Do your kids think that Santa Claus is real? Should we tell the truth?

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My parents never let my brothers and I ever think that Santa was real. They would tell us that it was just a fun part of the given holiday (easter, xmass, tooth fairy, etc.). I never felt like i was missing anything from the given occasion.

I have 2 daughters age 8 and 9 (oldest turning 10 in december). My wife insists that they believe in santa claus (and the tooth fairy, easter bunny - etc). I haven't told them otherwise, but it's hard for me to pretend... and just today they brought me their "Santa list" and asked that I "send it to santa as soon as possible" .

So what should I do? Tell them he's not real and that it's just for fun (like my parents did)? Or let it continue and (potentially) break their hearts/trust (or not) later on in life?

Posted: December 10, 2008
By: bdilley

10 Replies

I was just talking about this with some friends about this. Today it seems that children are growing up too fast. They learn things that we didn't learn until we were older but the things they're exposed to now, is way different than what I was exposed to at their ages.

Although Santa is not real, it doesn't hurt for them to think he is. It's that child like innocence that kids are missing these days. When they get older or ask about it then you can decide what to tell them but as long as it's not hurting anything, why not let them believe he is real?

BlessedWifeAndMother | December 11, 2008 | reply

Hi,

This is Santa. As if I'm not having a hard enough time up here without this slander that goes around every year. This kind of talk really cut's into my bottom line. I just had to lay off like 12,000 elves, Rudolph's just out of rehab (you don't think he was BORN with that red nose do you?) and I don't need him falling off the wagon again...I mean the sleigh...with this kind of news.

Remember, I know where you live. So please stop with the doubting or I'll show up this year and show you just how jolly I can be.

PEACE!

Santa, Out!

SantaClaus | December 11, 2008 | reply

hi there i want a dog for christmas santa and u are real to me in my heart and every this goes to u too and who doesn't want to know santa u can come talk to me!!!! santa is real!!!

Miley | February 6, 2010 | reply

Hi there, My nmae is miley and i think santa is real and plz santa just come to my house for christmas and i am a good girl in real life!!! I love you santa and go santa oh i forgot something santa i want a dog for me and i want to see u!! bye santa!!!

Miley | February 6, 2010 | reply

Santa,

You think you're so cool and tough talking all that smack. Maybe if you didn't sport an unbelievably hideous coat and hat, people would actually think you're real.

And are you still hauling all those toys in that crappy sack? One word - TUMI. I know times are tough, but get that crap used at eBay son. Ask me to make Christmas come twice a year or something, jeevs, this is embarrasing.

So stop making veiled threats and acting un-Santa-ly, because you KNOW I know where you live so you better watch out, and you better not cry, or I'm gonna smack you down like I did back in that little southern Colorado town in front of all those kids.

-Jesus

Jesus | December 12, 2008 | reply

There is far too much reality in the world these days. Santa IS real for any kid who believes! Why take this away from them?

joeb | December 11, 2008 | reply

He's not real?!

JK.

Absolutely do NOT tell them the truth until next summer. The holiday time has hightened their Christmas sensitivity and their feeling of joy and happiness. Telling them now will likely send them into a sub-conconscious depression as they try to understand this feeling of emptiness when they should be having this warm anxious "waiting for Santa to read my list" feeling.

James | December 11, 2008 | reply

There is no harm in pretending that there is a Santa Claus, but I think the children should always know that it is just pretend. When they find out that Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, and the Easter bunny is a myth, they will likely question other figures that you have presented as real. My advice to you would be to talk to your wife and let her know exactly how you feel. If you feel like you are lying to your children then that is unacceptable. You and your wife should sit down with your children and explain everything to them. How it is all just pretend and reassure them of the things that aren't pretend. Santa Claus not real..... Jesus real.... and so forth. It may also help to tell them the story of the real Santa Claus (St. Nick).

unworthychild | December 11, 2008 | reply

You can still pretend, as we did enjoying the 'fun part of Santa' but the main focus should be Jesus' birthday. That's my suggestion for my grandaughters. (This reply is from bdilley's mom) ;~)

ddilley | December 11, 2008 | reply

My husband and I have recently had this conversation about our one year old. We both grew up believing in Santa but have decided not to make a big deal of Santa Clause with our chldren. We want them to know and focus on the real reason for Christmas, Jesus. Plus we want them to appreciate the gifts that we their parents have worked hard to give them. Seems like you should have settled this a long time ago. Even if you tell them the truth now it will still break their hearts. But maybe soon than later is better. Good Luck!!!

avasmommy | December 10, 2008 | reply

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