Telling Your Kids Santa Is Real (1 Viewer)

[jb1020]

My wife and I had this discussion the other day. She's all for telling them the truth. I like keeping the magic alive, though its silly.

3 kids...the 13 and 11 year old are certain Santa's not real. We have an 8 year old we adopted from China, she thinks he's real but you can tell its an odd concept for her to grasp.

I'm just trying to not let the older kids ruin it for her. But Santa doesn't bring much anymore. The big stuff on their list comes from us. The more lame necessity type stuff comes from Santa.

 

[Ilov80s]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

 

[AAABatteries]

Why would you tell your kids there is no Santa?

Because I don't like lying to them?

I've let them all come ask me/us on their own accord and then just level with 'em. My twins are 8 and the last to "believe" but I think deep down they known the truth and are choosing to believe, which is fine. I figure this is the last year they keep the faith but it's up to them.

But wait… not telling them there’s no Santa is lying, but telling them there is one isn’t ?

We just let them figure it out. Other kids/sibs/etc let the cat out of the bag eventually. None of mine ever came out and flat out asked.

FWIW… my oldest is 30 and my kids still get presents from Santa And no, smart asses… they don’t believe he exists… it’s just a fun tradition.

I think the bowl full of jelly you got going on is what’s confusing them.

 

[AAABatteries]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

 

[Ilov80s]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

Literally all of our society is in on it. There’s music and movies. We tell them this guy is always watching you and judging everything you do. Santa is one of the most elaborate lies in the world.

 

[AAABatteries]

I honestly don’t remember what we told our kids and when nor do I remember when they found out and how. I do look forward to the day I have grandkids and start the tradition all over. It’s magical for kids.

 

[AAABatteries]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

Literally all of our society is in on it. There’s music and movies. We tell them this guy is always watching you and judging everything you do. Santa is one of the most elaborate lies in the world.

Ok, I thought you meant we have some elaborate plan we have to follow - it’s rather simple and again, magical for the kids.

 

[AAABatteries]

And further, I don’t know a single adult that was traumatized as a kid by finding out that Santa isn’t real - the idea that it’s some kind of lie that causes issues seems kind of absurd to me.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

People have told "tall tales" for all of our existence - are those "lies".

A "liar" has a very negative connotation which does not exits in this context. It's extremely disingenuous to use it in the context of Santa Claus. It comes across as an agenda.

 

[Ilov80s]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

Literally all of our society is in on it. There’s music and movies. We tell them this guy is always watching you and judging everything you do. Santa is one of the most elaborate lies in the world.

Ok, I thought you meant we have some elaborate plan we have to follow - it’s rather simple and again, magical for the kids.

I grew up with Santa and I remember being kind of pissed when it dawned on me it was fake. But I don’t feel scarred or anything. Just felt dumb more than anything? A little annoyed I was lied to. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it I guess, just not for me. I guess it’s kind of like baby’s first conspiracy theory lol.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

A little annoyed I was lied to.

You should have given back all the presents that you received under false pretenses if you had any integrity.

 

[Ilov80s]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

People have told "tall tales" for all of our existence - are those "lies".

A "liar" has a very negative connotation which does not exits in this context. It's extremely disingenuous to use it in the context of Santa Clause. It comes across as an agenda

I don’t have an agenda. Just said I wouldn’t do it if I had kids. It is a lie though. If you tell a kid that Santa is real or he came to your house and brought gifts, you are intentionally making a false statement. I’ve lied to kids about it before.

 

[Ilov80s]

A little annoyed I was lied to.

You should have given back all the presents that you received under false pretenses if you had any integrity.

Why should I suffer more, I am the fit I’m here lmao. Also I probably really wanted that basketball or whatever it was that year.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

It is a lie though. I

You can keep repeating this, but I'll stick with it being a disingenuous position to take.

 

[Ilov80s]

It is a lie though. I

You can keep repeating this, but I'll stick with it being a disingenuous position to take.

