I know there are a lot of theories on this. Some people say that the answer is that it's the spirit of Christmas you're talking about (when you talk about Santa). For me personally, I'm thinking I'll probably say something like "Santa represents Christ" and draw parallels like that between the two.

I remember when my brother (my twin) found out there was no Santa, he was very angry with my mom for about 2 weeks, then he got over it. But my mom still shudders when she thinks about it, even now.

That is actually very good answer but then what about the lies about all the toys and the "hard working Elfs"? How do I explain that? I feel really bad now. I remember when my first daughter was born I told myself that if she ever ask me about Santa I would tell her the truth but then later I changed. I didn't want her to spoil some other kids Christmas plus I thought (back then) that it won't be so hard to explain the truth. Now Im stuck in my own lie.

Thanks for describing your situation. I have a 6 and 5 year old and I told them that there is no Santa and took them shopping for Dad present to get the idea.

Wow!! Camilian .. you are saying it like its no big deal. Seriously? Did you really tell your kids just like that? THERE IS NO SANTA, LETS GO SHOPPING? hehehe .. that actually makes me laugh, not to be rude or anything. I just thought about my kids faces if I told them that. They would be stunned for a second and that would probably look funny but what about later? I hate to see them disappointed. It is not worth a sec of laugh.

I have friend whose mom refused to perpetuate the myths and she is emotionally cold and miserable. Personally, I think it's fun. I don't remember thinking my parents were liars. Besides, I still believe in Santa myself.

My older two believed in Santa and when they found out he was not real... They said and I quote "MOM HOW COME YOU LIED TO US?" They cried and cried they said it was not fair to lie to them Damn Jehovas Witnesses kids who spoiled it for them in Kindergarten...

So when my third child came of age we never told him that Santa was real except in our hearts and that people donate gifts and a guy with the heart of Santa Claus gives kids who are less fortunate presents they might not other wise recieve. So Santa is real in your heart when you donate money food clothes and gifts.

My son now 6 gave all his found change and earned change to the salvation Army he tols the girl This is for Santa to give to kids who don't have my mommy and daddy.

Now that is the story of Christmas. My child does not tell children Santa does not exist because he is more real to him then the kids with the made up stories!!!

Not2sure : I like the way you handled this situation. You're awesome mother. Thank you for your post. Now I know what to tell my children when they come asking if Santa is real. Thanx everyone. You all are great.

We don't so the santa thing. But our daughter learns about santa at school and watches the specials on TV. We don't say that the whole santa thing is a lie. We just tell her it's trandition, but not our tradition. She still enjoys everything about the holidays. The only real difference is she knows the presents are from mom and dad. I also wrap the presents as I buy them and put them under the tree (mostly because we have no storage space). So seeing the presents is just part of our holiday decorating. We open them Christmas eve too. That way I never have to be awakened on my hubby's only day off at 5am by an overly excited kid. :)

WHAT?!

There's NO SANTA?!

Christmas is forever ruined.

My son's first week of school -K- he learnt on the bus that Santa is not real. So I always told the story to my children as I do to this day. I learnt in 4th grade. I awoke to a fresh snow on the ground. I looked out my window next to the bed and was excited as always on Christmas morning. Then I noticed the slay marks in the snow. No foot prints around,no rain deer prints just those long marks. I called my dad into my room and said look! He was shocked...almost to shocked. We lived on a farm and so I thought he did something, but yet no prints. Well.....there has to be a board or somehting under the snow and it made the snow look different in that spot. So before I could unwrap anything I had to check it out. NO there was nothing under the snow...just the ground! I was once again a beleiver!!!!!!!!! ANd have been ever since. That jolly ole man brings out the best in us,so yes he is real. We do the work for him and we are his elfs.
My grand daughter was told at school no santa he's not real. Well on the weather the night before Christmas they were tracking santa and the deer and showed him in flight and noted where he would be about what time etc...... Oh yea she is now a beleiver!
He brings the child out in us, he makes us go through all the hard work just to see the kids in the AM sooooooooooo excited.
So think back to when you found out, wasn't their ever something that made you doubt what that person said...NO Santa!!!!
I don't know who the creative person was that came up with him,but I beleive and I always will!

No, when i found out I was devestated. It hurt, and I did not want to hurt my older two but my mother-in-law insisted that the kids believed in Santa.

One year she wanted everyone at my sister in laws house to open gifts and I said and how many gifts is my niece a spolied brat going to get and she said just under 75. i said there is no way I could compete and how would I explain her getting more from Santa then them... Since then we stopped exchanging gifts with the family anywhere near christmas so my brat of a niece won't be bragging. BTW she has a Razor cell phone a personal computer all the gaming systems and i-pod. This year i think its either the new i-pod new cell or a Zune... still.... she has the soul of a bullie. She IM's her friends and texts them and her parents have no real clue what she is doing. To our shock. since my brother in law is also in the computer field!!!

this post has been very helpful to me. I think it helps to have a plan in mind before they figure it out.

and Aquadrop... it's not really a lie if you've believed it strongly at some point in your life, is it?

... when I was little, I believed 100% that he travelled the world, now I believe 100% that he's in my heart. awww, how sweet is that?

I remember when I found out, I actually found a box with all of my baby teeth in it that the tooth fairy was supposed to have. Well then I drew the line from no tooth fairy to santa and the easter bunny too. I was upset, but I don't remember being mad at my mom. I have to say I was relieved I'd still get presents! My boys (7 and 4) are all about Santa. When the day comes that they ask or hear something at school I won't lie, but it seems like that's part of being a kid. I can't take it away from them yet.

I forgot to say we also have a lot of other traditions that have nothing to do with presents. We do not make it the focus of the season.

But I remember the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning and running to see what Santa left, it was magical. It's part of childhood to me, they grow up fast enough and learn about disapointment in so many ways, for me I'm going to let them have Santa for as long as I can. In truth I love it to, I get to be a kid again in a way, watching their faces light up is priceless.

Thank you mechellebelle that was really good reply. You made me feel better.
I just want to ask Not2Sure ... How old is your niece? OMG I never heard of any child to get 75 gifts?