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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Posted by EatingMyVeggies
^ bargainmama - I meant that I agreed with your feelings on your first statement. It sounds weird but I know what you mean.
Ahh okay, brain is a little slower lately 
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Posted 12/4/14 7:14 AM  |
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Xelindrya
Mommy's little YouTube Star!
Member since 8/05 14470 total posts
Name:
Veronica
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Posted by drpepper318
Posted by DaniRella
My parents never lied to me about Santa.
Santa was that guy - we took pics at the mall, he was part of a symbol of Christmas, like the tree and the decorations. But he's not a real person with a social security number. He's a character just like Tigger or Chip and Dale.
My gifts were always "To: Danielle - Merry Christmas! Love, Mom & Dad"
I knew my father was the one who worked to earn the money to buy me that jacket, or toy, or whatever.
I'm thinking of going about it this way actually... my DS is only 1 and doesn't understand Christmas much less Santa... but I remember being really annoyed with my mom when I found out that Santa wasn't real but she was trying to keep up the charade as were my brothers (I was the youngest by a lot) & also it was a huge let down, Christmas was never the same after that once I realized the truth. I think I might just spare him that by telling him from the get go about it as a symbol or character instead of reality. Not sure yet because I have no experience with this.
I always did this but again, school twisted her into believing again. I have a different tact now that would not be welcome here. But it compares Santa to other 'believed in' ideas like Easter bunny, Jack in Halloween, etc. If they aren't real (the full list) how can Santa be? I will have to grow that seed a little more this year.
I hate school influences.
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| Posted 12/4/14 12:43 PM |
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maybebaby
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 6870 total posts
Name:
Maureen
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Posted by Xelindrya
Posted by drpepper318
Posted by DaniRella
My parents never lied to me about Santa.
Santa was that guy - we took pics at the mall, he was part of a symbol of Christmas, like the tree and the decorations. But he's not a real person with a social security number. He's a character just like Tigger or Chip and Dale.
My gifts were always "To: Danielle - Merry Christmas! Love, Mom & Dad"
I knew my father was the one who worked to earn the money to buy me that jacket, or toy, or whatever.
I'm thinking of going about it this way actually... my DS is only 1 and doesn't understand Christmas much less Santa... but I remember being really annoyed with my mom when I found out that Santa wasn't real but she was trying to keep up the charade as were my brothers (I was the youngest by a lot) & also it was a huge let down, Christmas was never the same after that once I realized the truth. I think I might just spare him that by telling him from the get go about it as a symbol or character instead of reality. Not sure yet because I have no experience with this.
I always did this but again, school twisted her into believing again. I have a different tact now that would not be welcome here. But it compares Santa to other 'believed in' ideas like Easter bunny, Jack in Halloween, etc. If they aren't real (the full list) how can Santa be? I will have to grow that seed a little more this year.
I hate school influences.
Did your parents tell you it was all fake from the beginning? Just curious.
I would think with the majority of small children believing in Santa it would be impossible to expect anything different, no?
Also..what is the harm in letting her believe? She is 5. All her friends are excited about santa so it makes her excited too. Why not let her go with it, and down the road when she asks you again, say he isn't real just like you told her a while back. I doubt it will have much impact on her. No?
Message edited 12/4/2014 1:13:08 PM.
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| Posted 12/4/14 1:11 PM |
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beachgirl
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 7967 total posts
Name:
sara
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
I am taking Santa and all his magic to the grave with me 
My DD is in 3rd grade and believes 100%...I expect to get some questions next year and my first plan of attack is to field them ...if she persists and has any concrete evidence to prove that santa is not real then I might tell her truth but she will have to have hard evidence for me to give it up. She will also have to be sworn to secrecy so as not to break the magic for DS.
I think its harmless fun and the excitement that my kids feel at this time of the year over Santa coming is priceless to me.
I was speaking to my Dad this morning and told him that I can still feel the excitement of christmas as a child and yes I believed probably until I was about 10 or so and I never felt betrayed by my parents for "lying" to me.
Long may the magic continue - there is enough hardship in today's world so spread some cheer.
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| Posted 12/4/14 1:15 PM |
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maybebaby
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 6870 total posts
Name:
Maureen
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Posted by beachgirl
I am taking Santa and all his magic to the grave with me
My DD is in 3rd grade and believes 100%...I expect to get some questions next year and my first plan of attack is to field them ...if she persists and has any concrete evidence to prove that santa is not real then I might tell her truth but she will have to have hard evidence for me to give it up. She will also have to be sworn to secrecy so as not to break the magic for DS.
I think its harmless fun and the excitement that my kids feel at this time of the year over Santa coming is priceless to me.
I was speaking to my Dad this morning and told him that I can still feel the excitement of christmas as a child and yes I believed probably until I was about 10 or so and I never felt betrayed by my parents for "lying" to me.
Long may the magic continue - there is enough hardship in today's world so spread some cheer.
I love this. 
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| Posted 12/4/14 1:19 PM |
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oneday
<3
Member since 5/05 4319 total posts
Name:
Pam
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
So interesting all the responses here.
