Who never really 'found out' about the man in red?

[Baylisiana]

I see on here, and know in real life, people who distinctly remember finding out that Father Christmas doesn't exist and being shocked or at least having a shift between believing in his literal existence to feeling it was all untrue.

I don't remember a time when I 'found out' or was upset, but then I also don't really remember a time (once old enough to remember) when I literally believed. I loved it and enjoyed it but I think I knew it was a suspension of disbelief, imaginative fun type thing. I remember loving lying awake listening for sleigh bells but I think deep down I knew I would never hear them, and that didn't spoil it. I can see that for children who are not into imaginative play it would be necessary for them to be convinced to enjoy it. That must be difficult. The other good thing about playing along and imagining/convinving yourself, is that you don' t then need to lose the magic as totally. I could still have a good time listening for the bells now I think! More so if I had a stocking!

Anyone else have a similar experience or have DC who just at a very deep level 'play along'?

[WankersHacksandThieves]

I was pretty much the same - i was the youngest of 7 though, so absolute belief probably wouldn't have lasted long. I still got over excited and wrote letters to Santa and all the other gubbins, in my heart of hearts I probably wanted it to be real (so I could get stuff I knew my parents couldn't afford) but I always knew it wasn't.

[cherrycrumblecustard]

I honestly think Santa is more important to parents than children, I think the kids just like the presents and aren't bothered who they come from

[OvariesForgotHerPassword]

I don't remember finding out, when I was about 11 it just clicked and I was like "oh OK, that makes sense, cool". Then my focus became keeping it a secret from my mum because I thought she still believed and would be heartbroken if she found out

[Baylisiana]

That is cute Ovaries.

I was the youngest too Wankers so maybe that is a factor.

Cherry you might be right! It is a magical story though.

[Juanbablo]

I don't remember finding out. We definitely had sacks from FC but I don't think it was made into a really big deal. Obviously we were super excited on Christmas Eve and barely slept but I remember pointing out that mummy and FC had the same handwriting! I don't remember feeling surprised or upset so I must have known by then.

[RockStonePebble]

There wasn't a definite moment for me either. There was just a gradual realisation that it actually didn't make sense. I kept quiet as I had younger siblings and didn't want to spoil it for them.

[HoFuckOff]

I remember figuring it out for myself but never mentioning it...when I was 13 . It could be the reason why 6 months later I ran away from home hitching over 300 miles with a friend

[Hedgyhoggy]

I never believed and am the youngest of 4. I don't think it made Christmas any less magical. I don't think my eldest ds (10) has ever really believed. But my ds (7) with LD and my 3 year old dd completely believe. Perhaps some kids are a lot more literal than others.

[RatOnnaStick]

I don't remember ever believing TBH. I'm middle of five children and my parents never made any particular attempt to convince me of his existence. I'm not remotely traumatised by it.

Ds1 who is 6 is already rationalising what he knows about him saying stuff like it's just a job with a uniform like police and he's just like everybody else when he's off duty. Ds has a little idea that Mr and Mrs C go to tesco, use the library, go swimming like any other normal grandparent and the rest of the year you wouldn't know him from anyone else as his beard must be shaved off and regrown for the season.

Sounds quite logical to me. I give Ds maybe 1 or 2 more years at the very most before he works it all out.

[DustyMaiden]

I never believed and told my DM not to be daft. I still enjoyed the traditions.

[Baylisiana]

it's just a job with a uniform like police and he's just like everybody else when he's off duty.

maybe that's right

[Hulababy]

I was never told; must have been a gradual realisation but no idea when it was. My little sister is 10 years younger and I remember 'Keeping the magic/secret' for her but it was never a talked about thing. Just wasn't necessary as think everyone must have realised we knew and it wasn't made into a big deal. Father Christmas was more a delivery service anyway rather than the bringer of stockings of tons of presents.

Dd is 14 and we've never had the big reveal and again it was just a gradual thing. I suspect there were a couple of years where she wavering but she didn't say anything. Even now she likes the routines and traditions of leaving out a drink and mince pie, a Santa present (no stockings here just one unwrapped ready to use gift from the wish list) arriving, etc.