How does Santa Claus manage to visit so many people in one night? Is it even real? These are questions that have arisen for many people up to a certain point in their lives, but about half of the Lithuanian population stopped believing in gift-bearers in childhood or adolescence. However, 7 percent of Lithuanian adults say they still believe in Santa Claus, according to a representative population survey commissioned by the telecommunications company Telia.
The study showed that the largest part (37%) of the Lithuanian population stopped believing in Santa Claus when they were between 5 and 10 years old. About 17 percent Santa Claus lost in adolescence, 5 percent. of the survey participants claimed that they stopped believing before the age of 5, and 2 percent - when they were already adults.
The conducted research also showed that for a considerable part of people, the loss of faith in Santa Claus was not a particularly significant life event. Almost a third of the respondents (29%) said they no longer remember when it happened. It is interesting that 5 percent those who took part in the survey said they never believed, and 7% they say they still believe in Santa Claus.
"Although the majority of Lithuanian residents stop believing in Santa Claus in childhood and adolescence, it is not only him who creates the festive spirit, but also other traditions of the most beautiful holidays of the year. Being together with family, relatives, friends - creates coziness and warmth of these holidays. Holidays are also a great time to express love not only to your significant other, but also to those around you or to your colleagues," says Justina Vaikutytė-Paškauskė, head of marketing insights at Telia.
A lot is determined by a qualitative change in thinking
According to child psychologist dr. Laurynas Rakickienė, such survey results should not be particularly surprising, as they correspond to reality. Children up to the age of six have a very characteristic magical thinking, when Santa Claus fits into their worldview, and after crossing this age, the attitude begins to change.
"From about 5-6 years of age, a qualitative change in thinking occurs, which is why children begin to ask questions dictated by concrete, logical thinking: how does Santa Claus manage to deliver so many presents in one night?" How do they all fit in the sled? How does one get into the house if we don't have a chimney?" - says the expert.
As the psychologist observes, when a child has doubts, then everything depends on those around them - whether there are helpful older persons who rush to open the eyes of the young ones, how persistently the parents themselves hide the evidence.
He advises not to talk too much
In many cases, the child directly and bluntly asks the parents if Santa Claus is there. Therefore, L. Rakickienė recommends that before answering such a question, first ask - what does the child himself think?
"If we see that the child's doubts are serious, it is not worth trying to talk him out of it. It's better to say that you can believe in Santa Claus not because he exists, but because it's more fun," she shares her thoughts.
According to the child psychologist, it is not so important that children believe in Santa Claus for as long as possible. It is much more important to create such conditions so that a person, while still young, experiences a special holiday spirit through family traditions, the comfort of home, and most of all, the time full of peace and joy spent with friends.
The KOG Institute, which conducted the study on behalf of Telia, surveyed 1010 16-64 year olds in November this year. aged Lithuanian population.
