The magic of Santa is still very real in our home. Our Elves on the Shelf have paid us yet another visit last week. Each of the kids have had fun conversations with their Elf, on what they hope Santa would bring for Christmas. If I could bottle up their holiday magic excitement, I would never let it go. As parents, our plates are overloaded with the hustle and bustle of the holiday hosting, cooking, and gifting, so its easy to forget that one day, soon, this magical stage of our children’s youth will be gone forever. We need to cherish each and every one of these special moments.
As a child, I stopped believing in Santa at a really young age. I can’t exactly remember who blew the whistle, but it was probably someone from school. I could remember speaking to my mom when I learned the truth, and she was very open and honest. As a big sister, I promised to never spoil it for my siblings. My mother recognized this, and made me feel special that I was in on it, and then responsible for keeping their magic alive.
On a number of occasions, Ryder has come home with questions about Santa. He still believes, but I know some kids spread their doubts about Saint Nick, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. He hasn’t flat out asked if it was all fake, so until that day, the big guy in a red suit still has a real address in the North Pole.
I recently discovered a new book called Love, Santa by Martha Brockenbrough, that gets into the process of telling your children the truth about Santa. Inside the beautifully illustrated book, by Lee White, a little girl writes a series of letters to Santa, inquiring about the North Pole, Mrs. Claus, and of course, Christmas goodies. Year after year, Santa writes back, and heartwarming relationship develops, until one year, the girl writes to her mother instead: Mom, are you Santa? Her mother responds and says “No, she is not Santa.” The moms note goes on to write “Because Santa is bigger than any one person — we bring him out through kindness to one another and the power of imagination.” This transformative tale spins a universal childhood experience into a story about love, giving, and the spirit of Christmas.
One quote from the book had me in tears- mom says “Santa has help from the people whose hearts he’s filled with joy. I am on his team and now you are, too. Love, Mom.” I’ve been struggling with the idea of reading this with Ryder, but for now, I think I’ll tuck this one away one more year, at least. This book is truly a gift, and one that I will use when the time comes for each of my little angels. Keep believing my friends.
**Originally posted on December 8th 2017
17 thoughts on “Talking To Your Child About Santa”
I remember when I had to talk with the kids about Santa. They handled it well. They understood that it was for those magical experiences that they had.
I haven’t had to have this conversation yet. I’m hopeful that when I do, the kids will take it well. I want them to have that magic, and I want them to understand why I gave to them when the time comes.
Aww, this is so cute! For us, I told my kids that St. Nicholas was a real man etc. and they need to believe for gifts. They also know mommy need to pay him.
My sister in law is SO excited for this Christmas because her little one is JUST getting to that magical age of Santa. I didn’t do it with my son, but it will be fun to see how they interact with the whole stockings at Christmas!
I am worried this is my oldest daughters last year believing. I haven’t been looking forward to talking to her about it, but I think these tips can make it a little easier.
I love this idea. My dad wrote me a beautiful letter that was quite similar to this book. I treasured it and it really helped me accept the answer well.
I wish this book had been around when our kids were small. It would make a great gift and keepsake for new parents though.
The artwork from that book is really special and magical. It is inevitable that the secret will be revealed but it is so much fun up until that time for the young kids to believe and wait.
My friend needs this post right now. Her daughter just figured it out and is very upset.
One of my Sons friends told him about Santa when he was 7. This book is a great idea. I will have to share this with my friends with little ones.
I love the idea of using a book like this to break the truth gently about Santa Claus. I always hated ruining the magic.
This sounds like a wonderful book to help explain about Santa. As a parent, it can be hard to find a way to explain.
Last year was my son’s last year believing. I didn’t know how to bring up the subject. I had a feeling he didn’t believe anymore.
What a sweet book … that’s a hard topic to tackle.
I am never admitting there is no Santa to my kids. But we do receive Saint Nicholas every December 6th
Oh I love this! Thank you for sharing. I really believe this may be the last year for my Isabella. I am going to buy this book now to have it when she does ask (which may be tomorrow for all I know). xo
It really is important that we prepare ourselves properly for when this happens. I am going to have to check out this book!