Consistency at Christmas

JUDITH ANN HARDY

In her article entitled "Christmas for the Children," Mrs. Eddy gives parents specific counsel. It reads: "The children should not be taught to believe that Santa Claus has aught to do with this pastime."^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 261;}

I came across that statement one day in July at a time when I had just joined a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and was earnestly studying Christian Science. My great desire was to live it more consistently. We had two small children, and at first I was startled—even disturbed—by the statement. The suggestion came that the Santa myth is an integral part of a child's Christmas.

The next sentence in the article explains Mrs. Eddy's reason for this counsel, simply but firmly: "A deceit or falsehood is never wise."

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