I posted this funny Someecard over on the Facebook Page and it got me thinking! When is the right time to tell your kids that Santa Claus is a mythical figure? Is there ever a right time?
After thinking about it for a bit, I don’t know that there is a “right age” to tell your kids about Santa Claus. My view is that it’s something that they will eventually discover on their own. But while you can, cherish it! There is nothing more precious than seeing your kid’s eyes light up on Christmas morning because Santa has magically delivered a huge surprise!
I’ve heard a few different views on the subject though. One being that the parents want the kids to know that those gifts come from them. My stance on that is that if there is a concern with that then make the Santa gift smaller! Make the gifts from Mom and Dad the big present.
Or, another view on the matter is that the parents don’t want the kids to find out in school. From other kids. Definitely a point to consider. I think it all depends on your relationship with your kids though.
As I type I really don’t think there is a right or wrong way to go about it. Keeping the magic of Christmas there as long as possible is worth it to me though!
What are your thoughts on this?
I say let them believe as long as they will. I don’t think there is a certain age where you should tell your children that these things are not really real. I know that there will be a time where kids no longer believe. I say wait until they come to you, and say they no longer believe. What does it hurt for them to believe in these things? I am in no hurry for my children to no longer believe….I want them to stay innocent as long as possible.
While we don’t put all the focus of Christmas on the presents, we celebrate what (for us) is the true meaning of Christmas and being with family. So, while we don’t focus too much on “Santa” as the guy in the red suit who delivers presents Christmas Eve we do “Santa” as the spirit of the season. My oldest is 9 and while she knows there isn’t someone riding around with reindeer delivering presents, she will tell you she still believes in Santa because she believes in the spirit of Santa and the magic of the season. It hasn’t made the holidays or Christmas Eve night or Christmas morning any less magical for us, but its what we thought worked best for us.. focusing on the reason for the season, then the magic of the holidays… while allowing the kids to believe as little or as much as they want to in the guy in the red suit. So far my son is the only one who has really been into that “Santa”. And we let him, last year he asked if Santa really delivered presents, he was old enough for us to talk to and he wasn’t upset or disappointment or let down. He basically said “okay” and went on his way. They still get one “Santa” gift. Sometimes it is from mom & dad, often it is something that a friend or family member gave to us to give them (given to us as the “Santa” gift).
We aren’t planning to do “Santa” at all with our daughter. She will get gifts on St. Nicholas Day instead.