This year marked a significant moment for our family as we decided to share the truth about Santa with our oldest child. For months, our 9-year-old had been bombarding us with questions, and I struggled to provide satisfactory answers.
“How can the man we visit every year be the real Santa? Why would Santa live in Mount Juliet, Tennessee?”
“We don’t have a chimney. How does Santa get in? The front door? Wouldn’t the door chime wake us up? Does he disable our alarm system? Who gave him the code?”
“Why does Santa bring toys we can find at Target? If he gets them from the same place we buy our snacks, what do the elves do?”
When faced with these inquiries, I resorted to vague responses, knowing deep down that it was time to let our child in on the Christmas magic and reveal the truth about Santa Claus.
A few years back, I read a touching letter written by a mother to explain this reality to her daughter, which inspired me to craft my own message for my son. Once finished, I carefully folded the letter and tucked it into my purse, telling him to get ready for a surprise dinner date.
We headed out to his restaurant of choice, and over a shared plate of calamari, I handed him the letter. I began by praising him for the courageous and kind things he had recently done, acknowledging that growing up can be tough when the magical beliefs of childhood start to fade. “It just means you’re maturing,” I wrote.
Then, I shared the truth about Santa, who suddenly seemed so small sitting across from me in his green sweatshirt, with his adorable freckled cheeks.
“Santa Claus isn’t quite what you think. There isn’t a jolly old man flying through the skies in a magical sleigh on Christmas Eve. The North Pole isn’t home to toy-making elves. There was a real person named Saint Nicholas whose legacy inspired our modern-day Santa, but he wasn’t magical, and he’s been gone for a long time.
All the gifts you’ve received on Christmas have actually been from Mom and Dad. We put in the effort and resources to find presents we think you’ll love. We nibble on the cookies you leave for Santa and take a bite of the reindeer’s carrots. When we do this, we choose to embody Santa Claus.
For countless children around the world, Santa symbolizes the joy and wonder of Christmas. Creating a magical tradition for our kids is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a parent.
This year will be the best one yet because now there are three ‘Santas’ in our home: Me, Dad, and now, you.
I know you might feel sad that Santa isn’t real as you imagined, but I assure you that the spirit of Santa will always be part of our Christmas celebrations. We will continue to take family photos with Santa, bake delicious cookies, and decorate a beautiful tree.
We will watch our favorite holiday movies and surprise each other with gifts on Christmas morning. You will wake up in our happy home filled with a scrumptious breakfast and perhaps a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
Now, you’ll get to be a secretive co-conspirator in the magic. When your siblings find gifts labeled “from Santa,” you’ll share a knowing look with us, aware of the effort it took for the three of us to create that magic for them.
It’s crucial that you don’t spoil this for other children—parents know when to share this truth with their kids.
I’m here to discuss any questions or feelings you might have. Dad and I are so proud of who you are and how much you care for your siblings. We can’t wait to hear your ideas on how we can make Christmas even more special. You’re going to be the best ‘Santa’ ever.
We love you dearly.
Love, Mom and Dad (also known as Santa.)
After reading the letter, he looked up at me, and to my surprise, he was beaming. “I’m not sad! This makes Christmas even more exciting!” When I asked if he felt shocked or disappointed, he smirked and confessed, “I already had a ‘suspisment’,” then corrected himself and said, “Wait. Do I mean suspicion?”
We both chuckled. He asked a few questions, I gave him a warm hug, and then we set off to buy little Christmas gifts for his siblings, marking his first official act as our family’s newest “Santa.”
Watching your oldest child grow up is a bittersweet experience. It’s sad to see the remnants of babyhood disappear, yet exhilarating to witness their development into the person they will become, participating in cherished family traditions.
One day, I’ll ask my oldest son to help me explain the truth about Santa to his little brother. A few years later, his baby sister will also stop believing. But as long as I live, the spirit of Santa will continue to bring joy and gifts into our home.
The truth about Santa isn’t that he’s not real; it’s that he represents something much larger than a man in a red suit with flying reindeer. Santa embodies the magic of celebrating Christmas with loved ones, a sentiment that transcends age.
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Summary
In a heartfelt moment, a mother shares the truth about Santa with her 9-year-old son, transforming the holiday experience into a collaborative effort. The letter reveals how Santa symbolizes the magic of Christmas, emphasizing that the spirit of giving and family traditions continue regardless of the myth. The child embraces the news with excitement, looking forward to participating in the magic of Christmas.