How I Silently "Killed" Santa Claus – A Reflection on Values, Growth, and the Stories We Tell

When my daughter was little, Santa Claus was magic incarnate. He was the embodiment of wonder, generosity, and joy. Each December, her sparkling eyes and the excitement of writing letters to the North Pole filled our home with warmth.

But as she grew older, the cracks in the story began to show. A forgotten wrapping paper here, a suspiciously familiar handwriting there. She never asked, “Is Santa real?”—and I never confessed. I let the myth fade quietly, without confrontation or grand revelations. Santa Claus simply disappeared into the quiet corners of childhood, replaced by her evolving understanding of the world.

I sometimes wonder if she noticed when I "killed" Santa Claus in silence. Did she mourn him, or was she ready to let go? And then it hit me: the story of Santa was never about truth—it was about values.

The Power of Values

The beauty of Santa wasn’t in his reality but in what he represented: kindness, hope, and the belief that magic exists when we act with love and generosity. As a parent, my job wasn’t to sustain the illusion forever but to ensure those values stayed alive long after the myth had faded.

This silent transition parallels so much of what we experience in life and work. In our careers, too, we inherit stories—about success, leadership, or innovation—that we later discover are myths. As we grow, it’s not the stories that matter but the values behind them.

The Profound Lessons of Transition

In leadership, like parenting, the most profound moments often happen in silence. The way we let go of old ideas, adjust to changing realities, and redefine what matters can shape the values of those we guide.

• Kindness and Generosity: The way we support and uplift our teams can spark magic that lasts longer than any project or KPI.
• Adaptability: Knowing when to let go of outdated practices, even beloved ones, is a skill that drives growth.
• Authenticity: It’s okay to admit that not everything we once believed is true—as long as we stay true to the values we want to preserve.

Keeping the "Magic" Alive

Santa may no longer deliver presents in our home, but the values he stood for remain. In my work, I strive to keep that same sense of wonder and possibility alive—not by perpetuating myths, but by nurturing the values that inspire trust, growth, and excellence.

The truth is, we all have our "Santa Claus" moments, when we realize that what once guided us is no longer the story we need. The real magic lies in ensuring the values endure, whether in family, friendships, or professional life.

So here’s my invitation to you: reflect on the stories you’ve outgrown and the values that have stayed. Are you still nurturing them? Are you bringing the "magic" to your work and the people around you?

This holiday season, let’s not mourn the myths but celebrate the enduring power of the values they taught us. After all, isn’t that the greatest gift of all? ???

#Values #Growth #Leadership #HolidayReflections