What to Say when Your Child Asks If Santa is Real

"Is Santa real?" If you have offspring, you will one day be faced with this question. How old will your child be, you ask? Well, there is no specific age when a child will begin to wonder about Santa and it's hard to tell when they will stop believing, but it will happen. Chances are somewhere between the ages of seven and ten you will have a conversation that may bring you both to tears. If you are prepared and know how to handle the situation, however, your child will still believe in the magic and spirit of Christmas just in a different way.

What are the signs that my child is questioning his/her belief in Santa?

Questions are one of the first signs that your child is beginning to wonder. Last year, at age six and a half, my son began to ask questions such as, "How does Santa fit down the chimney?" and "Do reindeer really fly?" I had decided that I was going to lie as little as possible, so instead of answering I would ask him what he thought. Basically, he answered his own questions and I could tell that he still believed when he said, "Of course reindeer fly, how else would Santa get around!" This year, however, his questions are more detailed and some are left unanswered like, "You've seen the top of the roof, Mom, it's sealed up there, how does he get in?" I just shrug my shoulders knowing that it won't be long until he is in on the big secret.

Older siblings and friends may spill the beans before your child is ready. Chances are that if your child has older brothers or sisters or teammates, they may be told that Santa isn't real. You must decide at that point if you will keep the mystery alive by enhancing the story, or tell them the whole truth. I have decided that if my son flat out asks me if Santa is real, I will tell him the truth. If your child is young enough, then you may be able to dismiss it by saying, "I bet Santa won't be bringing ____ toys this year since they are making things up about him!"

Finding hidden presents or catching you in the act of being Santa could blow the whole thing. If your children snoop around the house then you need to make sure that you have great hiding places for the gifts. Read my article about places to hide presents from your sneaky children. If your children see a gift you bought, you need to tell them it is from you and then give them other things from Santa. If they catch you putting the gifts under the tree, just let them know that you are Santa's helpers, that he left them on the porch or dropped them off fast because he was so busy.

What do you say when your child asks you if Santa is real?

If your child has been questioning for some time or if a specific event brings them to the conclusion that Santa cannot be real, then you will have to help them understand that knowing the secret of Santa doesn't change the meaning of Christmas. Here are some ways you can explain Santa to them.

Santa Claus was a real person. My son is very logical and therefore I will take the logical approach with him. Explain to your children that Santa Claus was a real person in Turkey known as St. Nicholas that gave gifts to the poor. Over the years he has been given different names around the world and in the United States we know him as Santa Claus. There are books and on line information available that explain the history behind St. Nicholas and this may something to have on hand when your child asks you about Santa. When they understand that he was a real person, then it may be easier for them to take the news.

The magic and spirit of Christmas is in our hearts. Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and giving gifts is part of that tradition. You may believe in the birth of Jesus and if so, you can explain that to you this is the true meaning of Christmas and we give gifts to show how much we care about others. Giving gifts is an expression of our love for family and friends and because St. Nicholas did this so long ago, we are carrying on his example.

Let your child be a part of the Santa secret. If your child has younger siblings, then explain to them that it is important not to spoil it for younger kids. Include them in some of the special things you do so they feel a part of the mystery. Help them understand that Santa is real until you are old enough to learn the secret of Santa and it is important to help others believe.

Most of all, be sensitive to your child's feelings. If they need some time to process it all or don't want to talk right away, then give them some space and let them decide. They may not want to stop believing just yet!