How do you handle the Santa situation? When is a good time to tell your kids the ‘truth’? If Santa isn’t applicable to your household, what about the Tooth Fairy or any other aspect of family life that is slightly ‘magical’?
So far, my eight year old is still solidly into believing. He has this easy joy about the holiday season and questions Santa and the likes very little. My ten-year old is incredibly skeptical. He is probably 99% sure that Santa doesn’t exist. Then a tree decorated by elves appears overnight in his bedroom making him think holiday magic is still possible. I’m secretly glad he is holding out, even if it’s just a tiny bit. Although it’s possible he is hanging on because he doesn’t want to lose his present from Santa. Besides being a skeptic, he’s also a smart one.
I found out about Santa when I was in first grade. I had a classmate tell me and no matter how hard I tried to believe, it never again held the same magic. I wish I could have believed a little longer. Having that anticipation of Santa’s arrival was so exciting. Me and my sister sneaking out of bed to peek through the curtains hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh and Rudolph’s shiny nose. Leaving out the milk and cookies with my Mom’s assurance that even though we didn’t have a fire-place, Santa would always be able to find his way in. Not only would he find his way in but he would have the exact presents I had asked him for. How did he do that? I wouldn’t trade those memories for all the truth in the world.
I’ve talked to many friends and each have said that their kids find out the truth in different ways and at different ages.
If I had it my way, my kids would believe forever.
Written by Diana DeVaul, MSW and Parent
