When do you tell kids the truth about Santa Claus?

But he is a crazy stalker:

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake

I’m just saying, that is scary stuff. So whether he is an old Christian bishop or the Norse god Odin in disguise, I don’t want him staring at me whilst I sleep.

Why not share with them the concept of love and generosity—but ignoring that sad old song about ‘bad or good’..love and generosity should be unconditional. So Santa Claus is real, as real as Love and Generosity.

I could wax theological here, but I won’t—you all know my position.

My kids are all grown up now, and all three still believe in Mr. Claus. If they stop believing they want get s___ from Santa.

Seriously if he is not real, how do you explain all the presents. Jump on that Barry or Scotty. lol……….MERRY CHRISTMAS to all………..why does Tiger get so many Ho’s and Santa only gets three……..HO HO HO?

When they are old enough to ask the question, we go into the spiel about Saint Claus and the spirit of giving, etc.

My oldest read the book “Superfudge” by Judy Blume, and it pretty much spills the beans.

She was a little ticked off, but we always made sure that Santa brought all of the socks and lame crap anyway. That way it wouldn’t be a huge deal.

When they are about ten you can explain that Santa is a cynical marketing tool used to exploit parental love and religious sentiment.

Then give them their presents as usual, because it is impossible to avoid being a victim of this trap.

I have an 18 year old and a 16 year old. We never told them. A few gifts always still carry the “From Santa” tag. I don’t know where they come from. Now that I think of it, nobody ever told me either, (except that kid on the bus that time..). But that kid was wrong. Once in a while I still get stuff from Santa, and he even still remembers the correct color of paper to tell mine apart from my sister’s.

So, yeah; we hear it from our friends, or we figure it out when we’re old enough to do the math. That’s what friends (and math) are for.

Yea,

Obviously the rift between the sentimental and the scientific is well defined here in this concept. Obviously the “no nonsense” tech-types will say humbug to St. Nick. Their kids (if they have kids) will also likely he more inclined to texting at ten years old then whittling a stick at 10. Whatever… funny to hear how cynical people can be.

WRK

I think the “Santa IS real!” votes were all knee-jerk responses.