The Dark Side of Christmas: How It Conditions Our Kids for Surveillance

Christmas is a magical time. However, some traditions may be conditioning your kids to accept surveillance. Here are five ways Christmas is turning your child into a willing subject of the surveillance state.

1. Santa Claus: The Original Watcher

Santa Claus is always watching. He knows if your child is naughty or nice. This teaches kids to accept being monitored. They learn to behave because someone is always watching.

Santa Claus, the jolly old man in red, is a beloved figure in many households. However, the idea that he is “making a list and checking it twice” can have unintended consequences. Children are taught from a young age that their behavior is being monitored. This constant surveillance can make them more comfortable with the idea of being watched. They may start to believe that being monitored is a normal part of life. This can have long-term effects on their perception of privacy and personal boundaries.

2. Mall Santas: Reinforcing the Surveillance

Mall Santas add to this. Kids believe these Santas report back to the real Santa. This reinforces the idea that a network of watchers exists. It desensitizes them to being observed.

The tradition of visiting Santa at the mall is a cherished one. Children eagerly line up to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas wishes. However, the idea that these mall Santas are in communication with the “real” Santa can further reinforce the concept of surveillance. Children may start to believe that there is a network of individuals who are constantly gathering information about them. This can desensitize them to the idea of being observed and make them more accepting of surveillance in other areas of their lives.

3. Omniscient Christian God

The concept of an all-knowing God also plays a role. Kids learn that a higher power sees everything. This can make them more comfortable with the idea of constant surveillance.

For many families, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The idea of an omniscient God who sees everything can also contribute to a child’s acceptance of surveillance. Children are taught that God is always watching and knows everything they do. This can make them more comfortable with the idea of being constantly monitored. While faith can be a source of comfort and guidance, it’s important to be mindful of how these teachings may impact a child’s perception of privacy.

4. Parents Recording Everything

Parents often record every moment of Christmas. This constant recording teaches kids that everything they do is documented. It normalizes the idea of being watched and recorded.

In today’s digital age, it’s common for parents to record every moment of their child’s life. From opening presents on Christmas morning to school plays and family gatherings, everything is captured on camera. While these recordings can create cherished memories, they also teach children that everything they do is documented. This constant recording can normalize the idea of being watched and recorded. Children may start to believe that being monitored is a normal part of life, which can impact their perception of privacy and personal boundaries.

5. Elf on the Shelf: The Ultimate Spy

Elf on the Shelf is a recent addition. This elf reports to Santa every night. It moves around the house, watching and reporting. This conditions kids to accept being monitored at all times.

Elf on the Shelf has become a popular Christmas tradition in many households. The idea is that the elf moves around the house and reports back to Santa each night. This can create a sense of excitement and wonder for children. However, it also teaches them that they are being constantly monitored. The elf’s presence can condition children to accept being watched and reported on at all times. This can have long-term effects on their perception of privacy and personal boundaries.

Christmas traditions can be fun, but they also teach kids to accept surveillance. Be mindful of these influences. Protect your child’s privacy and teach them about digital boundaries.