The Santa Claus Myth as Both a Problematic and Adaptive Ritual

Parents and communities, especially in the U.S. and to some extent elsewhere, often encourage a belief in Santa Claus before their youngsters have the discerning ability to question this constructed reality. We ponder the possible psychological origins, purposes, benefits and consequences of this fantasy tale. To do this, we propose that the myth may offer an avenue to address key existential-relational challenges that are first encountered in early childhood and then readdressed and revisited throughout one’s lifespan. Borrowing from Biblical imagery, we look at the tale as an opportunity to return to the “contiguous position” wish for a return to the Edenic womb, a means to dive into the “paranoid-schizoid” position of binary morality, and an important experience of a “depressive position” realization that even “good enough” caregivers are ultimately insufficient to meet our needs in their totality and that return to the angel-guarded entrance to Eden is impossible.