News Anchor Tells Viewers ‘There is No Santa’
EmailA Chicago news anchor surprised some parents and potentially confused some children when she announced during a nightly newscast that Santa Claus doesn’t exist.
Robin Robinson, an anchor at Fox Chicago, responded to a segment about managing gift expectations of children during Christmas by saying that they should know there is no Santa Claus.
“Stop trying to convince your kids that Santa is Santa,” Robinson said to co-anchor Bob Sirott during a segment Tuesday night. “That’s why they have these high expectations. They know you can’t afford it, so what do they do? Just ask some man in a red suit. There is no Santa.”
A bewildered Sirott responded, “Hey, Ebenizer, what’s with you?” a reference to Ebenezer Scrooge, the Christmas-hating star of “A Christmas Carol.”
The station was flooded with angry responses to the segment, with parents demanding an apology.
Robinson, who has been on the station since 1987, apologized to her audience the following day on a segment called “The Talker,” which shares reader opinions. Robinson read many of the Facebook posts that angry parents wrote to her about the comments, noting that she did not realize that children would still be awake for the 9 p.m. broadcast. She apologized multiple times.
“It was careless and callous to say…what I said, in what could’ve been mixed company,” Robinson said. “So many kids don’t get to be children, that for those who do get to live the wonder and magic of Christmas, I would never spoil it intentionally. So I sincerely apologize.”
Robinson then went out onto the street to tell passersby about her goof, getting live reactions from them about how terrible it was. She finished by reading a letter published in the 1897 New York Sun entitled “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” and apologizing again.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
She shouldn’t have to apologize. She was just speaking the truth. Besides, what kind of parent are you if you’re watching the news past 9PM with kids young enough to still believe in Santa anyways?? The news anchor has a point. Young kids in the “Santa” age groups shouldn’t be watching late night news anyways. Those “parents” need to get over it!
Posted by: Ann | December 2, 2011, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm
I’m on her side too. Santa has been overrated and so have all the expensive gifts. She gave a sincere apology and showed class for upsetting others and that is also admirable.
Posted by: BLUE SANTA | December 2, 2011, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
In a world where crime, drugs and amorality are so prevalent, can we please let the kids have some sweet fantasies? There are far more gentler ways to explain to kids that lots of gifts are not possible now. So sad….
Posted by: sue | December 2, 2011, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
I agree with the anchor… there is NO SANTA. As a teacher I see it year after year, young children crushed because Santa “missed them”, but somehow the biggest bully in the school got everything on his wish list. Then other kids assume the child who got little to nothing is a “naughty kid.” Yep it is heart breaking to see this play out year after year. I am glad I taught my children that Santa is a fun symbol of Christmas and not real.
Posted by: Donna | December 2, 2011, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
Figures it was a Fox affiliate. No wonder she had to apologize for telling the truth! Her viewers just aren’t used to, or equipped to deal with, the truth.
Posted by: J S O'Brien | December 2, 2011, 7:05 pm 7:05 pm
There is no Santa….why “LIE” to our children. How many of you are Christians. Christmas is about a manger and a baby born for the purpose of bringing everlasting life to the world. Lie to your Children, if you must, but before you do ask yourself the following question, “Would Jesus Christ approve of my lies to my children of Santa and flying reindeer” vs the real Christmas story? Let’s put Christ back in Christmas! Do away with the deceit.
Posted by: L. Seal | December 2, 2011, 9:12 pm 9:12 pm
Kids can handle the truth better than the disappointment, the feeling of being betrayed, or possibly even loss of self-esteem they may feel from unfulfilled Christmas wishes on Christmas morning. It is time for Santa to come clean – after all.he has been used as a scare tactic for getting sugar cookie-high kids to behave for far too long. It is time for him to evolve. Good work Robin.
Posted by: jenn | December 2, 2011, 10:10 pm 10:10 pm
She needs to keep her opinion of Santa to hr self and just deliver the news. She sounds arrogant!
Posted by: sandra | December 2, 2011, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm
When my child asked me about Santa, at a fairly young age, I asked “well, do you want to hear what many kids are told or do you want to hear the truth?”
My child said “the truth” after a moment of thought.
I explained that what people imagine as Santa does not exist but there is a history behind it — how the imagery came about, the poetry that created that image etc. However, the main point of the significance is the historical Saint Nicolas and that generous spirit that has influenced the world around. This, I believe is more important in fostering “nice” children than the “naughty” children who expects more to receive than to give, if we might want to throw in that phrase…
Posted by: Angel | December 2, 2011, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
When my son was six a kid told him there was no Santa on the school bus. He came home and asked me, I gently told the truth. He handled it fine. I was glad that if was asking me a serious question I gave him a true answer. I want him to feel like he can talk to me.