What else is it when to tell someone something you know to be false and then cover-up the tracks so they don’t find out the truth? I am not making a value judgement. It’s just what it is. But let’s just part on good terms here. Merry Christmas Dr O, hope you have a wonderful holiday.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

It is a lie though. I

You can keep repeating this, but I'll stick with it being a disingenuous position to take.

What else is it when to tell someone something you know to be false and then cover-up the tracks so they don’t find out the truth? I am not making a value judgement. It’s just what it is. But let’s just part on good terms here. Merry Christmas Dr O, hope you have a wonderful holiday.

I’m not going to adddress this further. You’re smart enough to understand the point even if you want to pretend you’re not.

Merry Christmas.

 

[Todem]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

Literally all of our society is in on it. There’s music and movies. We tell them this guy is always watching you and judging everything you do. Santa is one of the most elaborate lies in the world.

No it's actually a disguise.

We the parents....the good ones at least are doing just that. Watching everything....and rewarding you for being a good human being.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I mean I guess we could say Christmas itself is all one big lie.

Was Jesus really born on December 25th?

 

[Sullie]

So, with our son, we just always made it a point to tell him the gifts came from us. We never said Santa didn't exist, until he asked me, but we just always made it a point to say, "these didn't come from Santa, these are from Mom and Dad."

 

[dkp993]

If I have to tell “a lie” to give my child years of pure joy and magical wonder prior to the realities of the world being a hard cruel and unforgiving place, Sign me up and call me a liar. These children will grow up and have 70/80 years (hopefully) of cold hearted reality and truth. But they will never again get the wonder and joy of believing in magic and pure innocence. If being a “liar” is the price I have to pay to give that to her. So be it.

 

[SWC]

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

Literally all of our society is in on it. There’s music and movies. We tell them this guy is always watching you and judging everything you do. Santa is one of the most elaborate lies in the world.

or its one of the most elaborate and best attempts by adults to let kids be kids and believe in magic for a while and it could be that people that call it an elaborate lie need to look inward and figure out if it is really their own loss of belief in magic in the universe that is the true problem take that to the bank brochacho

 

[Todem]

If I have to tell “a lie” to give my child years of pure joy and magical wonder prior to the realities of the world being a hard cruel and unforgiving place, Sign me up and call me a liar. These children will grow up and have 70/80 years (hopefully) of cold hearted reality and truth. But they will never again get the wonder and joy of believing in magic and pure innocence. If being a “liar” is the price I have to pay to give that to her. So be it.

Yeah man here here. It goes so fast. My son is 18.

My wife is half Sicilian. She grew up with Christmas in her home. I never did.

I was the lonely Hebrew on Christmas getting Chinese takeout on 12/25.

But despite growing up in a conservative Jewish home I watched with wonder Rudolph, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town and until age 11 I "believed".

I would go outside Christmas eve at night and hope to catch the big guy riding his sleigh. My parents let me be.

So with my son we did it up....he would always get one gift from Santa. And it would always be the one he wanted most. He always spent the night at my sister in-laws house (God rest her soul) and be with my niece (they are 8 months apart) and spread Reindeer food outside, make gingerbread houses, and Christmas was always at their home.

She passed away before Thanksgiving last year and this year.....for the first time in my life we are hosting Christmas morning. New tradition to carry on moving forward.

I am so glad I did not rob that from my sons childhood.....which goes by in the blink of an eye.

 

[hagmania]

Why would you tell your kids there is no Santa?

Because I don't like lying to them?

I've let them all come ask me/us on their own accord and then just level with 'em. My twins are 8 and the last to "believe" but I think deep down they known the truth and are choosing to believe, which is fine. I figure this is the last year they keep the faith but it's up to them.

But wait… not telling them there’s no Santa is lying, but telling them there is one isn’t ?

We just let them figure it out. Other kids/sibs/etc let the cat out of the bag eventually. None of mine ever came out and flat out asked.

