When should children be told that Father Xmas does not exist?

1. 71

   one2get2noposted 9 years ago

   When should children be told that Father Xmas does not exist?

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2. 62

   win-winresourcesposted 9 years ago

   Children should never be told a lie to begin with.  They can be taught the spirit, practice and meaning of their religion gradually as their age permits without the unnecessary and misleading commercialization aspects.
   
   Tell them the truth from your heart and they can share your wonderment.

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3. 0

   JThomp42posted 9 years ago

   I think they figure that one out for themselves my friend. Once a child starts school the cat is normally out of the bag.

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4. 77

   Crissyliteposted 9 years ago

   We never did the Santa thing growing up, and I don't intend on it with my kids. I don't like the idea of having children actually believe in something that doesn't exist. If they know from the start that it's all fun and pretend, then there's no confusion or disappointment later, but Christmas is still fun.

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   1. 81

      Say Yes To Lifeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think this is the best way to do it. I never believed in Santa Claus, because the whole thing didn't make sense. He gives presents all over the world in one night? Also, why would a fat man come down a chimney? What if he got stuck?

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5. 64

   lisavanvorstposted 9 years ago

   It is always nice for children to believe in something such as Santa Clause. It is however up to the parents to convey the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas has gotten to commercialized and miss the meaning of the birth of Jesus, the time spent with family and friends. It is not about Santa or the gifts. I see no harm in children believing in Santa. Basically this simple little while lie eventually leads to the truth when the child gets older. Usually it is mean child that likes to spoil the Santa myth.

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6. 70

   Aime Fposted 9 years ago

   I believed in Santa as a kid and I'm so thankful my mom made me believe all of it was real. It was magical. And I now love Christmas more than anyone I know!
   
   Equating Santa with lying to your kids just makes me roll my eyes.
   
   Anyway, back to the question... I'll tell her whenever she's old enough to understand/ask. I hope we get a good few years yet.

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7. 84

   christin53posted 9 years ago

   My son worked it out for himself when he was  six and then told his little sister who was only four. I had to come clean and tell them the truth. They weren't bothered as long as they still got their presents.

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8. 0

   mts1098posted 9 years ago

   when they start asking questions like "how does Santa get in our home when we do no have a chimney?" and the dad says "we leave the key under the door mat" and when the mom says "we have a magic chimney that appears only at christmas"...cheers

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9. 64

   Anne Pettitposted 9 years ago

   As soon as a child questions the existence of Santa, Father Christmas, Easter Bunny etc, you must answer truthfully.

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10. 76

    alancaster149posted 9 years ago

    Nobody told me either. I was left to work it out for myself, then Christmas lost its charm.
    It's what happens when you reach double figures. Wasn't against getting prezzies and chomping on chicken, though (Grandad's chickens were as big as supermarket turkeys back then, and tasted better), and Christmas pud... nuts... choccy... more nuts and so on. Worked it all off playing rugby at secondary school, nevertheless.
    We left our kids to grow up at their own speed. There was a six year difference between the older girl and the younger, and the boy in the middle. They didn't spoil the fun for each other - and the wife's a big kid at Christmas (haven't told her either)!

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