Had to have "the talk" with DS tonight....

[PRINCESS VIJA]

It was about that time.... He's in fifth grade and tells me all the kids at school call him crazy because he still believes in Santa. I have done a darn good job with the spirit of Christmas in our house and it broke my heart to have the talk with him. DH and I did it together and it was the best thing to do it together. He kind of had a clue... but still fully believed in the being of Santa. I think I could have had him believing through college... but then what? How would I explain to his DW that he would need Santa to put Christmas gifts out for him?

Kids grow up way too fast... I had tears rolling down my cheeks when we were done with the "talk". Dh had DS give me a hug... because I needed it! My guys are the best. I just hope that DD can still believe for years to come. But actually last year she was pretty adamant that we were santa (she was in kindergarten and very smart!) Hoping I can keep that innocent childhood spirit still alive!

For all of you who have little ones still.... cherish these Christmases, because before you know it, it's time for the talk....

 

[Poohnatic]

Awwww.

My 9yo is like your son, my 6yo tried to trick me a few months ago by asking me if elves were real! DH caught that one.

suzanne

 

[chell]

 

[clh2]

It's just tough when they grow up...My DD (figured it out in 3rd grade - she's now in 6th) is still humors me. She definitely believes in the magic of Christmas, but if she is coloring a picture of Santa, she'll make a comment like: "Mom - can you look at me a second...I need to know what color to use for Santa's eyes." There was no magic lost for in the discovery.

The thing we've done since she was little - Santa only brought 1 gift. So once she figured it out, she also realized that mom and dad bring everything else. And, when she did figure it out, I really emphasized the importance of why our family donates something (which she always picks out) for Toys for Tots every year. Last year - she picked out a Build-a-Bear with a pretty snazzy outfit.

 

[ADisneygirl]

It is sad when these milestones occur and let us see for a moment that our kids are growing up despite us. I don't remember the exact moment when my kids stopped believing, but I do know it was in elementary school. I guess the reason I forget is because they both continue to "believe" and play along ~ never had to actually give the talk. They just knew somehow (probably a kid at school let them in on it) and then they played along with me.

Now, at 21 and 15, they still can't wait to see what Santa brought them. If they don't believe, Santa won't come.

 

[hemispheredancer]

My almost 11 y.o. still believes. She no longer believes in the Tooth Fairy, but Santa is a different story. Every year I fear will be the last but I am glad she still believes and has her imagination.

 

[Serena]

 

[LoveWDW]

In first grade for show and tell one of the children "told." I asked my Dad and he told me calmly and frankly that Santa was just a symbol of the spirit of Christmas.

 

[DawnCt1]

Four DS's, the youngest is 18 today. We never had the talk. Santa still comes to our house.

 

[r3ngels]

slightly of the OP but what do you tell them if they ask... my oldest is in 3rd grade, I can tell she is started to put some things together in her head... I have a 6 yo and a 3 yo and I really don't want them to find out.

I was talking to DH about this... he was no help

 

[Nancy]

My oldest 2 heard about it in school and they came home and told me I had been lying to them! there is no Santa. They then proceeded to tell DD #3 that Mommy is a big liar! DD #3 wasn't even in K yet. I still tell them that I believe in Santa and if they don't they get no presents!

back when they were little I told them I didn't lie, I do think there is a Santa, Santa is the spirit of Christmas and what makes it a magical time. In a way it was nice that they stopped believing at such a young age, I could then concentrate on teaching them the real meaning of Christmas. (Christs birth)

PLUS, they then understood why we gave toys to the needy. ( why doesn't Santa give poor people toys?)

 

[wvjules]

My DD hasn't belived in the tooth fairy or santa for a couple of years but on Halloween I mentioned someting about Cinderealla not being real and she was crushed. Figure that one out. lol

 

[r3ngels]

My DD hasn't belived in the tooth fairy or santa for a couple of years but on Halloween I mentioned someting about Cinderealla not being real and she was crushed. Figure that one out. lol

My brother keeps trying to tell me that there is no Cinderella but I think he is wrong... I am with your daughter on that one

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Funny thing, I don't ever remember my parents telling me he wasn't "real". Have no clue how I figured it out, and while we were talking to my DS I was thinking years from now this moment might be the one... how did you find out about santa..... GRRRRR, I did not want to have the talk.....

 

[DawnCt1]

slightly of the OP but what do you tell them if they ask... my oldest is in 3rd grade, I can tell she is started to put some things together in her head... I have a 6 yo and a 3 yo and I really don't want them to find out.

I was talking to DH about this... he was no help

Kids never ask about Santa until its obvious that Christmas is coming. In other words, it doesn't come up that often in July. I would tell them it isn't a good idea to be asking if Santa is real or not because Elves hide everywhere and if you "don't believe in Santa, he won't believe in you". When they would tell me that "so and so's" parents bought him the Christmas presents, I would point out that they probably "had to" because he doesn't believe in Santa and Santa found out.

 

[TerryKitten]

Wait.... Uh.... You mean.... theres No Santa?!?!?! But.. But...

I asked my parents once if they were santa. My mom told me if I kept believing he'd still bring presents. So I believe to this day!

 

[LauraR]

Funny thing, I don't ever remember my parents telling me he wasn't "real". Have no clue how I figured it out, and while we were talking to my DS I was thinking years from now this moment might be the one... how did you find out about santa..... GRRRRR, I did not want to have the talk.....

I can totally relate. I'm still bummed because my 10 year old found the box for one of Santa's presents in DH's car (around Easter--Hellooo, clean out the car!!) I barely got him to shut up so his little brother (then 8) wouldn't find out. If that hadn't happened I think we could have gotten one more Christmas of believing...At least he's being a good sport and not ruining it for his brother, but I wish he could still have the magic, too.

 

[disneychrista]

My oldest figured it out in 3rd or 4th grade. My youngest, well I have never sat down and told her "the truth" and she has never come out and told me she knows "the truth." I do not think I will be engaging in the "Santa" routine this year. I will still have stocking filled but my kids are only getting one "major" present. And one family gift. And frankly I am tried of Santa getting all the credit for the best presents.

We skipped the "easter bunny" routine, with very little back lash, so I think we will be okay.

 

[Lil_Tink]

At first I thought you meant a different talk.


I figured out by myself....

 

[DisneyCP2002]

I was never sat down and given the talk, I just figured it out on Christmas. I still play along though for the younger members of my extended family.