How do you explain to kids that there is no santa clause?

Answer 1

In my opinion, you don't. You wait until they figure it out for themselves and ask you for the straight answer, and you then you answer them. You can explain that parents want so much for their small children to believe in something magical for just a little while that they pass on the tradition of sharing the Santa Claus legend with their children.

You could tell them, too, that Santa Claus lives in the heart of parents who scurry around finding just the right gifts, hide them all through the Christmas season, and secretly place them out to be found on Christmas morning - just like Santa Claus.

Answer 2

I have 4 kids, two boys ages 16 and 13, and twin 7 year old girls. The girls still believe in Santa. I waited until my children asked me straight out..."Is Santa real?". Usually, you can tell by the way they ask, that they already know. I get very serious and ask them if they are sure they really, really want to know, because once they know the truth, there is a very big responsibility that goes along with knowing. One of my kids decided he didn't want to know, and he waited another year before asking again. So, once they decide they really do want to know, I tell them that Santa has been gone for a very long time but he was so beloved that we all fill in and take over for him each Christmas, to keep the tradition (and Santa) alive. They now have the responsibility to help keep the tradition alive, which means they are not to tell other kids (at school, or siblings) the secret. And, they get to help keep Santa alive in our hearts with the younger kids - - I am always surprised at how diligent they are about not slipping up in front of the little ones! When you include them in the Santa role, they really step up and enjoy it in a whole new way. Everyone in the family still gets gifts from Santa, even after they know.

My girls are starting to ask the important questions, such as "how old is Santa?" and "how do the elves make the same toys as the store?", so I know the magical time will be over soon. But I still have the tooth fairy!

Just as an aside, my parents never played Santa for my sister and I. There was never a time in my life that I believed in Santa. This may be why I enjoy giving this pleasure to my kids so much.

Answer 3

My 6 yr old just recently asked if Santa was real, I asked her if she really really wanted to know and she said no.
My children are only currently believe in Santa because they think if they dont then they wont get any presents.But I have also taught them about Saint Nicholas.
If your children are ready to know that Santa isnt real then why not teach them about Saint Nicholas and because of him we know have Santa Clause.

Answer 4

First of all, I would not explain this to them until age 10 or when they come home saying that other kids are picking on him/her for believing in Santa.
When you decide to explain try this: "You know how you read fiction stories in school(just pick one), well Santa is just like one of those fictional characters. He is made up for parents and children to enjoy in the fun activities that go along with him. The tale of Santa has been around for generations, but sooner or later you have to stop believing!"
Good Luck!

Answer 5

If they are old enough, introduce them to the credit card bills after Christmas. Otherwise, let them enjoy their childhood believing in Santa Clause. At least one thing can stay magical for them for as long as you can make it.

Answer 6

We told our kids that Santa was inspired by a man who did kindly acts for others and that we celebrate that spirit at Christmas. We told them it's a reminder to do this all year; to think beyond ourselves and gift others with our kindness.

So in that way, Santa really does live on in all of us...

Answer 7

Can I be honest with you I think its horrible that you wanna wreck that for your children. I know people that told their children when they were 4 and it made them very upset. There is not a whole lot in this world anymore for magic and alot of kids arent getting the chance any more to be a kid so dont be like that its mean..!!!!

Answer 8

i would not say anything until they are older then the will get it( no Santa clause)

Answer 9

Don't. There is a Santa Claus. S/he is the guy or girl who helps out the needy or those in trouble without beign asked and without wantign a thank you.

Answer 10

AS I GOT OLDER (AROUND AGE 10) MY MOM INFORMED ME AND MY SIBLINGS THAT IT WAS THROUGH HER HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION THAT GOT US THE THINGS WE WANTED AND NEEDED. WE APPRECIATED HER MORE BECAUSE WE REALIZED THAT AS A SINGLE PARENT, SHE WAS GOING THROUGH A LOT TO FEED 4 YOUNG CHILDREN AS WELL AS MAKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL. WE NEVER WANTED FOR ANYTHING.

WE KNEW IT WAS HER HARD WORK, NOT SOME FAT MAN SLIDING DOWN OUR CHIMNEY. IT DIDN'T MAKE CHRISTMAS ANY LESS SPECIAL FOR US. WE FELT EXTRA BLESSED BECAUSE WE RECEIVED SO MUCH THROUGH THIS ONE WOMAN. I FEEL MORE CHILDREN WOULD APPRECIATE THEIR PARENTS MORE IF THEY KNEW IT WAS THEIR HARD WORK THAT PUT PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE.