How to handle "THE" question?

[Becky2005]

My kids pretty much know that they are people dressed up in costumes but they still love characters!!!

The only downfall to this is that my son when he was at preschool in the 3 year old class, they had "Barney" come during their Christmas party. He loved it, however, there were a few kids that were terrified and went flying to mom/dad. My DS trying to be ever so helpful went up to them and was trying to convince them to join in by letting them know "It's OK, it's just someone dressed in a costume"...EEK!! He was trying to help them not be so scared but I kept trying to have him not say it quite so loud (so that the other kids that weren't scared wouldn't hear him!).

I think I originally told him because there was an incident where one of the kids was scared but once I told them, they were fine.

Of course, that particular son is very logical thinking, always has been. He was telling me the other day that he doesn't really believe in Santa because.... and went into all these logical discussions about why it wouldn't be physically possible and the logistics of it (he's 7!!!!!)...my then 10 year old DD pipes up going "I believe he's real" (almost with a panic in her voice but she's my fantasy girl and will always be one that will be enchanted with the magic )

 

[TSirgey]

Why are some kids so afraid of people in costume? Is this something they are born with or it a result of their environment? I was talking to a woman last weekend at a shopping mall who has an 8 year old who is still afraid of Santa. She said has has never once sat on Santa's lap. My daughter has never been afraid of anyone in costume so this is a mystery to me.