I was twelve before i bothered confronting my parents about it, but i knew the first time i met another kid who didn’t believe in him.

It’s so much fun to think he’s real, especially with siblings and cousins who do, too. Parents shouldn’t stress Santa, and keep in mind what Christmas is really about. Don’t tell stories about seeing him, or how it’s possible.
The less you lie, the more likely it is that the discovery is anuthing but traumatic.

That way it’s less like, “you lied to me” than “what a fun game.”

You grow out of it, especially when all your friends say it’s your mum and dad.

Might as well let us kids be kids, right?
Goodness knows we grow up too soon, rushed into being a grown up when, truthfully, it’s way more fun to be a kid, watching your window on Christmas eve and waking up at 5 AM to see presents from the people who love you.

:)

We subscribe to this reality for 2 reasons. One is what you stated, about Christians wanting the main focus of Christmas to be about Jesus. But secondly, we want him to appreciate what he’s given, and respect his things. They are not to be taken for granted as magically appearing, but rather that they cost money, and daddy works hard to pay for the things we have. We want him to be grateful for everything he has.

At this point, I’m not worried about him ruining Santa for other kids, as the only kids he really socializes with are all his cousins, who, belonging to both of my sisters, are taught the same principles that we grew up with. When he starts preschool next year, I will teach him to keep it a secret, out of respect for others’ views, just as me and my sisters were taught to do when we were kids. And for the record, I always loved that I had been let in on a big grown-up secret, and felt very priviledged to have that info that my peers didn’t ; )

I WISH SANTA WAS REAL

My children know that Saint Nicholas was an amazing man who blessed people, and we do stockings because we want to learn from his graciousness. How horrified would the poor man be, if he knew the legacy he now has. He was a humble man who gave everythign he had in secret, wanting to bless others because he loved his God. Think about that for a minute. How would he like our commercialized extravaganze in his honor?
We have an AWESOME book that we read “Santa, Are You For Real?” that lays it out wonderfully for small children.

Soon enough it will connect that the chicken she likes to chase on the farm and the chicken on her plate are one in the same. It will connect that Santa never really looks the same each year for the photo-op. It will connect that I don’t know everything. But if I am teaching my daughter the basics about being a good, loving and productive human being — I think she might forgive me for a few years of Santa myths.

My mom used to say – long after my brother and I gave up on Santa – that Santa lives in your heart and turns mommys and daddys in to holiday elves. She then would try to show me her pointy ears. I love her for that.

If you leave your toys out at night the toy fairy will take them. And the toy fairy knows things…. if you have toys you don’t want any more the toy fairy will take them to some kids who will love them and if you leave them out because you don’t want to take care of them then they disappear for a while until the toy fairy thinks you are responsible enough to care for them again. BUT… if you accidentally leave out your favorite toy or you get home late from Nana’s house and don’t have time to clean up your toys then sometimes the toy fairy just leaves you a note so you know he is watching but that he understands.

And, yes, the toy fairy is a he. And, yes, the toy fairy visited my house when I was little, and yes, the toy fairy is a huge blessing for parents with little houses.

I grew up believing in Santa, but not just that, the magic of the Christmas season. We were poor, but Santa always got me what I really desired in my heart. I have three kids: 11 year old boy, 9 year old boy, and a 3 year old girl.
The boys no longer believe and the oldest one has made several remarks nearly spilling the secret to the three year old. Kids are kids nad they have so much to deal with these day, why take away Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, and all of the wonderful nastalgic things from childhood. I was a grown up before the magic of the season died for me. It wasn’t many years ago. But I hope it never dies for my kids.

I think you took the death of Santa very graciously, as I have been known to pinch my DH when he misspeaks in front of the little ones. And don’t even ask what happens to my 16 year old when he gleefully tries to shake their faith!

I believed in Santa as a child, and have not faired the worse for it. And I for one, think children are not children nearly long enough, and will do everything in my power to extend that time for mine ;)