FWIW… my oldest is 30 and my kids still get presents from Santa And no, smart asses… they don’t believe he exists… it’s just a fun tradition.

A couple years ago my siblings and I started giving our parents a gift from Santa and it was like the game done changed all over again for them. An actual moment of joy when they realized they had not only a stocking for the first time in 30+ years but also some big present under the tree wrapped in red (the type of paper that only Santa would use when we were kids) with a big ol' tag.

 

[SWC]

its ok to believe in things brohans it really is take that to the bank

 

[jm192]

my daugther made it to 6th grade? maybe longer..... I know when we sat her down she was like I know...... We only sat her down because she was changing schools and she was "old" so we didn't want her to get bullied for still "believing". My son we strung on for an extra year - until he was LIKE - TELL ME THE TRUTH RIGHT NOW!!!!! He was more excited he figured it out then upset ...lol

The only time we "lied" was she was young and said she heard from kids - my wife said they were wrong. Never spoke of it again until we gave her the "it the magic of Christmas/spirit of Christmas" that is the Santa story.

I'm almost positive she knew for some time because one year she asked Santa for the most expensive gift. I forget how the actually conversation went but it had to do with money and how she wanted a bunch of expensive stuff (Like a WII or something) - and she says I'll just ask Santa for the expensive one so you have more money for my gifts...... Little ****

This was 1000% me as a kid. I began to question it, and felt like a genius when my family admitted it wasn't true.

 

[massraider]

I own this sweater

 

[Ilov80s]

I’m not a Scrooge either. I absolutely love Christmas. It’s the best. The music and the message and the movies and the silly traditions and funny outfits. Love it all. Love the joy it brings. I’m not criticizing any of you for enjoying it how you enjoy it.

 

[ChiefD]

I remember when my kids were about 8,6, and 3. Some punk kid at school tried to ruin the surprise for my 8 year old. He comes home all upset about it and says:

8 Year Old: "This kid at school says Santa isn't real."

6 Year Old: "Of course he's real. Mom and Dad would never ever buy us any cool stuff."

Crisis averted for 4 more years.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I remember when my kids were about 8,6, and 3. Some punk kid at school tried to ruin the surprise for my 8 year old. He comes home all upset about it and says:

8 Year Old: "This kid at school says Santa isn't real."

6 Year Old: "Of course he's real. Mom and Dad would never ever buy us any cool stuff."

Crisis averted for 4 more years.

Happened to me too when my son was 5 in kindergarten. One of his classmates parents didn’t believe in “lying” to their kid and told him Santa wasn’t real. He proceeded to tell everyone else in his class.

 

[Peggy]

I mean I guess we could say Christmas itself is all one big lie.

Was Jesus really born on December 25th?

Serious?
It's worse than you think. It's generally believed that that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. Yep, not only a lie, but Christmas was actually stolen.

 

[snellman]

Why would you tell your kids there is no Santa?

Because I don't like lying to them?

I've let them all come ask me/us on their own accord and then just level with 'em. My twins are 8 and the last to "believe" but I think deep down they known the truth and are choosing to believe, which is fine. I figure this is the last year they keep the faith but it's up to them.

But wait… not telling them there’s no Santa is lying, but telling them there is one isn’t ?

We just let them figure it out. Other kids/sibs/etc let the cat out of the bag eventually. None of mine ever came out and flat out asked.

FWIW… my oldest is 30 and my kids still get presents from Santa And no, smart asses… they don’t believe he exists… it’s just a fun tradition.

Don't worry, my wife does the same thing. We only have 1 left at home and he is 16. I also have to dress up as Santa every year and make a "visit" while all of the kids are home. It is more fun now with the grandkids, but it got pretty old before the grandkids came.

 

[snellman]

I honestly don’t remember what we told our kids and when nor do I remember when they found out and how. I do look forward to the day I have grandkids and start the tradition all over. It’s magical for kids.

