to be upset and angry at the mum who told DD(6) that...

[herewegoloopyloo]

Father Christmas didnt exist? She was talking to me (about her older son finding out) but both DD (6 and 3yrs) were standing right next to me. She just came out without it, without warning or checking with me. It went over DD3's head, who was engrossed in something, but the look on DD6's face broke my heart. We took them to see Father Xmas this year, did the whole food for Santa on Xmas eve, had video from Portable North Pole and they were so filled with wonder and excitement (was the first year they both really got it) it was just delightful. I know they will find out at some point but I just wish it wasn't now. I dont know whether to say something to the mum (or indeed my DD) - and what to say?

Other cultures presumably have their own myths and cultures.

When ds started to have doubts, I explained that he was now a very big boy and old enough to be part of the magic. And that the real magic is all the Mummies and Daddies who go to such lengths to keep the story of FC alive. Thankfully he went with it and agreed that now he had to help keep the secret so as not to spoil it for anyone who does believe. Phew!

I would have said after sandwhiched into something else...my goodness, did you hear that woman talking about FC?! how utterly mad her poor DD I hope FC didnt hear...

then i would say to my DH in ear shot of DD but in diff room, poor mrs so and so said FC not real, i feel so sorry for her...bla bla

I believed in Santa til the Christmas before my 11th birthday (and a January birthday so 10 yrs 11 months)

My own DC were 10 when they realised that Santa wasn't real, they're 22 and 20 now and none of us were upset/angry/devastated when we did realise.

Can't believe some people on here are saying 6/7 is too old

They're still so little, what's wrong with them believing in Santa at that age?

Starting to pick up on some superior -sounding vibes from those who 'believe'. Why would you say you feel sorry for those who chose not to? That attitude isn't the best to instil in a child IMO. I don't feel sorry for those who do, except when it makes them upset...like OP and her DD here.

I think it does sound superior of someone to say they feel sorry for someone who chooses not to believe in something. It's intolerant too.

FC is meant to be a bit of fun IMO if it is followed, but this whole thread has been interesting showing the problems fastidious adherence to the belief can sometimes cause.

If I was berating, then I was disapproving of those whose reinforcement of the belief ultimately makes their DC upset. If the DC choose to believe or play along then fine, but to make them believe in it? I don't think this is a particularly unseasonable view. Kind of sucks the fun out of it. That's worth berating, surely.

"How do your children cope with standing out from their classmates, not believing in FC?"
Are you serious? I just can't believe this is an issue!

Meh, I never felt like I was standing out from my clsssmates. Think the teachers were probably wise enough to talk about Christmas in general rather than focusing on FC and anyway, not all of my friends even celebrated Christmas. I just remember being far more bothered about what we would get to eat on the day

I just absolutely do not remember this ever being an issue. When did it become one?

WTAF? Who is saying Father Christmas doesn't exist? I think there has been some mistake...

Sorry, I'm finding this too funny to debate anymore! Next we'll have a name change from Santa demanding that all the silly non-believers must be either naughty or Jehovah's Witnesses and are not allowed on the thread g'night

“I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.”

Shirley Temple