Vicar Apologizes for Telling Schoolchildren Santa Isn’t Real

Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain admitted to an error in judgment after upsetting pupils and parents during a religious education lesson in Hampshire.

Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain told Year 6 students at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School that Santa Claus is not real, prompting tears and complaints from parents.
The vicar explained that parents, not Santa, are responsible for buying presents and eating the cookies left out on Christmas Eve.
Parents expressed frustration, with some stating the incident had 'ruined Christmas' for their children and forced them to reveal the truth about Santa.
The Diocese of Portsmouth and the school issued apologies, with the vicar acknowledging his remarks as an error of judgment and writing directly to parents and pupils to express regret.
The school took steps to restore festive spirit by distributing 'believe' badges and affirming the validity of all Christmas traditions and family beliefs.