|
|
轉至明報，能喚起幾分回憶
Hong Kong Life﹕Who believes in Santa Claus?
It is near to Christmas time and we shall see Santa Claus in toy shops and other places wherever there are children. But who is Santa? Was there really such a person? These are the questions that most young children in Christian countries ask their parents.
Actually there was a person named Saint Nicholas, and that is where the name Santa Claus comes from. Santa is believed to have been a kind old man who loved children and gave them presents in December, if they were well-behaved. He was said to carry the gifts on his sleigh (雪橇) pulled by reindeer (馴鹿), but because he lived about 1,500 years ago, the story may have changed as time went on. Consequently we do not know the exact truth about Saint Nicholas.
I remember how the evening before Christmas day (Christmas Eve) was very exciting. My mother would send us to bed early, and tell us that we must go to sleep. I was afraid when she threatened (威脅) that if we made a noise, Santa would tickle (弄癢) us with his long white beard (鬍鬚). That frightened me, and I would shut my eyes tightly and cover up my head in case I felt his beard on my face.
When we awoke next morning, very early, we would jump out of bed and rush to see if Santa had given us what we wanted. He always did, of course. When we grew a little older, my sister and I decided to find out the truth about Santa bringing presents down the chimney (煙囪). While our parents were out one day, we searched the house and found our presents hidden on the top of a cupboard. Then we knew the truth.
Christmas seemed less exciting after that. I even felt rather disappointed that my parents had not told us the truth. In fact they just wanted us to enjoy some fun.
Maybe you have the experience of questioning something your parents told you and you later found it to be just a "fairy tale". Discuss the ethics of parents telling the truth to children when they are young.
Writer's profile
Born Elsie Hume in England, graduated from Durham University, lived in China 1948-51, and in Hong Kong since then. Married Andrew Tu and worked together for justice and people's rights. |
|
发表于 2007-12-11 19:15
提升卡
变色卡
显身卡
发表于 2007-12-11 20:25
: