When Grandpa is Father Christmas...

[confuddledDOTcom]

My granddad is going to be Father Christmas for the school this year (he's a regular at different venues each year, first time he's done it for the school). My eldest who's 6 is very down to earth, understands that FC doesn't go to all the places and Grandpa is a helper, so she's actually looking forward to seeing him. My younger daughter (4 at New Year) isn't talking much yet so I don't know what she understands.

Would you take the 4yo to see FC/ Grandpa or just not say anything and leave her at home?

It's been nearly a week and no one answered, so I thought I'd bump this.

Take her- just make sure FC wears gloves! This was a dead give away when my daughter visited 'FC' at the school fete.

My grandad was FC once and although I went along with the 'just a helper' line it did sow the first seeds of doubt for me. I was a bit older though.

I would probably leave her behind but I'm a bit precious about FC!

My granda used to be santa at his work's Christmas party to which all families were invited. Apparently I shouted, 'granda, take your beard off' when it was my turn to sit on his knee!

Years later he was Santa in the local shopping centre and I live the picture of my and my new husband (then) in his grotto with him!

I'd take her... I was brought up to understand, like your eldest, that Granda was one of Santa's helpers...

Children aren't stupid, but also they are willing to be complicit in the elaborate deceptions around Father Christmas. My DD realised that the FC she'd seen when she was 3 wasn't the same guy as when she was 4 so came up with the solution that there was one real FC who did the xmas eve sledge run; the chaps in grottoes were retired FCs from previous years.

In your place I'd tell her (in hushed tones) that Father christmas has to choose some helpers because there are so many schools, and that your granddad has been one of the lucky old gentlemen chosen. And that she must keep this secret from the other children. If you're into such things no doubt granddad could later produce his letter from FC asking him to do the job.

My Grandad was FC for years when I was in primary and I never twigged

I'm not sure if he wears gloves or not - don't know if he has his own outfit or uses the venues actually...

He's bit of a give away anyway as he has his own beard, he always has a beard but from about September/ October he stops cutting it so that it bushes up for Christmas.

This wouldn't be her only chance to go but as I can't explain to her and know she has taken it in I can't be sure how she'd react. Part of me thinks she'd shout "Grandpaaaaa!" and jump on his lap totally missing what he's wearing, but part of me thinks she'll go in expecting FC and then be confused about why it's not FC and Grandpa instead.

My eldest knows that it'll be him and that it's important to keep the secret, but my middlie wouldn't be capable of telling anyone who didn't speak her language.