For the past 2 weeks a classmate keeps telling my 9yo dc (and the whole class) that santa isn't real and that I'm the one who moves the elf around at night. They're in year 5. I was the same age finding out so I knew it was coming.
He's never questioned santas existence until now. He's obviously been questioning since by telling me exactly what his classmate has been saying but hasn't outright asked me whether what she's been saying is true, but it's clear from the way he discusses it that he does have some serious doubts.
I have another DS, 8, who is still very much a true beliver so its important to keep the magic alive for him.
Today, however, DS1 did outright ask me. They woke to find the elf had placed eggs in mugs and instructed the DC to pour water over them and they'd find a surprise after school (I switched the eggs and water for kinder surprise eggs). DS2 was astounded and hasn't stopped taking about since. Ds1, however, asked if I switched them while he was in school. He asked me this in front of DS2 so naturally I denied it was me and he said okay and left it.
I'm honestly at a loss as to what to do. With only 9 days left until Christmas I don't if it'll be pointless to tell him and just to wait until he starts asking or informs he now knows next year. I obviously have DS2 to think about too, I don't want to spoil things for him. I'm aware DS1 will be fully aware this time next year but do I keep denying its me for now or would this be cruel on DS1 to not be honest with him? Anyone else in the same position/ been in a Similar one?