Posted by: Jen | December 2, 2011, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
As someone who annually portrays Santa to raise money for our local battered women’s shelter, I was disappointed that the anchor decided that it was her duty to tell parents how handle the Santa Claus story. An apology was certainly due.
Sure, it may be the truth, but it may also be the truth that a child isn’t pretty or smart, but do we need to tell that particular truth?
People who don’t believe in continuing the Santa story should also not let their child hunt for Easter eggs or put a tooth under the pillow. Nor should they read them fairy tales or let them look at cartoons for those are not the “truth.” Going a little further, one could make the case that children should be kept away from fiction or movies because they are also not the truth.
The truth is that the real story of Santa goes back to Saint Nicholas who was a priest from a wealthy family. He gave away his entire fortune to the needy, and the legend was born from those generous acts. Parents who let their children believe in Santa are generously willing to let Santa have credit for what they have done, and when the children find out the “truth,” one would hope that they would appreciate their parents the more.
The truth is that children love to use their imaginations, and Santa Claus excites their imagination like little else. When I walk into a room full of children, their response is truly wonderful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Posted by: Santa David | December 2, 2011, 11:17 pm 11:17 pm
Where in the bible does one find a commandment to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, on December 25? The man disrupted commerce in the synagog and look how much commerce the governments are generating in his name. Americans gave 11.5 million dollars to retailers last week, in the name of “Christmas” without a christian thought on their minds. Can’t complain about the 1% when we contribute more to their welfare than our own. Children around the world go hungry as we distract ourselves with selfishness and materialism and have the nerve to justify it.
Posted by: Mickeyjaymz | December 2, 2011, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
I fully support the new anchor. My parents never told us there was a Santa Claus. We grew up knowing the real Reason for the season, and we had very good childhood. I followed suit with my own son. Why tell children a lie and then have them be hurt when they find out the truth? Children do not need to believe lies in order to have a good, fun and enriching childhood. They just need the truth from loving parents.
Posted by: Louise | December 3, 2011, 12:12 am 12:12 am
Bunch of clowns you all are. you have no idea how the thought of Santa coming lights up their little faces. My kids are excited already and it’s 3 weeks till Christmas. You people who think their being good patents by telling kids the truth are quite the opposite.
And why wouldn’t kids be up at 9pm? My kids don’t go to bed till 9:30.
Maybe if your a bustout with no money for presents, you should skip a few means and buy the kids a few small gifts.
She had no right to do what she did. I have money. I bring in anywhere from 4k to 6k per week, plus my wife works. Why should my kids have their Christmas ruined?
Posted by: Peter peppers | December 3, 2011, 12:38 am 12:38 am
i’m just surprised that a fox news anchor is concerned about truth.
Posted by: ron gillis | December 3, 2011, 6:03 am 6:03 am
This article SHOULD NOT be on the front page of Yahoo! So first kids in Chicago hear this, now kids everywhere can read it- MAKES NO SENSE. If they thought enough to write and publish an article about this sensitive subject then they obviously realize why it should not be Headline News for all the world to see! Do the right thing and remove this entire article! I hope many of you will join me in complaining to Yahoo, ABC and this writer, Colleen Curry and hope they have the decency to remove the article ASAP. I will be changing my homepage immediately & WILL NOT return it to Yahoo if this article stays.
Posted by: Trudi | December 3, 2011, 8:33 am 8:33 am
I think it’s great :) My husband & I have taught out kids that santa isnt real, along with the tooth fairy & easter bunny & we are the ones giving them the gifts. We have gotten a lot of crap for this but I would rather not lie to them, a lie is a lie & I take pride in teaching them to be honest. Anyways if they want fantasy they can read a book or watch a movie.
Posted by: Crystle | December 3, 2011, 10:40 am 10:40 am
If it’s fox news, it’s always the truth. Wake up.
Posted by: Ginger | December 3, 2011, 11:24 am 11:24 am
She had to apologize for telling the truth? She was right the first time! Kids are gonna find out Santa doesn’t exist someday anyway. I can’t believe my own parents played into this myth. How pathetic, I’d rather have known the facts, not have been lied to. Ugh.
