There are many different opinions on how to talk to your child about Santa. Most children will discover the truth on their own, but it is good to be prepared for their questions.
Here are a few tips…
- Be honest! If your child pretty much knows Santa isn't real, explain the magic of Christmas – that Santa isn't a person, but is instead the spirit of Christmas in everyone.
- Validate your children's feelings and talk about what Christmas means to your family. Share your personal experience of learning about Santa and how you coped with your own emotions.
- You can use a storybook to help with the process, but many people recommend focusing on family traditions and encourage your child to be a Santa for someone else. That helps keep the spirit alive, especially for another young person.
- Talking about the “spirit" of Santa is a good approach. That way it helps explain why there are so many different Santas at various places.
Most importantly, be prepared for big emotions from your child. Learning “the truth" can be traumatic. There could be screams and shrieks and tears.
Most kids learn the truth around the age of 8. Many learn at school, from classmates and peers. Some catch their parents in the act of placing presents under the tree or eating food meant for Santa and his reindeer. Others simply outgrow the myth.
The point is to be prepared for the questions. Have a game plan. Parents should plan together. Don't just wing it. The kids may be indifferent or relieved. They may be distraught and upset. Be open to whatever they are feeling and be available to help process their feelings with them.
