Priest forced to apologise for telling children that Santa is not real

An English vicar has found himself at the centre of controversy after allegedly shattering the Christmas spirit for a class of Year Six students by claiming that Santa Claus does not exist, and that it is their parents who place presents under the tree.

Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain, who was invited to speak to Year Six pupils at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School in Hampshire, England, was expected to deliver a talk about the birth of Jesus.

However, the discussion took an unexpected turn when he began addressing the existence of Santa Claus. According to reports, he told the children that Father Christmas was not real and explained that their parents were responsible for buying the presents and eating the cookies left out for Santa.

The revelation reportedly left many of the 10- and 11-year-old pupils shocked and distressed. Several students are said to have burst into tears, later recounting the incident to their parents, who were understandably upset by the vicar’s remarks.

Following the backlash, Rev Dr Chamberlain has issued an apology to the children, their families, and the school. In his statement, he acknowledged the upset caused by his comments and expressed regret for straying from the intended subject of his talk.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with some parents and community members criticising the vicar for overstepping his role and spoiling a cherished childhood tradition. Others, however, have defended him, arguing that children eventually learn the truth about Santa and that the focus should remain on the true meaning of Christmas.

Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School has reassured parents that steps have been taken to address the matter and ensure that future guest speakers adhere to their brief. Meanwhile, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required when discussing topics that hold deep emotional significance for children.

 “You’re all year six, now let’s be real, Santa isn’t real,” Chamberlain said to the class, most of whom were ages 10 and 11.

“After talking about the Nativity story from the Bible, he made some comments about the existence of Father Christmas,” a spokesperson for the Diocese of Portsmouth told Mail Online.  “Paul has accepted that this was an error of judgment and he should not have done so. He apologized unreservedly to the school, to the parents and the children and the headteacher immediately wrote to all parents to explain this.”

Some parents described the vicar’s actions as ‘wrong’ or even ‘disgusting’. Others remarked that they would now have to “push as much magic as possible” this holiday season to help their children recover from the experience.

It is perhaps ironic that a man of faith chose to question the existence of Santa Claus in front of children, especially given the debates surrounding evidence—or the lack thereof—supporting his own religious beliefs.

Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School has reassured parents that steps have been taken to address the matter and ensure that future guest speakers adhere to their brief. Meanwhile, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required when discussing topics that hold deep emotional significance for children.

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