Opinion: Stop lying about Santa Claus

Ever since I reached the age where belief in the lie of Santa Claus was thrown over for an appreciation and love of the true story of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I've been continuously bothered by this dichotomy every year around this time.

Why do people continue to lie to their children and foster a belief in a supernatural fat man in a red suit with flying reindeer and elves as helpers who MAY leave them presents if they are "good?"

We can deceive ourselves into getting all warm and fuzzy thinking, "No harm done, it's all for the children," but the fact remains: We are lying! What's worse is that we are insulting their intelligence with a fairy tale not to mention the fact we are making ourselves out to be hypocrites when we tell our children not to lie and foist this one off on them with a wink and a nod.

Lastly, but most importantly, why not tell the children the truth about Christmas and leave it at that? It is a day to celebrate the greatest gift given to the human race, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who, if we let him, can save us from our sins and provide us with eternal life. Amen and merry Christmas.

Chris Belt is a resident of Mullan, Idaho.