Posted by: Jen | December 3, 2011, 11:28 am 11:28 am
FOX News…the most trusted source for news.
Posted by: ginny | December 3, 2011, 11:32 am 11:32 am
I agree with her. At the end of the day you’re LYING to your kids if you tell them Santa exisits. They want her to apologize for telling the truth? Where the parental responsibility in creating the illusion? At some point the kids will find out Santa doesn’t exist. Will the parents then feel the need to apologize?
Posted by: Darwin | December 3, 2011, 11:38 am 11:38 am
@Louise–when you lie to your kids, you have to work extra hard at maintaining the lie. Deal with it or tell the truth to them. As I said, my own parents did this. I’d rather not have had that stupid fantasy as part of my childhood. Can’t believe I fell for that crap.
Posted by: Jen | December 3, 2011, 11:39 am 11:39 am
My bad. I meant thr last comment for Peter. Sorry to Lou.
Posted by: Jen | December 3, 2011, 11:41 am 11:41 am
I support parent’s views about not lying to children that Santa Claus is real, as well as the Easter bunny. Children should be taught at a young age what Christmas and Easter are really about. Then the celebration should be about the love of God for mankind. Listen closely to the last verse of the song “Silent Night”, where it tells about the Son of God, Love’s pure light, with the dawn of redeeming grace. Yes, that’s what Christmas is about, God’s devotion to save us from ourselves. Giving gifts is alright, but not if it’s about a mythical Santa Claus that doesn’t exist flying through the sky on a sleigh led by reindeer.
Posted by: Debbie | December 3, 2011, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm
As a child I believed in Santa and also loved the story of the baby Jesus. I never expected expensive gifts. Kids do today, not because of Santa but because of the media hype and having parents that run out and buy the latest new IPad, etc. There’s nothing wrong with children believing in Santa Claus. I’ve never known a single person who was negatively affected when they found out the truth. For me I just gradually figured it out. I’m grateful that my parents made the holiday season so magical with decorations, baking cookies, Santa and all the other traditions. These are some of my happiest memories. I feel sorry that so many of these comments are so cold. Poor kids today.
Posted by: Katie | December 3, 2011, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
Katie: I too love the decorations/meals/desserts associated with Christmas. It has always been one of my favorite times of the year, filled with hope and happiness. But I see no coldness in the views people show about telling children the truth about Christmas early on and debunking the myth about Santa Claus. What happens when a little child sits on Santa’s lap and tells all they want for Christmas, but on Christmas morning they have received other things perhaps but none of those things they asked Santa for? That doesn’t sound like a positive experience to me.
Some may say a baby/toddler is too young to understand the concept of the true meaning of Christmas, of a Savior born to save the world. Well, yes, that’s true and maybe there’s no harm with the Santa Claus thing for them. But I think that by the time a child reaches first or second Grade at least, that then they should be introduced to the true meaning of Christmas and debunk the myth of Santa Claus.
Posted by: Debbie | December 3, 2011, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm
Robin,
You were on the dot.
There is no justification to lie to make the season enjoyable. If you lie or make up stories, make sure it is known to be just a story. Otherwise you are just a rolemodel for lies and your children will follow your example.
Posted by: Andre | December 3, 2011, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm
When has it been able expensive gifts for Christmas. when I was little I was told about Santa was real, my parents was told the same thing and there parents were told the same thing. when we found out it might if hurt a little but we got over it. it was never about expensive gifts we got gifts but there were small things like Remote Control Cars or football. probably the most expensive thing we would get is something like a bike or a video game, but there was only one or two gifts from Santa and the rest was from our parents. we never thought just because he brought us one gift that we were bad we just know he came by and left us something and that always but a smile on our faces. so until they ask if hes real or not, let them have some fun while there young.
Posted by: Matt | December 3, 2011, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
wow a news reporter who tells the truth…i say fire her!
Posted by: roll3567 | December 3, 2011, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm
People across the nation still remember Francis Church and his famous editorial response to Virginia O’Hanlon from 1897. Next year people will forget all about what this woman ever said despite her years of being a news anchor.
