Santa and Other Lies to the Kids

[robvalue]

I agree that it's important to teach scepticism, even towards yourself. But I have my doubts, personally, that this is the best way to do it. If such a thing wasn't a tradition, would anyone really concoct elaborate schemes like this to deceive their kids over a period of years, just to "teach" them something? Do the kids deserve it? I somewhat doubt it. That's what makes me think it's more of a rationalisation for something parents want to do.