Have you ever wondered why some children cry when they see Santa Claus himself? But why are they afraid of the one they adore so much? Saverio Tomasella, psychoanalyst and author of the book “Little Fears or Big Terrors” has the explanation.
Santa Claus, a character adored by children, embodies the magic of Christmas. As the holidays approach, little ones imagine meeting him with wonder, and many strive to behave as wisely as possible. However, when they face the famous red man in a shopping center or during a particular event, the souvenir photo next to him often turns into drama: tears, screams… Some are even terrified. It’s as if they were facing a villain or a monster, even though they know that Santa Claus is on the contrary benevolent. Children love Christmas tales and Santa Claus stories. So why this gap between dream and reality?
Why might this encounter seem so frightening to them? When they see these fictional characters in the flesh (and often more imposing than on screens or in books), it can destabilize them. This reaction also occurs when faced with clowns or characters like Obelix or Mickey in amusement parks. Children do not easily associate these large figures on paper or screen with real beings. Moreover, “In children’s mythology, Santa Claus comes from the sky in a sleigh, passes through the chimney at night to bring gifts and immediately leaves to continue his enchanted tour. It is therefore not possible to see it.”explains Saverio Tomasella in his book Little Fears or Big Terrors, published by Leduc.
For the most logical children, seeing Santa in a familiar place may even seem inconsistent. “They need everything to be in its right place in space and time: images in books, characters in films and real humans in tangible reality“, explains the specialist. So, what to do if your child is afraid of Santa Claus in the flesh? “It is important not to confront the child with his or her fear, but rather to move away from the character and come back a little later. Parents must also speak to the little ones beforehand, in order to prepare them for this encounter, by explaining to them that “It’s actually a person dressed as Santa Claus.”
Conversely, children also enjoy cartoons with bad guys or scary creatures, as long as everything ends well. These stories, where heroes overcome their fears, reassure children and encourage them to believe in their own ability to face theirs, as the expert points out.