The Whole Santa Thing - What You Should Say to Your Kids

Most of us are aware of that famous letter written years ago now known as "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." But when it comes time to answer that question from our own kids we often find ourselves speechless.

I see the whole Santa thing as a joy and there is nothing wrong with Santa. (As Christians we also celebrate the TRUE meaning of Christmas with church, a birthday cake for Jesus, music and other stuff to remember the real reason.)

When the time comes first talk to your spouse about how you want to handle this. Also look deep inside and see how you handle it. My husband & I both BELIEVED in & DID Santa stuff till we moved out of the house. My husband was told "If you don't believe in Santa then He just won't come."

So figure out first how and why you want to handle things. I suggest doing this BEFORE your kids ask!

When I was about 16 my little cousin who was around 8 asked me about the TRUTH & what I told her was the same thing I told my 12yr old a few years ago. We did tell her it was Mommy & Daddy, but we also told her this . .

Yes, Mommy & Daddy to set out the Christmas presents from Santa. But there really was a REAL Santa years ago.

(GO here for the true story to share - http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38 )

Mommy & Daddy wanted you to have a special childhood like Daddy & I did. When we were little we had Santa come to our house and that created a bunch of special childhood memories that is what wanted you to have.

Now, is Santa real? Do you believe in God? You can't see Him or touch him but you know He is there. Do you believe that there use to be an Elvis? (Kids may know about him. Mine do and so did my cousin) How? Did you ever see Elvis in person? You see people dressed like him all the time right?

Well, people dress up in memory of other people to honor and remember them. Is that wrong? No, we enjoy the memory of these special people. Just like how at Christmas time you see a man at the mall dressed up as Santa. Doesn't he make you smile?

Look at this picture.(Show your child a photo of Santa)How does this make you feel? It makes you feel happy doesn't it? It makes you feel warm and good inside. Is that wrong?

Now depending on what you want you can go one or two ways -

1. (Tell the truth and let the kids know you set out the gifts) I'm sorry if you feel hurt that mommy & daddy left gifts for you as Santa. If you want us to stop I'll understand (what child would say YES STOP!). But we love you and wanted to share the memories we had growing up.

If you like we will stop setting out cookies and milk too. We won't hang up stocking and all that. It is up to you.

But you know what? I enjoy that. It is fun and a great tradition. When I was a child & I knew it was my parents some where deep inside I liked to pretend that it was really Santa. Plus, I remembered how there use to be a REAL Santa. I'd hear my mom hiding presents and my parents still left out toys saying they were from Santa. But, I did know it was them. That didn't stop me from enjoying Christmas & I hope it does the same for you.

2. If your kids are young or you want to keep the Santa thing alive you can tell them this -

Believing in Santa is just like believing in other things you can't see like believing in God. Or it is like remembering someone who passed away, just because they are not here doesn't mean you can't feel them or that they can't be near you right?

I'm an adult and I believe in Santa. Why? I see and feel Santa everywhere. At the mall, when I see a stocking hanging by the fire place or when I see a Christmas tree. I remember the joy that Santa brings.

It is up to you if you want to believe. (My story - I left cookies and milk out for Santa when I was 18yrs old!) I love seeing Santa and it would break my heart to know that He wasn't real because I see Him every where at Christmas time and I love the feeling he brings around this time of you.

I hope this helps some and it is up to you how you handle it.. Again my husband & his siblings were flat out told IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE YOU WON'T GET A THING FOR CHRISTMAS. A little harsh, but it worked. lol

For me I still believe in Santa at age 33. ; )