Here are my thoughts on Santa.
I have never told my kids "the truth" about Santa. And, I have NEVER felt I was a bad parent because I was "lying" (Oh please. Give me a break!). The boys have, I suppose, figured it out. But, if they were to ask me point blank I will never say he doesn't exist. I'll mumble something about The Magic Of The Season and distract them similar to when they were five and three and both wanted the same toy. Worked then and it'll work now.
I also have not for YEARS changed wrapping paper or made anything super secretive...outside of hiding the presents and being careful when delivering them to the tree on Christmas Eve night.
In another words, Santa can live and breathe and exist in our home in whatever context the kids want...forever.
I feel strongly that children are children for such a short time! My God...give them Santa for heaven's sake! They have the rest of their lives for the truth and bills and mortgages and full-time jobs. I remember an acquaintance who sat her three girls down when they were all under eight and TOLD THEM THE TRUTH because she didn't want to be a parent who lied to her children. Honestly, this makes my blood boil. Why do we have to rush our children along these days?
I figured it was only a matter of hours before my daughter figured it out. I mean, surely all the fifth graders have clued her in by now. Maybe she keeps it to herself or maybe she keeps the Santa dream alive in her heart (amen), I don't really know. I did talk to a friend of mine who has a daughter (who is also friends with Jennifer) the same age and she said for a couple of years she has known the truth about Santa but suddenly this year she seems to believe he exists again...I told her maybe she was talking to my daughter!
Surprising to me that this whole secret has lasted as long as it has. I mean, she is ten and has two older brothers. But, I will take it for as long as it lasts and try and telepathically communicate with the boys to shut up when Jennifer mentions what Santa is going to bring her, how she wants to leave cookies for Santa, and shows an interest when Santa has left his workshop and heading to Russia on Christmas Eve.
This year she insisted on cookies for Santa. So, she helped Larry bake a batch of cookies and on Christmas Eve set out the plate for the jolly ole fellow.
I took this picture of her with the plate of cookies because I'm not sure what eleven months will bring to my 11-year old daughter. Will she still believe? Will she know the truth by then? Will she no longer want to leave cookies for Dad/Santa?
I don't know. And I wanted to document it this year in case it truly is the last time. (Look at that smile on her face...so innocent. I love it. And, I want to bottle it forever.)
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