I remember when each of my kids learned the truth about Santa Claus. When TJ and Miguel were 6 and 7 they began to question Old St. Nick's existence because of rumors they had heard at school. In my attempt to perpetuate the fraud just a little bit longer, I coerced some friends to come over and put out the Santa gifts while KT and I drove around town with them looking at Christmas lights. My cleverness worked they were so excited when they saw that Santa came on Christmas Eve that year. Mom and dad couldn't possibly be ole' St. Nick himself. The next year my boys were playing outside and for some reason decided to pop the trunk on the car to play hide and seek. Wallah! They hit the mother load of Santa gifts. They knew everything they were getting that year. On a side note, I was grateful they never completed their hide and seek in the trunk.
Ladybug was too clever for her own good. She was 9 and decided to Google Earth Santa's North Pole. She became frustrated when it kept pulling up in the middle of the ocean. I took her by the hand, sat her down and told her the truth. I just couldn't keep coming up with more lies. She really was too smart! She cried and I cried with her for her loss of innocence and the loss of that special Christmas Magic.
I remember when I found out. My whole world was crushed. I was five years old, too young, I believe. I was at church and my Sunday School teacher was telling us they don't celebrate Santa Claus at their house, but they try to have his giving spirit. What? Santa just a spirit? He doesn't have a big belly and rosy cheeks?
For this reason as my children have learned the truth, I have told them that they are now members of the Secret Santa Society. It is their duty and obligation to keep the sacred secret. You never know who is listening and who still believes. I don't ever want them or myself to be the ones to accidentally take away a sweet child's Christmas innocence.
When did you or your children put two and two together?
