The Santa Issue - How Will You Deal With It?
Categories: Toddlers, Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Holidays
Last night, we went to look at Christmas lights with a friend and her 11-year-old son. At one point, he blurted out, "Yeah, and I don't believe in Santa!" We all held our collective breath before my friend quietly reminded her son that he was in the company of true believers -- my two young daughters.I don't think they even picked up on it ... no one has mentioned it at least. But with a near 6-year-old in the house, I know that these Christmases with no doubts are numbered. At some point, maybe even next Christmas, she's going to start putting two and two together. And then the questions will begin.
I worry about how to handle it -- do I wink and play coy? Do I explain that the magic of Christmas is in all of us? What's the best way to let them down easy when the time comes so that they come away feeling not disappointed, but with a greater appreciation of what Christmas is all about?
I can't really remember a time when I doubted Santa. It's like I went from believing to understanding overnight, but I can still feel that magic when we put out the cookies and milk every Christmas Eve. That's what I want for them.
How will you handle the Santa issue?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ame s 12-24-2008 @ 5:34PM
I told my now ten year old the truth when she was in 3rd grade. My 8 year old either believes or pretends to. The problem with my daughters is that they are intellectually gifted and there isn't much that I can push past them.
I told my older daughter, as I well tell my younger, that the man in the red suit is a symbol, He is a symbol of my wish to make Christmas a magical time for them, he is a symbol of my desire to make their childhood as happy and carefree as I can.
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bunniesnbuggies 12-25-2008 @ 12:49AM
My entire family has always "believed". I think around age 8 or so, I realized Santa's handwriting matched mom and grandmas - but I would never, ever dare suggest that to them, because I think somehow I just knew it would make THEM sad, because THEY believed so much in it as well. I am hoping to create the same love of the magic of it for my son, so that when the time comes, even though he will "know", he will still BELIEVE.
We also handle Santa gifts specially. Santa brings 3 gifts, and that is it - the rest of the gifts are from mommy and daddy. This way, in years of intense financial struggles, there is no "disappointment" (for lack of a better word) when "Santa" isn't able to deliver. It's easier to explain when mommy and daddy don't have more money to spend than to explain why the elves couldn't make something ;)
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Lorie 12-28-2008 @ 1:53PM
This year my 7-year old daughter wanted to know the truth about Santa. On the other hand, my 10-year old boy absolutely believes there is no Santa. My husband jokes around and says he believes in Santa. I told my son a few years ago that Santa was in fact somewhat of a true story but with fun added to it. The idea of Santa really came from good old Saint Nick. The story can be found here: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38.
I believe we should tell the truth; otherwise our children may begin to not believe other things we tell them that truly matter to us. My children asked why do we celebrate Christmas with Santa and I told them it was a fun way to celebrate. When I told them it began as a true story with some extra magical fun added to it, they were interested in hearing it. It was a great way to introduce them to my beliefs.
Currently I'm putting together a website with toys and activities to help parents, teachers, and relatives
Inspire children in their interests, passions, and dreams. Kids love the idea of Santa, and for those that are really into it I believe we should encourage it. We can still have fun with celebrating Christmas with Santa; just don't make it a replacement of the true story!
http://www.inspirationalhomeliving.com
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Barbara Minnici 12-28-2008 @ 9:32PM
When my children approached that doubtful time of whether or not Santa was real and started to question me I simply told them as long as they believed in Santa he will come but when you no longer believe in Santa Claus he doesn't come any more.
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acm 12-30-2008 @ 5:01PM
really, the question is whether to introduce presents from Santa at all. I feel like there are enough relatives (especially grandparents) that at most the stocking will need attribution, and really I won't push it. but, of course, there will be peers spreading the story at some point, so we'll have to see what happens...
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