Oh, and you must not forget the Kris Kringle. The child…
““Oh, and you must not forget the Kris Kringle. The child must believe in him until she reaches the age of six." " I KNOW there is not Santa Claus." "Yet you must teach the child that these things are so." "Why? When I, myself, do not believe?" "Because...the child must have a valuable things which is called imagination. The child must have a secret world in which [to] live things that never were. It is necessary that she BELIEVE. She must start out believing in things not of this world. Then when the world becomes too ugly for living in, the child can reach back and live in her imagination.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that children need to be taught to believe in imaginative, fantastical worlds like Santa Claus, even if adults no longer believe, to preserve imagination.
In simple terms: Kids should be encouraged to imagine magical things, despite adult skepticism.
Key Takeaway
Foster imagination by allowing children to believe in wonder.
Themes
parenting
imagination
education
childhood
belief
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
nostalgic
Type
parenting
philosophical
When to use this quote
- storytelling
- holiday traditions
- early education
- family rituals
Key Concepts
psychology of belief
role of myth
creative development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance truth with nurturing imagination?
- What are the long‑term effects of imaginative play?
A Different Perspective
Adults may feel conflicted about perpetuating myths.