to think I did the right thing in telling ds the truth about the Christmas elf???

[CocktailQueen]

We have had an elf for the last few years - a sweet little knitted one, nothing scary - and he has turned up on 1 December each year and done some silly/sweet/naughty things. DS believed in him.

Today ds asked at lunch if the elf was real or if we moved him. I said it was us. He was really upset, and said he wishes he hadn't asked. But I couldn't lie to him when he asked me a direct question!!

So, AIBU to feel sad that he is sad, and also to feel sad that he'll never again be excited to find the elf in his bed on 1 December, having flown in from the north pole???

(I do realise this is a first world question, honest. And ds is 9, not 2. But he's been very anxious about school recently, and - I think - he's thinking it's nicer and safer to be younger, not to grow up. Or maybe I'm overthinking it...)

I think he knew the truth and just hoped you'd keep up the pretence. Yanbu for telling him the truth though-I think lying to a 4 year old and lying to a 9 year old are two very different things.

Honestly, you are overthinking this. Tell your son it was a fun game over Christmas, that you have all enjoyed. Remind him that Christmas is still a magical time for so many reasons - people helping each other, showing kindness, and it being a special time where people go out of their way to give happiness to others.

Thanks, champagne and cups (ha! champagne cups! ) - I thought so too. He asked a direct question - I can't lie to that.

And I have said that the elf is still magic, but it's me and dh making the magic and helping the elf along, and that he can do the same for his dc when he has them, and to them the elf will be magic too. :)