Posted by: MyTake | December 3, 2011, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm
It’s very sad to see all these negative responses to the Santa Claus question. So much justification for the ‘truth’. No play. No imagination. No magic. Why why why are we in such a hurry to debunk the thrill of ‘fantasy’. He is based on a real man who lived long ago and did wonderful things. He did exist. St. Nicholas’ spirit, story and deeds live on through the belief in Santa Claus. The tale of a man who so loves the children of the world, he works all year to try and bring them joy. And this is wrong. It’s not a full lie. And it’s a magical fun-filled illusion with much greater implications than a simple ‘lie’. He is a role model. He is a representation of love, whether it be Christ’s love, or a parents’ love. Then, as they grow older, have children of their own, they get the opportunity to teach this magical lesson to their children. Cynicism has no place in the hearts and minds of children. Belief and faith is what Christ taught his followers. Anyone who does not receive the kingdom of heaven like a child, cannot enter it.
Posted by: Sean | December 3, 2011, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm
HAHA… and this goes back to the foundation of lies this country is built on. It is one thing to create a fantasy for a child who’s hopes and dreams are going to be squashed when that Red Ryder bb gun don’t come. But it is another thing to dilute your own minds as adults with fantasies of a fat man in a red jacket that is going to take away the burden of your own failure in life … its not the kids we have to worry about. Oh! And the Tooth fairy is Cheap … and the Easter bunny.. well, pshhh that is just stupid. OH! And something else that doesn’t exist any more…. HO, HO…. DEMOCRACY,,,, but maybe we can cover that up with some sort of character too that we wanna hide the truth behind? Hmmm …
Posted by: Gabby | December 3, 2011, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
Yup, some people like to jump on so called “lies and un-truths” like Santa and American democracy. But the truth of Santa is that he was a real guy; Saint Nicholas, bishop of Tyre during the 4th century. And yes, he was a very giving person, and yes a legend grew out of his kindness to children. That kindness is what “Santa” is all about. Oh, and his special day is not December 25th. It’s December 6th. It is celebrated in most of Europe by giving a simple gift of chocolates to children and remembering that it is Saint Nicholas’ day. By the way, America is not a “democracy”. Many politically illiterates would like it to be, but it is not. It is a republic. Check the record; the US Constitution.
Posted by: ossman | December 4, 2011, 2:41 am 2:41 am
The pledge of Allegiance? “.. and to the republic for which it stands…” … republic and democracy are synonyms in the dictionary .. Republic being a country ran by officials such as a President and Democracy parallels that with the fact we get to pick our president .. a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
…..
When they speak of the republic they speak of the leaders in which it stands that have been chosen by the people. We as a country have become victimized by selfishness and greed, As far as Santa… He is dead and doesnt fly around with magical raindeer giving people presents… or kids for that matter,, and in todays society, he has become a object of deception for parents around the world, just like the spirit of christmas who packed up with St. Nick a long time ago and sold out to the marketing giants that like to exploit what it is to be true to one another as humans… at any time of year… and if you say it is not all about the money you are in denile…
Posted by: Gabby | December 4, 2011, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
I’m sorry but to this day if someone asks me at age 40 do I believe in santa claus I say yes. Santa Claus is not just a single person how often this time of year do you read a story about someone doing something fantastic to help someone else? That to me is Santa Claus its a spirit of doing things to help those in need
Posted by: Steph | December 4, 2011, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm
I once heard an anchor say that red wine is better for you than white wine because white wine contains ethanol.
One said that the mini skirt was named after the Mini Cooper car.
I don’t know how many I’ve heard refer to an AR-15 as a machine gun.
Some of them apparently slept through every history class they ever took.
I even heard one insult his co-anchor’s dress, while still on the air!
I could go on but it’s safe to say that intellectual requirements for reporters and anchors is very low.
I don’t know what disappointed that lady when she was a child but it’s time to grow up and get over it. The Tin man didn’t have a heart and the Scarecrow didn’t have a brain. Lady, they’re both ahead of you.
Posted by: cloud | December 4, 2011, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
People who find this the most important issue to make such a fuss over are probably people who shouldn’t be parents. There are too many not-too-bright people parenting the next generation of sadly uninformed and ill prepared children who prefer fantasy and fairy tale to embracing TRUTH.
Yes, figures it’s a Fox affilliate – they more then any other network are devoted to institutionalized ignorance among the population. They like keeping dumb alive – makes it easier to manipulate the audience.
If you’re bent out of shape over this…you’re probably not grown up enough yourself to be a parent!
Posted by: Julie | December 4, 2011, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm
When kids eventually tell our son there is “no Santa” I will just explain the life of Saint Nicholas and how he went around giving gifts to children in need and that we take on the role of playing St Nick. by surprising them on Christmas morning with presents. This is not lying to our children this is the truth.
