“Is There Really A Santa Claus?”

Who doesn’t remember that dreaded moment when we found out the truth about Santa Claus? It’s a part of childhood that we never forget, along with the wonder of times we did believe. Whether we like it or not, our own children will grow up too, and that day will come too soon when they’ll also have to give up that wide-eyed wonder and belief about Christmas and Santa.

So, what will you do when asked that dreaded question, “Is there really a Santa Claus?” This is one of those moments you wish would never come. You don’t want to lie to your children, but they may not be ready to let go of that wonderful part of childhood. And, for that matter, often we as parents aren’t ready to let go either!

One thing you can do, as hard as it will be, is just tell them the truth. Give them the history of Saint Nick, and the origins of the traditions associated with him. Sit down and read, “ ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”, that dates as far back as 1823. Explain that we get many of our modern ideas about Santa Claus from that poem. Go on to explain why some grownups choose to pretend to be Santa Claus to keep the tradition alive, and to make Christmas a wonderful time for children.

Too often, kids will hear the truth about Santa from an older brother or sister, cousins or school friends. They then will come to you with questions about Santa, and you need to be ready with an answer. You’ve to decide if you want them to know the truth yet, or wait awhile. Be prepared for them going back and telling the others they are wrong, if you let them keep believing. And, these kids can turn around and tell them that it’s you who is lying.

Another way to deal with the question is to answer their question with one of your own. Ask them, “Do you think Santa is real?” Let them work things out in their own minds – you’ll be surprised at how well they can work simple thought processes out for themselves. Children as young as four will be able to realize that reindeer can’t really fly, if you give them the chance to think about it themselves.

When an older sibling has made the transition to not believing in Santa Claus anymore, you need to decide how you’ll handle it if there are still younger siblings in the house. Make sure they understand the importance of not spoiling the wonder for their brothers or sisters yet. Kids love to feel that they are growing up, and including them in some of the traditions can help to keep them from spilling the truth to the younger ones. Let them stay up a bit later, and help to set presents out. Or, let them drink some of the milk and eat a cookie.

All children grow up at different times, so you need to be prepared at all times for when that day comes, and you hear those heart-wrenching words. It can be hard for a parent to realize that the time of wonder and belief is over, but you can always start your own, new traditions to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Teach children that what is important isn’t so much what you believe, but how you choose to live the spirit of Christmas. The joy isn’t is getting the gifts, or even having Santa to believe in – the real joy of Christmas is spending time with your family and friends, and feeling thankful for everything you have. And, Santa can live in their hearts until they have children of their own, when he will come to life again.

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