Why kids' faith in Santa Claus legend is considered healthy

Psychologists have revealed that although telling kids that Santa Claus exists is practically lying, it is actually a normal and healthy part of a child’s development.

According to Dr. Matthew Lorber, a child psychiatrist in NYC, it is not a bad thing for kids to believe in the myth of someone trying to make people happy if they’re behaving, Live Science reported.

Lorber asserted that imagination helps develop creative minds.

Lorber explained that the story of Santa, which is actually based on a real generous person, St. Nicholas, has real value and it’s something that inspires children.

Lorber insisted that Santa may be a Christmas tradition, but the spirit of giving to poor and needy, and the spirit of family and being together is universal.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Wagner, a clinical psychologist at the NYU Child Study Center, said that the Santa story is also deeply embedded in popular culture.

Wagner told the publication that she wouldn’t necessarily say lying to children about Santa is a good thing, but it’s certainly not harmful as Christmas brings families together, and the Santa myth reinforces these bonds.