Grandkids are so much fun with the Christmas magic. As my kids were getting older, the grind of Christmas was starting to wear on me with the wife's traditions of making sure they had presents instead of money, Equal number of presents, etc. Then the grandkids came along and it was like we were young all over again. Buying a bunch of toys for little people is so much more fun than trying to figure out what your teenagers or adult children want that isn't $$$$$.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Let me tell you something about Santa

Santa Clause brought my son in on his sleigh to visit me unannounced the week before Christmas because we cannot be together on the actual day
We put up a Christams tree together and went to the Hard Rock on Sunday
I believe in Santa, my mother(god rest her soul) always told me to never stop believing and he would always keep coming

I would never take that away from a child and I would warn them that other children will try and convince them Santa isn't real
I guess an appropriate age will just naturally reveal itself and that's when you tell them Santa lives inside all of us and it's the spirit of giving that keeps him alive

 

[BassNBrew]

We told them Santa isn't real right away (maybe 2 or 3 years old). Same for Easter Bunny and all the others.

Why?

Really good question and I should have answered that in my first post. Biggest reason is that I didn't want my kids to think that since I was lying about Santa I am also lying about my faith in God. I fully expect people to crap all over that, and plenty of people teach their kids about Santa and God, or about Santa and not God (Knowing this board), but that's how we decided to do it.

<edited in the spirit of the season> Let's just saying there are many different religions and not everyone is right. Some parents are repeating a lie to their kids. So unless you want to say the Jews and Catholics have it wrong and the Lutherans are right, it's a modification on a concept.

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

Literally all of our society is in on it. There’s music and movies. We tell them this guy is always watching you and judging everything you do. Santa is one of the most elaborate lies in the world.

I'd say second most. At least the Santa lie doesn't result in people killing each other.

It is a lie though. I

You can keep repeating this, but I'll stick with it being a disingenuous position to take.

What else is it when to tell someone something you know to be false and then cover-up the tracks so they don’t find out the truth? I am not making a value judgement. It’s just what it is. But let’s just part on good terms here. Merry Christmas Dr O, hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Not sure which camp you fall into, but I'll use this post to make a general statement. I didn't go telling my 3 year old that that his grandparents were going to be dead in a few years or that he was wasting his time playing sports due to his momma genes. There are plenty disingenuous positions we take from not telling a new mom her baby is ugly to just nodding when Gramps goes on a political rant or telling our kid they played a good game when they really sucked.

 

[Sand]

In my household when I was growing up there was a rule - anyone who didn't believe in Santa didn't get presents.

We've always held to that in my house. It's more fun that way.

 

[Corporation]

Sorry if there's another thread. Post in GMs thread made me think.

What's the feeling on how you tell your kids about Santa?

What did you tell them?

When did you stop?

Other thoughts?

My oldest son is on the spectrum (mildly). At that early age, everything was very black and white with him. It still is somewhat, but he has learned to look for degrees and nuance. If I made a mistake, he would say "You lied to me!" and I would say "Buddy, I just made a mistake, it was an accident." We were all in of course with doing Santa. Around age 7, he asked me "Dad, is Santa real" and I asked him what he thought, he said "Oh yeah I think he's real" and I said "Well that's what's important." Age 8 same deal. Age 9 (he did 2 years of kindergarten so 3rd grade), he asked the same and I responded the same, and he said "You always say that, I need to know." So I told him the truth about Santa. On Christmas Eve. Instant waterworks and immediate regret. I could have let him have 1 more Christmas morning, but I was truly worried about him thinking I was lying to him about things.

He got over it, and I told him it was an important thing that he now gets to play Santa with us for his little brother, which he loved. He still loves Christmas to this day, but if I had to do it over again I'd let him have that last Christmas morning and then explain later.

 

[Ilov80s]

We told them Santa isn't real right away (maybe 2 or 3 years old). Same for Easter Bunny and all the others.

