BREAKING NEWS – New York City, New York – Media figures and the entertainment industry are criticizing many of the traditions behind Christmas.
Even Santa himself has come under fire. Some Gen Z parents aren’t allowing their children to believe he is real, as evidenced by the hashtag #santaisntreal which has received nearly 19M views on TikTok. Many parents cite concerns that once their children find out Santa’s magic is a myth, they’ll be “traumatized.”
Mother Sierra McKenzie went viral for a video she posted to TikTok stating she wouldn’t be “lying to them [her kids] about Santa,” nor would she be taking them for pictures with Santa or including any presents under the tree from St. Nick.
“Telling kids that Santa is real is a lie, and I don’t believe in building my kids up on a lie,” McKenzie told the New York Post. “I don’t mind showing my kids how to lie while filing tax returns, or tell blatant lies on a job application, because that type of deception is expected by adults and I’ve done it countless times. But lying about Santa Claus crosses a line, because honesty is important and we parents should lead by example.”