<P> Various psychologists and researchers have wrestled with the ways that parents collude to convince young children of the existence of Santa Claus, and have wondered whether children's abilities to critically weigh real - world evidence may be undermined by their belief in this or other imaginary figures . For example, University of Texas psychology professor Jacqueline Woolley helped conduct a study that found, to the contrary, that children seemed competent in their use of logic, evidence, and comparative reasoning even though they might conclude that Santa Claus or other fanciful creatures were real: </P> <P> The adults they count on to provide reliable information about the world introduce them to Santa . Then his existence is affirmed by friends, books, TV and movies . It is also validated by hard evidence: the half - eaten cookies and empty milk glasses by the tree on Christmas morning . In other words, children do a great job of scientifically evaluating Santa . And adults do a great job of duping them . </P> <P> Woolley posited that it is perhaps "kinship with the adult world" that causes children not to be angry that they were lied to for so long . However, the criticism about this deception is not that it is a simple lie, but a complicated series of very large lies . Objections include that it is unethical for parents to lie to children without good cause, and that it discourages healthy skepticism in children . With no greater good at the heart of the lie, some have charged that it is more about the parents than it is about the children . For instance, writer Austin Cline posed the question: "Is it not possible that kids would find at least as much pleasure in knowing that parents are responsible for Christmas, not a supernatural stranger?" </P> <P> Others, however, see no harm in the belief in Santa Claus . Psychologist Tamar Murachver said that because it is a cultural, not parental, lie, it does not undermine parental trust . The New Zealand Skeptics also see no harm in parents telling their children that Santa is real . Spokesperson Vicki Hyde said, "It would be a hard - hearted parent indeed who frowned upon the innocent joys of our children's cultural heritage . We save our bah humbugs for the things that exploit the vulnerable ." </P>

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