When my kids (3 and 4) ask for something I tell them “I can buy that for your Santa gift”. They think of Santa as one more fictional character not different from, say, Mickey Mouse. They believe they somehow exist, but only on stories and TV and enacted by costumed adults. Santa, even as a fictional character still has his gift bearing duties and they keep tradition by making (decorating) a letter. It must be confusing for them but somehow it works to keep the magic of Christmas but with realistic expectations as to what Santa can afford.
Anyways, Santa only brings cheap trinkets. The cool presents are from us or the grandparents (although they keep saying Santa brought them to their house and I keep blowing it for them saying “look how cool grandpa’s present”)
Add to the confusion that Santa (USA) fights for space with the Baby Jesus (Venezuela) and the 3 Kings (Puerto Rico). With nobody keeping the story straight it would have been impossible to keep the Santa mystery alive even if we wanted to.
Two boys 9 and 8. Both still believe but I have given myself an out as far as the lie goes. Any time I have been asked (And I can tell it is not the “I know so 'fess up” type of question) I have simply asked what do you think? I let them reason it out for themselves without me telling them yes or no. I prefer that they figure it out themselves.
In my mind Childhood is a time for enjoying and cherishing irrational beliefs and the the realization of the truth should be a moment of growth and accomplishment not a shattering of dreams.
Rationally, I do worry they may go longer than they should. However, aside from the usual gifts with his name and a call from my father on Christmas eve (He does a so so Santa but you can tell its him) I don’t go too far out of my way to lie to them… or do I. I do log on to Norad’s Santa tracker… and mention that he’s coming soon.
Maybe I’m deluding myself…because secretly, I have enjoyed playing Santa with them. And now that I have a baby Daughter I have a few more years to enjoy it before the grand kids…
Yeesh… I’m conflicted.
I have 5 year-old twins. We say Santa Claus is the spirit of giving. They know mommy and daddy get the presents. We probably confuse the hell out of them.