Another Santa question..

[PamiNativity]

We are taking dd1 (3.9) and dd2 (20 months) to a crib service tomorrow. We have been asked to bring a present to be donated to children at a women's refuge.
How do I explain to dd1 about the present - ie why Santa won't be bringing a present to all children?
(Please, no comments about telling her that Santa doesn't exist - this is our first proper Christmas with her understanding about Santa and it is so sweet )

Because they've moved and he doesn't know their current address? (Mind you, so have you haven't you?) Hmm, but you've remembered to tell him!

Do you have to bring Santa into it at all, p? I think I'd just say something like some kids have loads of presents at Christmas and some don't have as many, so I bet they'll really love this one

We have told our dd that people buy presents for children, but they have to go to Santa to be delivered. When we donate gifts, we tell her that lots of people aren't as lucky as we are and that we are sending a present to Santa so that he can give it to someone whose mummy and daddy can't afford to buy them.

I'd be surprised if she put 2 + 2 together ... but if asked, I'd tell her that some of her presents come from you and from Grandmas, Grandpas etc, but that some children don't get any from their Mummies and Daddies or relatives and that this is a nice way to make up for it. Or just that it's a nice thing to do (ie it's for no other reason that they don't have as much as she does...)

These are all great suggestions, thanks. I'm going to see what she says first and then I'll probably use one of these ruses.
And you're right, Christie - I think it's great for children to understand that not everyone gets lots of presents at Christmas.
Merry Christmas!