Why?

Really good question and I should have answered that in my first post. Biggest reason is that I didn't want my kids to think that since I was lying about Santa I am also lying about my faith in God. I fully expect people to crap all over that, and plenty of people teach their kids about Santa and God, or about Santa and not God (Knowing this board), but that's how we decided to do it.

<edited in the spirit of the season> Let's just saying there are many different religions and not everyone is right. Some parents are repeating a lie to their kids. So unless you want to say the Jews and Catholics have it wrong and the Lutherans are right, it's a modification on a concept.

his is what I would do. Maybe it sounds dumb to others but I really don't want to carry out some big elaborate lie to trick my kid.

Come on. It's not some elaborate lie - it's a tradition to bring magic to the holiday season.

If you actually sat down and gave it some thought - there's plenty of things we "lie" about to our children to protect them and try to steer them down the right path.

This one creates joy.

It’s actually an extremely elaborate lie. I get it’s good natured but I don’t think I would participate.

Elaborate?

Literally all of our society is in on it. There’s music and movies. We tell them this guy is always watching you and judging everything you do. Santa is one of the most elaborate lies in the world.

I'd say second most. At least the Santa lie doesn't result in people killing each other.

It is a lie though. I

You can keep repeating this, but I'll stick with it being a disingenuous position to take.

What else is it when to tell someone something you know to be false and then cover-up the tracks so they don’t find out the truth? I am not making a value judgement. It’s just what it is. But let’s just part on good terms here. Merry Christmas Dr O, hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Not sure which camp you fall into, but I'll use this post to make a general statement. I didn't go telling my 3 year old that that his grandparents were going to be dead in a few years or that he was wasting his time playing sports due to his momma genes. There are plenty disingenuous positions we take from not telling a new mom her baby is ugly to just nodding when Gramps goes on a political rant or telling our kid they played a good game when they really sucked.

I never said lies are all harmful. There’s also a difference in not saying the truth and saying something that’s untrue. I am being light hearted about Santa- maybe that’s not coming off through text but it it’s a lie with a coverup to sell the lie. Put out the cookies and milk- oh look they are gone. Elf on a Shelf is another version of this. Just because it’s a lie, doesn’t mean it’s harmful. Just saying I wouldn’t do it. There’s lots of dumb stuff I do that others here wouldn’t.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

There’s lots of dumb stuff I do that others here wouldn’t.

Like accusing people of being liars for trying to bring joy to the children?

 

[Keerock]

I honestly don’t remember what we told our kids and when nor do I remember when they found out and how. I do look forward to the day I have grandkids and start the tradition all over. It’s magical for kids.

Grandkids are so much fun with the Christmas magic. As my kids were getting older, the grind of Christmas was starting to wear on me with the wife's traditions of making sure they had presents instead of money, Equal number of presents, etc. Then the grandkids came along and it was like we were young all over again. Buying a bunch of toys for little people is so much more fun than trying to figure out what your teenagers or adult children want that isn't $$$$$.

Man I can’t wait for that. Im currently suffering with the “equal # & $” gifts edict from my wife for our adult kids (no grandkids yet). Don’t get me wrong, I love getting things for them, but buying stuff just to fill out under the tree and make things “equal” is maddening. She’s “one more thinged” it several times on each side already with stuff they won’t want/need just to fill/even it out

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I like the logic of:

I dont want to lie to my kids so I’ll rob them of the magic of Christmas and instead teach them to lie to all their friends and classmates.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I like the logic of:

I dont want to lie to my kids so I’ll rob them of the magic of Christmas and instead teach them to lie to all their friends and classmates.

Or worse ruin it for every other kid/parent who wants that magic.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Didn’t really know how to break it to my kids, so we watched Trading Places. Once they saw the Dan Akroyd character stuff smoked salmon into his pockets while day drinking, they figured it out.