There is Santa in everyone and that good is in all people. All those that look at a Santa as a negative thing you need to let joy into your hearts. Having pretend play and teaching our child the joy of giving to others is not a bad thing. So I will gladly have the conversation with our son when the time comes. But in our house Santa is real. Santa is Mommy and Daddy when he asks. The spirit of St Nicholas is in everyone and the lesson of giving to others especially those who have less than we have is a far to valuable lesson to dismiss. I feel sad for all those children (and adults) who are not allowed to believe in the spirit if Santa and the history of Saint Nick. I believe!!!
Posted by: Stephanie | December 5, 2011, 8:43 am 8:43 am
Also believing in Santa takes nothing away from celebrating Jesus’ birth. It doesn’t have to be either or.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 5, 2011, 8:44 am 8:44 am
Tehn it’s all OK if I tell all of OUR kids that Jesus is a myth and god does not exist? Or that atheists will burn in hell? Keep your debates and arguments with parents and leave kids out of it.
Posted by: fed up | December 5, 2011, 8:54 pm 8:54 pm
Typical of most idiots in this country. It isn’t for that news anchor or a teacher or anybody else to spoil something for a child. It is what the parent should do when they feel it is time.
Goodness, let children be children with their fantasies and magic. Let little girls be a princess. Let a boy be a pirate. Let children believe in Santa when they are little.
It isn’t up to anybody saying when a child should be in bed and there is no reason a parent with a child up after nine needs to be ashamed.
I am glad she had to apologize but she should have thought before she spoke.
Posted by: Joe Vodifay | December 8, 2011, 9:42 am 9:42 am
As far as debunking the myth of Santa Claus, it is not about saying a man named St. Nicholas never existed who was kind to children and gave gifts to them. It is about debunking that a fat man in a red suit flies through the sky on a sleigh led by flying reindeer, who lands on people’s roofs to climb down their chimneys and give kids any and everything they want for Christmas.
When kids are old enough to understand simple concepts, they need to learn that getting presents is not primarily what Christmas is about. Yes, it’s ok for them to get gifts and to give (Christmas is a good time for kids to learn about giving also, not just getting). However, kids should learn what the getting and giving, or the celebration is really all about, that God gave us the greatest gift of all — His Son Jesus, because He wishes to see no one perish.
So celebrate Christmas with or without children, it’s a wonderful time of year. But celebrate it based on truth, the truth of the miracle of Jesus. Not about a flying Santa Claus and flying reindeer.
Posted by: Debbie | December 8, 2011, 9:56 am 9:56 am
I would agree with robin if she was a christian or not. Why tell your children lies. The media has transformed the day of celebrating the birth of jesus to a money making venture. Robin statement made her channel mad because 1. Santa is accepted in our culture. 2.) that will hinder the business aspect of christmas. christmas isn’t about gifts. The 3 wise men brought gifts to jesus manger. that doesn’t mean to make up a stupid story of a fat man in a red suit is going to give you exactly what you want for free with magical powers. Nothing in this world is free except for the love of Jesus.
Posted by: daniel | December 11, 2011, 4:07 pm 4:07 pm
She’s a mean jerk and so are you all. My kids, my lie, my choice not hers!
Posted by: Melissa | December 11, 2011, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm
let kids b kids cause they dont get to b very long ….and give kids some credit they arent stupid …they will figure it out on thier own…..and i have 4 kids… my oldest 2 when they were younger did and they thanked me for not ruining the holidays for them …it gave them some good memories …and its not up to news anchors or presidents or anyone to explain things like this to them let the parents ..and i wonder if anyones ever told that anchor sometimes u just need to shut up…you are not our childrens parent we are so keep your nose where it doesnt belong…we will decide how we raise our children not anyone else …
Posted by: teresa | December 12, 2011, 10:51 am 10:51 am
I am father of one, I have always believed in Santa especially since I was 7, I came from a home of little money and Santa showed up at my door bearing gifts. Even if he does not exist in person. The idea of sharing and caring still needs a figurehead.
Posted by: Paul | December 21, 2011, 4:15 pm 4:15 pm
This is the twilight zone… a news anchor gets in trouble… for telling the truth??
What kind of messed-up society do we live in?
Posted by: David F. Skoll | January 15, 2012, 11:52 am 11:52 am
How fascist of Fox News to have to censor the truth. What retailer or cyclical, consumer discretionary corporation(s) called the station to prevent the slowing of future sales?
Fox: stop pushing religion as the only way to celebrate time with family!
Posted by: Juan | February 9, 2012, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm