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Every December, the holiday season brings with it a festive atmosphere—colorful lights, cheery tunes, and a sense of magic in the air. Parents often tell their children that Santa Claus is watching, rewarding good behavior with presents and delivering coal to the naughty. But does this belief actually influence how kids act?
A new study, conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Leeds, sought to answer this question. By tracking the behavior of 533 children between the ages of 4 and 9 over three separate Christmas seasons, the study examined whether belief in Santa Claus directly impacted children’s actions, such as sharing, helping others, and following rules.
The results were eye-opening. Contrary to popular belief, the study found no direct link between children’s belief in Santa and an increase in kindness. Instead, the real driver of better behavior seemed to be the holiday atmosphere itself—specifically the shared traditions and rituals that families engage in during the season.
The Power of Rituals and Traditions
Parents often remind their children to be good so that Santa will reward them. However, the study revealed that behaviors like generosity and respect were more strongly associated with festive activities—such as decorating the home, singing carols, and enjoying special holiday treats—than with the belief in Santa. In fact, these traditions seemed to foster a sense of togetherness and excitement, which prompted more prosocial behavior.
“Kids were more likely to act generously as Christmas approached, but it wasn’t because they were worried about Santa,” said Professor Kapitány, the study’s lead researcher from the University of Oxford. “It was because of the positive atmosphere created by the seasonal activities that brought families together.”
The study also noted that these festive activities sometimes led to an increase in rowdy behavior, reflecting the heightened excitement that comes with the season.
Beyond Santa: How Shared Traditions Shape Behavior
While some parents treat Santa as a figure who can “reward” good behavior, the study suggests that it’s the overall experience of celebrating the season—rather than belief in a supernatural gift-giver—that plays a more significant role in encouraging kindness and cooperation among children.
The rituals of the season, from baking cookies to enjoying family gatherings, help break up the usual routine, offering children a sense of participation and belonging. These shared experiences, according to the study, are what truly shape behavior, not the notion of being “watched” by Santa.
As one of the researchers explained, “The magic isn’t in the figure of Santa, but in the time of year itself.”
The Role of Myth and Morality
This study also adds to a broader conversation about how cultural myths shape morality. While figures like Santa Claus may motivate children to be “good,” the study suggests that other cultural practices, such as religious or moral teachings, can have similar effects on behavior. For instance, the promise of rewards or the presence of rules can encourage cooperation and prosocial actions.
However, the study’s findings suggest that while belief in Santa may be fun, it’s the traditions and rituals that truly influence children’s behavior.
Debating the Santa Myth
Philosophers and parents alike continue to debate the ethics of promoting Santa Claus. Some, like Dr. Joseph Millum from the University of St. Andrews, argue that fostering belief in Santa is a form of deception that may undermine trust. Others, like Tom Whyman of the University of Liverpool, feel that Santa provides children with a sense of wonder and joy, something that’s important during their formative years.
Despite these varying opinions, the research highlights that the myths and stories we tell our children can have a significant cultural impact, even if they don’t directly correlate with behavioral changes.
The Bigger Picture: Rituals Over Rewards
Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of family rituals and communal activities in shaping behavior, rather than the belief in a specific mythological figure. As families engage in the seasonal traditions of the holidays, they create an environment that encourages thoughtful gestures, cooperation, and joy.
While Santa may still be a cherished part of the holiday experience for many children, it’s the act of coming together—decorating, singing, baking—that seems to hold the most powerful influence on their actions.
The study, published in the journal OSF Pre-prints, invites further exploration into how cultural celebrations and the rituals associated with them shape child development. It also raises important questions about how different cultural myths and traditions play a role in shaping moral choices, with or without the influence of Santa Claus.
In the end, it seems that while Santa may be a beloved part of holiday folklore, it’s the joy of the season itself that truly encourages kids to behave well.