I was just having this conversation with a co-worker the other day. We were talking about Elf on the Shelf and she said she was having bad enough feeling "lying" to her son about Santa that she didn't want to lie to him about that too (I get it - I sometimes wonder if getting involved with the elf was a mistake )
But, I honestly don't understand the "how mad a child will be" when they find out the truth and that their parents lied to them for all those years. I don't remember "finding out" he wasn't real. I don't really remember a time I did or didn't believe. But Christmas was magical - I remember that! My parents tell me that when my brother and I were fairly young, they overheard me ask him "There isn't really a Santa, is there?" and he said "No, but don't tell Mommy and Daddy because they would be sad."
And I distinctly remember in third grade, my teacher who was a million years old and crotchety (and, as it happened, Jewish) saying to the entire class "You all know there really isn't a Santa anyway, right?"
I remember feeling annoyed about it - not because I had still believed, but because I felt like it wasn't nice of her to try and ruin the magic.
I also had two girls in my class growing up who were Jehovah's Witnesses - and they took every opportunity to share with everyone there was no Santa.
But, even if I had believed and suddenly found out that he didn't exist, I can't imagine being mad. I mean it's all about the magic of the season. And I think I'd have then just been so grateful that my parents had given us so many awesome presents throughout the years.
My co-worker said she was pissed when she found out (her older sister told her) but, honestly, I don't get it. I'd be mad at the sister for ruining it, but not my parents for making Christmas awesome!!
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| Posted 12/4/14 1:43 PM |
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mosh913
baby boy coming spring '11
Member since 5/05 3133 total posts
Name:
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
I will be devastated when my kids don't believe anymore. It's just so magical. I cried the first time I watched the polar express with my dd when she was 2. She is now 7 in second grade and I know we don't have many magical Christmases left. I don't even want to think about it! I guess it will be the end if innocence!
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| Posted 12/4/14 8:55 PM |
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curley999
Family!
Member since 5/05 2314 total posts
Name:
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Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Santa is the magic of Christmas and it is sad when they stop believing. Last year DD1 was almost 9 and had major doubts but still believed because she was scared if she didn't she wouldn't get any gifts...This year she is almost 10 , in 5th grade and knows the truth, it just sort of evolved (tooth fairy, Easter bunny, Santa) and she was never mad at us for lying at all.....she still loves Christmas and doesn't ruin in for DD2 who is 7 and still happily believes. When they asked questions I don't go crazy with made up stories I just say it is the magic of santa....I found out in 4th grade from kids at school and I wasn't ever mad at my parents, just shocked they could afford all the gifts we got for Christmas......
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| Posted 12/5/14 11:41 AM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
I don't understand how Christmas suddenly isn't magical when Santa isn't real.
Nothing changed growing up when Santa wasn't real.
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| Posted 12/5/14 11:57 AM |
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maybebaby
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 6870 total posts
Name:
Maureen
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Posted by alli3131
I don't understand how Christmas suddenly isn't magical when Santa isn't real.
Nothing changed growing up when Santa wasn't real.
For me, I definitely felt like it lost its magic a bit...
Now, I get to see my little ones wait for Santa and it's awesome. For me Santa definitely makes the season a bit more magical!!
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| Posted 12/5/14 12:11 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Posted by maybebaby
Posted by alli3131
I don't understand how Christmas suddenly isn't magical when Santa isn't real.
Nothing changed growing up when Santa wasn't real.
For me, I definitely felt like it lost its magic a bit...
Now, I get to see my little ones wait for Santa and it's awesome. For me Santa definitely makes the season a bit more magical!!
This!! Except my DS is 2 and doesn't quite understand yet but I can't wait when he does!
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| Posted 12/5/14 12:27 PM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
My DS started questioning us last year at 7, but I got him back on board. This year, a few weeks ago, he came right up to me and DH and said "I know Santa isn't real. Just tell me the truth." So I said, " you want the truth. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus" He wasn't mad at all. But I warned him that the day get ruins it for his brother is the day Santa doesn't bring him gifts any more. 
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| Posted 12/5/14 12:39 PM |
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Posted by maybebaby
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by BriBri2u
Posted by Sparrow
I'll let my kids believe as long as they want. If they make it to middle school and still don't know then I'd tell them but I doubt that would happen.
I'm just curious why some people don't want their kids believing in Santa? It seems like a harmless and magical part of childhood. Just wondering if there's something I'm missing (aside from religious reasons, which I get).
That's what I was wondering. If you celebrate Christmas isn't that part of the holiday fun? Especially with little ones...you literally see their eyes light up when they understand the entire Santa Claus part. Its by far my favorite part of the holiday, watching my DS believe.
ITA!! I think them believing in Santa is the most magical part of the holiday. I can't explain it but it just makes me so happy to see the wonderment in my kids eyes and the anticipation of his arrival. It's so special, I want that to continue for as long as possible. There is nothing wrong with a little "magic" in childhood, they have the rest of their lives to not believe in anything. But Santa, aaahhh, such a special part of being a kid.
