The Matt Walsh Show Why Letting Kids Believe In Santa Is A GOOD Thing (Despite The Santa Haters)
Dec 23, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, the debate over Santa returns with a twist. Is telling kids about Santa really harmful? One host argues that young children see fictional characters as real and that preserving their belief fosters childhood magic. Santa is portrayed as a playful game, and parents are encouraged to let children embrace this wonder. Most kids naturally outgrow this belief without trauma, and the discussion wraps up with insights on how older siblings can enjoy sharing the magic with younger ones.
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Episode notes
Children Don't Grasp 'Not Real'
- Young children treat fictional characters as literally real because they lack the concept of 'not real'.
- Matt Walsh argues this means telling kids about Santa isn't true deception but matches their worldview.
Let Kids Keep Their Magical World
- Children live in a fantasy world where TV characters and imaginary beings feel real to them.
- Walsh says destroying that magical thinking prematurely robs kids of a unique childhood experience.
Respond With Curiosity, Not Debunking
- Do encourage and engage with children's fantastical claims instead of bluntly debunking them.
- Walsh suggests responding with curiosity and wonder to preserve play and imagination.