 

[SWC]

i have to admit that i am totally floored by the idea that parents are sitting kids down at 2 or 3 years old and telling them that there is no santa i mean honest question when that same kid at 2 or 3 years old likes a hotdog do you tell them hey you might like those but lets take a trip down to the old oscar meyer factory and say yep son this is how hotdogs are made i mean it seems more to me like you have a problem with santa and not some great love of truth honestly look inward and be honest and figure out why that is is my advice take that to the bank brochachos

 

[Da Guru]

My older daughter was around 7-8 when she told me some kids at school said there is no Santa, then asked me point blank.

I said "honey, there is a Santa..your Santa is your mom and me" Then I told he not to tell her sister, to let her find her own way on this topic. At first I thought she as going to cry, then she just hugged me. Next year her sister found out but faked it for awhile.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

I have to admit that i am totally floored by the idea that parents are sitting kids down at 2 or 3 years old

I try not to judge anyone. But man, I can’t believe this either. I’ve never even heard of this in my life

 

[massraider]

My older daughter was around 7-8 when she told me some kids at school said there is no Santa, then asked my point blank.

I said "honey, there is a Santa..your Santa is your mom and me" Then I told he not to tell her sister, to let her find her own way on this topic. At first I thought she as going to cry, then she just hugged me. Next year her sister found out but faked it for awhile.

Yeah they find out in their own time.

Older siblings or cousins spill the beans. Happens when it happens.

If the kid asks, that means they already know. level with them at that point.

 

[Ilov80s]

I like the logic of:

I dont want to lie to my kids so I’ll rob them of the magic of Christmas and instead teach them to lie to all their friends and classmates.

Lying isn’t the same as withholding info. I wouldn’t want my kids ruining it for other kids and I didn’t ever ruin it for my nieces or nephews because it’s not my kids and not my place. I just let them believe and stayed out of it. Again, I absolutely love Christmas. It’s awesome and I for sure would want to bring my kids joy. Maybe I’m totally wrong but I don’t think the Santa thing is the only way kids could experience joy during the holidays. But I’m also not criticizing anyone that is 100% into Santa and has awesome memories of it as a kid and as a parent. That’s totally cool and tons of respect for that. It’s just not what I would do. Not sure why some people seem agitated by my choice and teasing. If you want I’ll take back that it’s a lie and say it’s something we tell people that we know isn’t true but we do it for fun and joy. I hope that’s less offensive because I genuinely like everyone in this thread.

 

[BassNBrew]

I like the logic of:

I dont want to lie to my kids so I’ll rob them of the magic of Christmas and instead teach them to lie to all their friends and classmates.

Lying isn’t the same as withholding info. I wouldn’t want my kids ruining it for other kids and I didn’t ever ruin it for my nieces or nephews because it’s not my kids and not my place. I just let them believe and stayed out of it. Again, I absolutely love Christmas. It’s awesome and I for sure would want to bring my kids joy. Maybe I’m totally wrong but I don’t think the Santa thing is the only way kids could experience joy during the holidays. But I’m also not criticizing anyone that is 100% into Santa and has awesome memories of it as a kid and as a parent. That’s totally cool and tons of respect for that. It’s just not what I would do. Not sure why some people seem agitated by my choice and teasing. If you want I’ll take back that it’s a lie and say it’s something we tell people that we know isn’t true but we do it for fun and joy. I hope that’s less offensive because I genuinely like everyone in this thread.

That's probably a good position. Playing a prank or April's Fools joke fall in the same category.

For those who have a problem "lying" about Santa, if the outcome of your ruse or falsehoods results in the betterment of others at your own expense (or without covering up an error or misdeed on your part), I wouldn't call it a lie. Is a coach telling his team that they are going to win when they 3 point dogs considered lying? If you have a friend with 40% chance of surviving cancer, are you lying if you tell them they can beat it instead of telling them they are likely going to die a lie? When you stop to help an old lady with a flat tire while headed to work and she's tells you not to worry she'll find one of her kids to help and you tell her it's not a problem you don't have anyway to be (holy run on sentence Batman)....is that lying?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I like the logic of:

I dont want to lie to my kids so I’ll rob them of the magic of Christmas and instead teach them to lie to all their friends and classmates.

