Let me share a little secret: I believed in Santa Claus until I was twelve! Sure, I began to question how a jolly, rotund fellow could sneak into our home and deliver gifts while we were sleeping—especially after my sisters and I stayed awake all night without hearing a thing. And then there was the time in ’84 when I accidentally discovered a Peaches ‘n Cream Barbie hidden in my mom’s closet, only to unwrap it on Christmas morning with a “From Santa” tag on it. Nevertheless, I clung to the idea of Santa; it was a vital part of the holiday enchantment I cherished.
My parents always made it a big deal to leave cookies and a beer (yes, beer!) out for Santa. After all that chimney-sliding and reindeer wrangling, who could blame him for wanting something stronger than milk? My dad once even brought in “reindeer droppings,” claiming Rudolph had a little accident in the yard. And there were always notes from Santa, carefully penned by my mom with her left hand to disguise her handwriting. These traditions created some of my most treasured childhood memories, and I wanted to pass that on to my kids.
So, I dove headfirst into the Santa myth, weaving elaborate tales about the man in the red suit. I even used him as a tool for good behavior starting around late summer—what a lifesaver! Watching my kids revel in the joy that Santa brought to our family filled me with pride, and frankly, I have no regrets about my “lies.”
If you’re out there judging me for perpetuating this story, you might want to reconsider. According to childhood development expert Rosemarie Truglio from Sesame Workshop, I’m not a villain for allowing my kids to believe in Santa. In fact, she suggests that such fantastical figures are beneficial for children, fostering imagination and creativity. After all, plenty of adults buy into the magic of detox teas and miracle diets. Why shouldn’t kids enjoy a little wonder too?
Of course, there comes a time when your children will start questioning the logistics—“How does Santa get in if we don’t have a chimney?” or “Is that Santa wrapping paper from Target?” Here’s a little tip: stash some unique Santa-themed wrapping paper in a secret spot (perhaps a spooky corner of the basement) for those special gifts. Trust me, your kids will adore seeing it every Christmas morning, feeling that thrill of Santa magic.
Truglio advises that you don’t necessarily have to spill all the beans when they begin to ask questions. Instead, respond with curiosity: “Why do you want to know?” This gives you insight into how much they really want to uncover the truth. Letting them in on the reality too soon can rob them of that cherished magic they’ve held onto for years. Discovering the truth about Santa (and other holiday figures like the Tooth Fairy) can be a gradual transition that unfolds at their own pace.
When the moment arrives for them to learn the truth, you’ll know—trust me. They might even announce it in front of everyone, eager to shed the Santa and Tooth Fairy beliefs. My youngest was the one who broke the news one morning after losing a tooth. He pretended to sleep while I slipped a few dollars under his pillow. As soon as his siblings woke up, he declared, “Mom, I know the Tooth Fairy is you! If she’s not real, then neither is Santa!” No breath taken, no concern for the feelings of his older siblings—just pure outrage.
I explained that while Santa isn’t real, the spirit of the holidays is very much alive. We do this for our kids because we remember how magical it felt when we were young, and we want them to enjoy that too. The following year, we decided to retire the Santa gifts. They showed little interest in the elf antics or the Tooth Fairy, simply asking, “I lost a tooth, can I have my money now?”
It was a bittersweet moment; yet, in letting go, I also found a sense of freedom. It didn’t mean the warmth of the holiday spirit vanished. Instead, we created new traditions, like opening one gift on Christmas Eve and filling each other’s stockings—something Santa used to do.
Now that my kids are teenagers, I miss the days I would pull out the Santa wrapping paper and pen notes from Santa in my left-handed disguise. But even in Santa’s absence, the magic still thrives in our home. Ultimately, that’s what matters most—the magic of the season.
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Summary
In embracing the Santa myth, parents can create lasting memories filled with holiday magic. While the truth may eventually come out, the joy and wonder of childhood are worth cherishing for as long as possible. New traditions can emerge, ensuring that the spirit of the season remains alive.
Keyphrase: Santa myth
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