Santo Domingo.- The Christmas is a time full of emotions, joy and hope that is transmitted from generation to generation.
This season allows us to reinforce family values and traditions such as the belief in Santa Claus jThey play an important role in stimulating imagination and creativity in children.
According to clinical psychologist Ileana Louis Núñez, specialist in psychotherapeutic interventions at the Endocardio center, this belief gives children the opportunity to experience the magic of fantasy, promoting values such as generosity and enthusiasm.
“The idea of Santa Claus is a beautiful tradition that, in addition to exciting children, can be used by parents and tutors to teach them the joy of giving and the spirit of sharing. This allows them to fully enjoy this stage of cognitive and emotional development,” he explained. Louis Núñez in an interview for El Día.
The expert highlighted the importance of adapting the explanations about Santa Claus to the child’s age and level of understanding, always respecting their questions and opinions.
Clinical psychologist Ileana Louis Núñez, specialist in psychotherapeutic interventions at the Endocardio center.
The discovery
It’s only natural that as children grow and develop critical thinking skills, they begin to question the existence of Santa Claus.
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Louis suggests that parents do not go ahead to break the illusionbut rather allow the little ones to reach their own conclusions.
“When they ask you directly, respond with empathy, adapting the explanation according to their age and maturity, without ridiculing their doubts or minimizing their curiosity,” he said.
The expert recommended turning this transition into an opportunity to talk about the values that Santa Claus represents, such as love, generosity and teamwork.
A useful strategy is to invite older children to be “Santa’s helpers” for the little ones, thus maintaining the charm of Christmas from a more mature perspective.
Teachings that transcend gifts
Beyond gifts, Christmas is an ideal time to create lasting memories as a family.
Louis Núñez highlighted the importance of involving children in Christmas activities such as decorating the house, preparing food or choosing gifts for others.
These experiences strengthen family ties and teach children fundamental values.
An example of this is encouraging children to donate toys.
According to the psychologist, although the little ones find it difficult to share, parents can explain to them that other less fortunate children also deserve joy at Christmas.
“We can talk to them about the reality of other children and ask them what toy they think would make someone else happy, the same way they felt with that object,” said Louis Núñez, emphasizing that the message must be adjusted to their level of understanding.
Christmas is not only an opportunity to give and receive, but to teach and learn.
Traditions like that of Santa Claus help foster values in children that transcend the season, leaving lessons that will accompany them throughout their lives.
