DS and Christmas. Warning: Don't open if you believe in Santa.

[BrisaOtonal]

DS (9) loves Christmas. Last night he wrote his Christmas list and he wants me to post it. A few minutes later he was questioning whether Santa was real or not because 2 of his close friends have been teasing him about it and told him that it is your parents who buy your pressies. He also caught me looking at one of his presents on Amazon and asked me why.

I have been spinning massive porkies. I told him yes your parents do buy presents as well. I told him I was googling it and was going to send the link to Santa's elves as Santa is very high tech these days and they have a lot of children and parents have to help out to save time. Also told him those DC who don't believe in Santa have sad lives and I feel sorry for them.

So, do I tell him? I think he will be sad. He is a hopeless romantic. However, once he knows I no longer need to stay home at Christmas to be there for Santa and can bugger off on holiday and avoid family fall outs and dramas. Bliss. DS1 didn't find out till he was 11. Their school is a bit remote and the DC are not streetwise at all ;}

Also told him those DC who don't believe in Santa have sad lives and I feel sorry for them

Well that's not very kind is it.

I feel sorry for you. And your DC. Actually no, just your DC.

He'll probably be very sad when he learns the truth, because you've given him the ridiculous and offensive idea that once he no longer believes, he'll be a sad child with a sad life who is to be pitied. Wtf?

Tell him the truth! Santa does not exist but 'it's fun to pretend'. You need to say nothing more than that.

I'm surprised that a boy of his age still believes in Fr Christmas. However, he probably only 'half believes' - don't let him think his parents are liars.

We told DS when he was 11 that there was no Father Christmas, because he was being teased by friends at school. He actually said to DH and I 'I've told them, I know he's real because I've seen him'.

He was gutted - but it was February and we thought the teasing would be more damaging, as he was bound to find out before the next Christmas.

DD was told by a teacher in Yr. 6, who announced to the class 'you're all far too old to believe in Father Christmas'. She hates that teacher still!

We used to buy different paper for the FC presents, and always got someone random to write the labels, so it was very different from our family presents.

You could have it both ways. There once was a real man who santa was based on. When he died the tradition was kept on with the santa we know today. So technically believe or don't believe no one is in the wrong. I think it does soften the blow a bit to kids who are still really into the magic of it all.

Do tell him the truth please. The Santa business has gone too far.

Listen I feel your pain it's a shame but he has to know but keep it going in the house my daughter who is 21 btw gives me a row for talking bout santa lol I love it and secretly you and your son will too

I didn't tell the truth when DS started questioning around that age but I stopped lying. I just left it as with an air of mystery around it, such as 'well it is up to you if you want to not send it and see what happens'. This carried on for a couple of years when he started just saying 'I know it is you' and I'd just giggle, to be honest we still do it now he is mid teens.

So I wouldn't be brutally honest, no, but just ease off.