose looking at it from a different point of view, Christmas is based on religion, and although Santa himself isn't, she may have been doing those children whose families who don't believe in or celebrate Christmas an injustice by saying that on that particular holiday - and only that one - a jolly old fellow slips down your chimney and gives you everything you've always wanted...

As a child, if you were say a Jehovah's Witness (I believe they don't celebrate Christmas) and your public school teacher told your class that Santa DOES come and deliver presents, I could understand the outrage behind the parent of that child as well.

I think she did what was right, and stuck with the facts. Although it may not have pleased everyone - or anyone - it may have been the best thing to do...

Well, I don't think this is quite a parallel either, Cynthetiq. I understand what you are getting at, but even at the most basic of levels this could - in theory, at least - come true for at least a few girls. Chances of it happening are remarkably slim, but the chances of Santa paying you a late night visit with his flying reindeer? None. As far as the hopes and/or dreams of children, I don't think a parallel can be drawn there either - Jimmy certainly could be president, and that impoverished child may yet become something great. That depends on the amount of work that the child is willing put forth, and how much determination that child has to achieve their dream - no matter how badly someone works for it or wants it, Santa (the one in the myth, anyway) won't become real...

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