Many parents have done it. Threatening children with Santa as a behavioral modification tool. Most American parents think that Santa should have both a "nice" and a "naughty" list, and that those on the "naughty" list should get coal for Christmas. However, the fact of the matter is that enlisting Santa for behavioral modification alone is child abuse.
God's Law on child abuse is spelled out in Colossians 3:21 KJV:
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
The Greek root word translated "provoke...to anger" is ερεθιζο (Latin: erethizo) and refers here to offenses or damages, namely the slightest of personal offense perceived by a child. Threatening for Santa to bring coal for Christmas hurts children's feelings, and is officially an offense once defended in open court. If you have said this, tell children "I talked to Santa, and he never brings coal ever. I was wrong". Avoiding offense in children is the key to a happy Christmas season, and that starts by apologizing for hurting your child's feelings in the slightest.
Most parents plan on giving children their presents anyway. However, children can't tell the difference between a feigned threat and a real threat. I myself was made to worry about getting coal for Christmas, as I was a prideful child that always was getting into fights with adults. I actually had reason to believe that I would be punished by Santa for my behaviors.
No child should have to fear getting coal for Christmas. No child is "naughty" enough not to deserve presents. Children are going to shout. Children are going to cry. Children are going to pout. Santa should be forgiving to all of this, and should deliver their presents as asked.
I myself would not introduce my children to Santa. I believe that Christ should be the center of Christmastime, not Santa Claus. I myself have a small Christmas tree, and a big nativity scene that would go on my front lawn. In the Early Church, Christmas was observed on a single day, with parents and children exchanging gifts.
The depraved and entitled parents who provoke their children to anger through threatening children with Santa will not inherit the Kingdom of God! Let them descend into the abyss which is the ever-burning lake of fire and burning sulfur, prepared for Satan and his accomplices! Repent!
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