The Best Lies We Believed as Children

Childhood is a time filled with boundless imagination, where we believe in the most fantastical tales—some so unbelievable yet so dear to our hearts. These beliefs, often rooted in innocence, can shape our perceptions of the world around us.

My Grandfather’s Santa Claus

One of my earliest childhood beliefs was that Santa Claus could be found in various guises. Despite being introduced to the concept of C.S. Lewis’ belief that there are multiple Santas, my grandfather still managed to instill a strange belief in me. For instance, he told me that the real Santa Claus was dressed in gold, not the red suit we usually see. I was a naive little kid, so any assurance from a family member meant it must be true. However, when I grew older and realized the truth, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory.

Mystical Gifts Under the Pillow

Another mystical concept I believed in as a child was the inclusion of candies under my pillow during Christmas. Even when I discovered that my parents were responsible for this magical transformation, I couldn’t stop hoping they would continue carrying on the tradition. As a young child, the idea of a mythical visitor leaving treats for good behavior was incredibly appealing. But my belief was tested even further when my teeth started to fall out. In my youthful ignorance, I collected these teeth in the hopes of an abundance from the tooth fairy, much to her disappointment.

Dancing in Class

One of my more mischievous beliefs was that of being expressive in class. I often misinterpreted the urge to use the restroom as a sign to dance, hoping to avoid the awkward silence that a trip to the restroom would bring. My actions often led to humorous punishments, such as the teacher’s imaginative idea of painting me black and accompanying me on a donkey ride around the school! As a young child, I thought it was the perfect way to express myself, little knowing it would get me into trouble.

The Stamp Collection Fiasco

One of my most cherished hobbies was stamp collecting. I was inspired enough to share my interest with my fellow classmates, leading to a fun exchange of stamps. However, this game of exchanging turned into a more serious situation when I decided to up the ante. Inspired by the growing demand for larger stamps, I created a massive stamp using the photo of Mahatma Gandhi, sandwiching multiple smaller stamps within it. This crafty approach was a hit, and soon all my friends were willing to trade their collections just to get a piece.

However, the plan backfired when the boy who claimed to secure the stamp came back with the back of the stamp peeled off. This discovery left me feeling deceived and scared. The fear of the ghost of Mahatma Gandhi haunted me for a while, and I was hesitant to disclose the incident to the teacher. The experience was a valuable lesson in honesty and the challenges of maintaining a child's innocent belief in the face of reality.