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Jolly old myth

In a recent column in Quill, I wrote that we shouldn't omit the name of someone portraying Santa Claus, if it's part of the story. I received a pointed response from an angry reader who told me I must have had unresolved issues about Santa Claus as a child. (A decent accusation if you don't know me, but not true.)

Today, I saw this Chicago Tribune column (http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2008/12/my-santa-claus.html) on two parents with different views on what truth children should be told about Santa.

My point wasn't what parents should tell children - that's up to them - but that newspapers shouldn't intentionally play along with legends and myths.
Published Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:41 PM by AndySchotz

Comments

# re: Jolly old myth

Thursday, December 25, 2008 8:55 PM by elsie
I edit a small town weekly. If you are in my shoes, you don't want to crush the "true believers"  their family will never forgive you. I've printed stories about those special Santa helpers. But those stories are always written so the true believers may continue to believe.

What's it going to hurt to admit "yes there is a Santa Claus.

# re: Jolly old myth

Thursday, December 25, 2008 11:59 PM by AndySchotz
I have written for and edited a small-town weekly, too. I never was on a mission to crush dreams, but I also didn't forget that newspapers tell the truth. Here is typical wording that I used (as recently as today): "Children had their pictures taken with Santa Claus, who was portrayed by Sam Smith." Or something similar. It's simple and straightforward.
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