Cute story. My DD (she's 6) knows Santa hears and sees everything. One day I heard her randomly calling out things she wanted, I kept hearing "Frozen doll. Zoomer Puppy. Books." etc. I asked what she was doing and she said she was telling Santa her list and because he's always paying attention he will hear her wishes. She talks to Santa a lot out loud, it's adorable that she thinks he can hear her. The whole thing was really cute, it makes me sad to think one day she won't believe...........I will miss it when it's gone.
OMG I agree 100%!! I actually feel sad when I think of them no longer believing. It's one of the best parts of childhood!!
I had a friend say that she just never wanted to lie to her kids, so they knew he wasn't real from the start. Not gonna lie..kinda broke my heart, lol.
I was 9 when I no longer believed. And I never felt I was "lied to" by my parents. I actually handled it well, and I helped keep the magic going for my 5 younger siblings.
I will tell the truth when Johnnys asks me but for now, no reason.
ITA!
I want my kids to believe in magic and all the wonder and excitement that comes with it. There is enough time for reality when they get older.
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| Posted 12/5/14 5:32 PM |
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TyReseGreen
Lil Prince is here
Member since 8/11 6338 total posts
Name:
Theresa
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Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
I figured it out by the time I was 7. I don't have a chimney in my house so my DS figured it out when he said "Santa can't come to our house because we have no chimney". I explained that he comes through the front door. DS said "no he doesn't;he doesn't have a key". I tried to clean it up and explain we gave him one,but he was so quick to say "it's ok I know the truth (his friend in school told him) I don't have to fib anymore".
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| Posted 12/6/14 3:32 AM |
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limomof2
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/13 845 total posts
Name:
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
My 6 & 9 yr olds are still on the Santa train and I couldn't be happier. Christmas will not be the same when they don't believe so I dread the day .
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| Posted 12/6/14 12:28 PM |
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luvmyReese
Hello Kitty
Member since 1/08 7542 total posts
Name:
Catt
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Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
My son believed untill he was 12.
My daughter who is 7 believes.
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| Posted 12/6/14 11:12 PM |
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LiveItUp
Love my babies!
Member since 8/11 4096 total posts
Name:
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Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
Dd is 2, and this will be the first Christmas that she kind of understands Santa. And I'm so excited watching her get excited. It makes me kind if sad to think that we probably only will have 5 or so more Christmases like this before she finds out the truth. Yes, she will still be excited to get presents after she finds out there's not really a Santa, but the magic will be gone, because then it's just a matter of asking me and dh for the gifts she wants. Its so much more fun to think that she really earned her presents from Santa by being good, and to get excited when she sees Santa read her wish list.
I found out about Santa when I was 8, and it wasn't even another kid that told me. I was at a birthday party and the mom hosting made a joke to another mom right jn front of me about Santa not being real. Then I asked my mom at home and she told me the truth. I guess she didn't feel comfortable lying when asked directly if Santa was real. I would probably do the same thing when my dd asks me someday about Santa. I don't like to lie either and I don't want to try to keep up the lie after she obviously knows the truth. But until then, why not let her have fun and get excited about Santa? In my opinion, its the same thing as bringing your kids to Disney world to meet the characters. You know they're not really Cinderella, Mickey, etc, but you let your kids believe that if they want to, because it makes them happy. Eventually they'll figure it out that that was just a regular person in a costume, but I've never heard of anyone hating their parents forever for letting them think it was the real thing.
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| Posted 12/7/14 7:14 AM |
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Pray4Baby2010
<3 Cutest Giants Fan
Member since 10/09 5796 total posts
Name:
MB
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Re: Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
I loved loved Christmas as a kid because of the magic of Santa- I even remember being in 3rd grade, waking up in the middle of the night and thinking that I saw him on my neighbor's roof. I was committed.
After I found out, christmas was still special- not in the same way- but I appreciated all my parents went through to let me enjoy the magic.
Now being on the other side of it as a parent, we are continuing with the Santa tradition and he is loving it. I don't feel like I am lying to him though- just helping him live the magic
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| Posted 12/9/14 1:45 PM |
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MichLiz213
Life is Good!
Member since 7/07 7979 total posts
Name:
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Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
I've posted before about having a brother with Autism (he's high functioning).
He believed until Middle School. Like full on 100% believed.
The therapists told my mom, "You have to tell him." Just because this was before Autism was so integrated and he already had trouble fitting in with his peers.
So she explained how Santa is about the magic of giving during the holidays and now it was his turn. They went to the mall, took one of the Salvation Army angels off the tree, and my brother picked out presents for a child in need.
I plan to do this for DS when it's apparent that he no longer believes.
Message edited 12/9/2014 5:45:47 PM.
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| Posted 12/9/14 5:44 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Santa- At what age do you tell DC the truth?
My daughter is in the second grade and still believes. The kids at school though are talking because she asked me what happens to the kids who do not believe in Santa. What I told her was that we should always believe in the magic of Santa and those that believe get presents from Santa and those that don't get presents from their parents/family.
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| Posted 12/9/14 6:06 PM |
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