A STOCKING DUE FOR COAL!


A school in England has had the audacity to discredit Santa Claus! The problem, resulting from a misguided teaching lesson, is disturbing. Students were apparently given Holiday season type worksheets with numerous classroom exercises which are common in many schools. However, among the assignments was information which allegedly stated that many small children incorrectly believe in Father Christmas. It further explained that of the tonnage of letters children address to the Jolly Ol’ Elf every year is actually answered by the Post Office.

Parents were dismayed and some outraged. The inference was clearly that Santa Claus does not exist. The educator’s perspective instead of parental wishes was hoisted upon the spirits of the young and naive just in time for the Christmas holiday. Some stunned children as young as nine years old were affected.

Hoping to circumvent a potential backlash the school’s principal sent a letter home to parents explaining that the lesson would never again be taught. The communiqué was also accompanied by an apology.

As the parent of a wee one I can empathize with disgruntled parents. Asking for forgiveness after this kind offense is akin to saying “sorry”, after taking my daughter’s virginity. It might make one feel better but her innocence is gone nonetheless. How do you replace the irreplaceable? Simple; don’t go there in the first place. Where do you go when those touted as “the educated” start damaging our children?

What has the world come to in its abhorrent revulsion of even secular symbols evoking holiday spirit? Is there of any wisp left of truth regarding the sacred nature of the holiday? Taking someone’s innocence and expecting to be forgiven without consequence does not sit well and those who perpetrated this assault on the innocent certainly deserved coal in their stockings this Christmas.