At what age is it appropriate to tell your kids there is no Santa?

I would never tell my child that there isn't a Santa. I would let them figure it out on their own. At least that way you know they will be ready for the news.

My mom still gives me presents from Santa and I am 30 and expecting my second child. (Yes I know about Santa, but it is still fun to pretend)

I think this is the kind of thing you need to just go with the flow on. I never wanted to tell my kids about Santa, but my Mother-in-Law couldn't resist. I haven't wanted to step on any dreams and so when my kids talk to me about him, I normally act like they are educating me.

They have asked me if I've ever seen him and I answered honestly, "No." I am sure my daughter (8) will figure it out soon, and while I have no idea what I will say, I am sure that I will be able to find a honest way to talk to her about it and I will encourage her to let her brother (6) figure it out for himself, too.

My only issue with telling kids the truth on your schedule is you really do run the risk of breaking hearts and crushing dreams. While most of us were able to handle the truth, we were all disappointed and some of us were more resentful.

I especially wonder at the wisdom of these online offers to send your child a letter signed by Santa. I mean finding out the "man" that they never saw was really a tradition or myth would definitely sit easier if they didn't have what is to their written proof that he lives. The image of adults waiting for a real live Santa to arrive is really sad.

Gwen

Oh dear so last year my 8 year old said ( on christmas day)

Wow mommy, Santa and you used the same wrapping paper..

I just laughed it off and then later that day she came to me and said Mom i am old enough now you can tell me the truth. And i said well do you belive that there is a santa and she said i don;t think so and went on to say Comeon mom just tell me the truth. So we had this long talk and later that night she looks up at me and out of no where said so Mom i take it that you are also the easter bunny and tooth fairy and i said to her now you see why i am always broke. hahahaha

She knows that there are many children who still think that there is a REAL santa so she knows not to say anything.

Good Luck. Just let your child ask you. Its coming sooner than you think.

I have two high school aged girls, and a kindergartener. My girls will never hear from me that there is no Santa. They can somewhat come to that conclusion themselves, but there is still fun and mystery to Christmas morning by having gifts "appear" during the night. I want my younger daughter to have the same fun and special memories that her older sisters had when they were little. As my kids get older, Santa is not a big part of Christmas, but I have no plans on telling them that there is no Santa. Why is it necessary?

I've never even encouraged or taught my kids about Santa.But other people which you can't control put it in their heads anyway. I eventually told my kids the truth..That Santa Clause or rather the guy that he is based off of did once exist,but he is no longer alive,and that some people just like to carry on his memory through their traditions,and we have our own.That was at the age of 5. After all the questions about whether or not this "dead" guy was going to come down our chimney and does that mean people thinks he's a zombie? Which I quickly reassured them that this was not possible...All eventually went rather well. It all depends on your beliefs and wether or not your kid(s) or mature enough to handle it.I went with a history lesson.Good luck!

I think kids figure it out for themselves between 6-9 yrs old (maybe a little older). I would just let things take their course & when they ask you about it, be honest & open. I still loved the magic of Christmas & got more into giving & helping my mom do the Santa stuff after I found out.

If they have smaller siblings I would just try to include them as much as possible so they don't tell the littler ones before their ready.

I believe we should be truthful with our children there is no such person as Santa Claus. When you told them there was and now you want to tell him/her there isn't, children are going to be confused with telling the truth and telling a lie. To a child you told them he existed and now your retracting your story. What are they going to believe? That's just like the boy who cried wolf! No one believed him when there actually was one. In my opinion, I wouldn't tell children there is a Santa because there isn't. They need to know the TRUE meaning of Christmas and why it is celebrated. It's not for a Santa that brings them presents. Moms and Dads get the gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Always be truthful and tell them they get the presents from you in celebration of Jesuss' birthday. There was no Santa that brought gifts to Jesus. As I see it Christmas is so overrated and everyone has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Even the department stores. They're only concerned with making money and not the true meaning of Christmas. Just look at the stores that have signs that say HAPPY HOLIDAYS and not MERRY CHRISTMAS. It's all about Christmas but the meaning has diminished. It's not about the gifts or making money. It's about being surrounded by family and friends remembering the life of Jesus and why he sacrificed his life for our sins. Honestly, it begins by telling children the absolute truth about Christmas. You wouldn't want to tell lies to your children and expect them to tell you the truth. As for you telling your children there is no Santa your a little late but explain to them you told them incorrectly and the best time would be now. Don't wait until there're past 5 or 6 when they know the difference between the truth and a lie. Good luck and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I would base it on when their friends know. If the majority of his or her friends do not believe..it may be a good time to do so (it's hard enough being socially accepted at that age) You can tell them in a good way..that there used to be a Santa Claus hundreds of years ago and everyone is carrying on the tradition for the kids (if you want to shy away from the religious reasons of Christmas that is). I would also caution them not to tell the "littler kids" as it's still special for them.

Good uck!

Mine are 9& 6, they already know that, especially when they have gone snooping for there gifts at one time time , we just said that there is a Santa for comercial reasons, but in reality there isn't and we act as Santa for them , they still write there christmas lists , and we let them know that they can still talk to Santa at the shoping Malls, so they are still cool with it and know the difference.

lavern.

You don't tell them. They pretty much figure it out themselves. Anyone who would tell a child there is no santa should be flogged and forced to read A Christmas Carol 365 days a year, because they've obviously forgotten about the JOY of the season.