Father Christmas

[Drusilla]

My younger daughter, aged six, has come home from school and told me she doesn't want to believe in Father Christmas anymore. I'm heartbroken! Silly I know, but I'm surprised how disappointed I am. How did other parents react when their last child made the leap??

[stanleyman]

That's a shame, no more prezzies then, FC!!!

[andy hughes]

I've been lucky because by the time my youngest duaghter didn't believe any more, i only had to wait a short time before my grand-daughter was old enough to understand, so I did the mince pie crumbs and carrot with a bite out' for her, because she and my daughter always stayed at our house on Christmas Eve. Now she is past the belief stage, but I will only have to wait a couple of years, and my grandson will believe, so i can talk about the magic with him. Fantastic!

It is really sad when little ones don;t believe, and it does seem to be getting younger with our cynical and sophisticated children these days.

I squeezed one more year of belief out of my oldest daughter (now thirty!) - when she loftily told me she didn't believe in Santa now she was 8. "Never mind," I told her, "Santa still believes in you ..." The look on her face was priceless, and she still wanted to write her letter, leave the refreshments, and put her stocking out.

Christmas is for children - let's remember that when everyone is moaning this year.

[Hermia]

I was actually very pleased when I found out that Santa didn't exist. I remember not being able to understand why this girl at school who was an incredibly unpleasant little brat got thousands of pounds worth of toys for Christmas (her parents were well-off). I on the other hand got very few toys despite the fact I was a hard-working, well-behaved little girl (my parents were definitely not well-off(. I honestly couldn't figure out why this child deserved more than the rest of us. Discovering that Santa didn't exist was a bit of a relief for me!

[kick3m0n]

the wee guy next door to us is 12 and still believes. I can't imagine how his parents have managed it. He started 2ndary school this year and I am just amazed that no one has told him the truth, but bless, it's so sweet.

[kick3m0n]

ps mine is only 26 months, so only has the vaguest grasp of the whole Sanat concept. years of fun to savour yet!!!

[Gef]

My children are 26, 24 & 22. They still insist that carrots and sugar are left out for Rudolf and his pals and some malt whisky for Santa. Of course "Santa" always shows his appreciation by drinking some of the malt.

As a young boy the magic of Chritmas was not spoiled when realising that Santa was a myth. I remember very well pretending to be asleep as my parents placed my stocking at the bottom of the bed.

Christmas should be just as exciting whether or not you believe in Santa but to see a young childs eyes is a bit special.

Don't know if I've answered the question and I know it's a bit early but have a lovely Christmas everyone.

[NiceCupOfTea]

I can't remember exactly when I stopped believing, but I was probably about 8. I remember when Santa actually visited me - it was my uncle dressed up - and I was so overawed I couldn't speak. I'd have been four or five I suppose.

On a related topic - the Tooth Fairy. I spotted my mum putting money under my pillow. When I confronted her the next morning, she said that the Tooth Fairy had to look like her to stop me being scared - try that tactic out when you're spotted doing the stocking at the bottom of the bed.

Oh, and all the Santa's in the shops aren't really Santa but his helpers dressed up to give Santa time to make all our toys.

[woofgang]

the antidote to disbelief

http://www.noradsanta.org

[mycatis]

Oh God! I accidentally told my son about the tooth fairy last year. I fell asleep before I could put the money under that pilow and in the morning my eyes flew open and I ran throught to his room, just in time to find his hand under the pillow and him sobbing! I've never felt so guilty. I started crying (you didn't see his face) and blurted out "I'm sorry I fell asleep!" He was heartbroken. Oh and he had written her a wee note, it totally broke my heart! He was gutted. This year I'm dreading the "santa" questions. :-(

[Drusilla]

Oh mycatis, what a wicked person!!! You remind me of the queen in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Wicked ! Wicked ! Wicked! :-)

[Morrisonker]

hmm, a 12 year old still believing in Santa? I think his parents are being taken for a ride personally. My cousin was still getting stuff from Santa aged 13 which the rest of the family thought was ridiculous, especially as it was common knowledge that he knew the truth and only kept up the pretence in order to get as many presents as possible. His parents, of course, thought he was just adorable and trusting and very innocent. Ha!

Drusilla - I'd tell your little girl that he still exists, 6 years old is very young to have illusions shattered. Just because she doesn't *want* to believe in him doesn't mean she actually doesn't. Heck, I'm 20, have left home and I still get a stocking from 'Santa'. It doens't matter if it's real or not, it's just a nice wee tradition :)

[Coobeastie]

what do you mean he doesnt exist??

[mycatis]

Gee thanks Drusilla! I feel sooo much better now lol
*hangs head in shame*

[undercovers]

i was always told as a child that santa etc were just nice games we played at certain times of the year, i still enjoyed it - probably more as i was grateful that my parents got me such great gifts and played such stupid games just to make me happy... great fun, 26 now and still get a massive bag of jellybabies every year from santa (have never missed a family xmas, but fear i might not be ablt to make this one sob)...

my folks always let me know as they were uncomfortable lying to their kids - you wicked wrong do-ers - plus the fact that my older sister on hearing that an old fat man was going to break into her house sneak upto her bedroom and rummage around at the foot of her bed was quite rightly scared snotless, bless her

[PhilBy]

My lad is 18 and still gets a treat every year from Santa. Like I say to him "Without Santa there would be no magic at Christmas"