Lying isn’t the same as withholding info. I wouldn’t want my kids ruining it for other kids and I didn’t ever ruin it for my nieces or nephews because it’s not my kids and not my place. I just let them believe and stayed out of it. Again, I absolutely love Christmas. It’s awesome and I for sure would want to bring my kids joy. Maybe I’m totally wrong but I don’t think the Santa thing is the only way kids could experience joy during the holidays. But I’m also not criticizing anyone that is 100% into Santa and has awesome memories of it as a kid and as a parent. That’s totally cool and tons of respect for that. It’s just not what I would do. Not sure why some people seem agitated by my choice and teasing. If you want I’ll take back that it’s a lie and say it’s something we tell people that we know isn’t true but we do it for fun and joy. I hope that’s less offensive because I genuinely like everyone in this thread.

That's probably a good position. Playing a prank or April's Fools joke fall in the same category.

For those who have a problem "lying" about Santa, if the outcome of your ruse or falsehoods results in the betterment of others at your own expense (or without covering up an error or misdeed on your part), I wouldn't call it a lie. Is a coach telling his team that they are going to win when they 3 point dogs considered lying? If you have a friend with 40% chance of surviving cancer, are you lying if you tell them they can beat it instead of telling them they are likely going to die a lie? When you stop to help an old lady with a flat tire while headed to work and she's tells you not to worry she'll find one of her kids to help and you tell her it's not a problem you don't have anyway to be (holy run on sentence Batman)....is that lying?

Whatever helps you folks sleep well at night, you don’t have to convince me of anything one way or another.

I can’t speak for others, but this is NOT something I’m going to dislike you guys over. Your kids your deal, you do you, bro.

 

[BassNBrew]

I like the logic of:

I dont want to lie to my kids so I’ll rob them of the magic of Christmas and instead teach them to lie to all their friends and classmates.

Lying isn’t the same as withholding info. I wouldn’t want my kids ruining it for other kids and I didn’t ever ruin it for my nieces or nephews because it’s not my kids and not my place. I just let them believe and stayed out of it. Again, I absolutely love Christmas. It’s awesome and I for sure would want to bring my kids joy. Maybe I’m totally wrong but I don’t think the Santa thing is the only way kids could experience joy during the holidays. But I’m also not criticizing anyone that is 100% into Santa and has awesome memories of it as a kid and as a parent. That’s totally cool and tons of respect for that. It’s just not what I would do. Not sure why some people seem agitated by my choice and teasing. If you want I’ll take back that it’s a lie and say it’s something we tell people that we know isn’t true but we do it for fun and joy. I hope that’s less offensive because I genuinely like everyone in this thread.

That's probably a good position. Playing a prank or April's Fools joke fall in the same category.

For those who have a problem "lying" about Santa, if the outcome of your ruse or falsehoods results in the betterment of others at your own expense (or without covering up an error or misdeed on your part), I wouldn't call it a lie. Is a coach telling his team that they are going to win when they 3 point dogs considered lying? If you have a friend with 40% chance of surviving cancer, are you lying if you tell them they can beat it instead of telling them they are likely going to die a lie? When you stop to help an old lady with a flat tire while headed to work and she's tells you not to worry she'll find one of her kids to help and you tell her it's not a problem you don't have anyway to be (holy run on sentence Batman)....is that lying?

Whatever helps you folks sleep well at night, you don’t have to convince me of anything one way or another.

I can’t speak for others, but this is NOT something I’m going to dislike you guys over. Your kids your deal, you do you, bro.

I still like you and you're a Cowboys fan. That's a bigger sin than telling a two year old there's no Santa.