*Warning. Santa spoiler ahead. Not for little people.
Christmas is in 19 days!
My girls are 11 and 9.
Do they still believe in the fat man who drops down the filthy chimney bringing presents to the good girls and boys while leaving lumps of coal to all the evil folks?
Hmmm At least one of them does. The other is smart enough to keep her mouth shut, make her list and clean her room without being asked. If you don’t believe, he can’t bring gifts, right?
These are the facts.
I’ve been lying to my kids about Jolly Ole Saint Nick for almost 12 years. Me. The Mama who HATES liars. Who values truth and honesty. I’ve been not only lying, but force feeding the fairy tale of the magic man and loving every second of it. Why do I do this? Two reasons:
One. Santa equals power. The girls are “disagreeing” . All that is needed is a gentle reminder that Santa is watching and said disagreement is over. They don’t want to clean up their toys? Oh well, guess Santa can’t bring any new ones. Ta Da! Toy room is clean! No nagging! Not only that these children help with laundry, offer to shovel the driveway, empty the dishwasher, carry each others book bags? Huh? Random acts of kindness are rampant around here. Santa throws big bad weight in this house.
The second reason I am crushing on the big man. Thanks to Santa I get to see my babies eyes light up when they are sure those are reindeer prints in the front yard. Witness sheer delight when they are positive the scratch at the window was an elf running away before we saw him. I am able to capture a beautiful moment forever on my camera as they run down the stairs on Christmas morn to see if their stockings have been stuffed with all of those junky things Mom usually says no to.
It’s true, I have struggled with lying to my kids about Santa, but what I have come to realize is when the time comes much sooner then I want it to I will simply explain to my two beautiful girls, Santa is part of the spirit of the season. The fun, mysterious, giggling, magical part. I am thankful for the Big Man and the special moments he has helped me create. So for now, I’m milking him for all he is worth.
Thanks Santa.
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I know what you mean. We have our 10-year-old daughter who is doubting these days and begging us for the truth – like she really wants to know. And wow did her face light up when we went to have pictures taken with Santa. I think she still wants to believe.
I think is fun to believe. I don’t think many people have been hurt by that lie. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! HoHoHo
Sometimes I feel kind of weird telling my son about Santa, but it is very cute & magical seeing him get all excited over Christmas. I’m glad to know your younger daughter still beleives – hopefully we can keep it going for a few more years:)
Ooo you’re an expert con artist then 🙂
I can actually see the magic in the eyes of my boys, and it’s the cutest thing ever, their belief in Santa. 🙂
I believed in Santa forever! I still believe in the Christmas spirit even! There’s nothing wrong with it! Enjoy it!
i always believed in santa.. hubs.. yea not so much.. he said as kids- they were NEVER told about santa..
i just happen to think.. even though yes! i DO know the real reason for Christmas… santa is Christmas too!!!!
Let Santa live on!!! I’m all for it, too.
What a great post! I am going to milk it as long as I can too. 🙂