2007-10-22 02:26:31 · 65 answers · asked by Balaboo 5 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
No.
2007-10-22 02:28:34 · answer #1 · answered by Mullet Master 5000 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I would say no, he's not a real person, but the idea of Santa Claus is alive and well.
8 yrs old might be too young to understand something as complex as a tradition that started long ago, and has now morphed into the kind of commercial madness we have now...but I think telling the child that Santa Claus is based on an old tradition is ok...as long as it's your child. If it isn't your child, then you get to say "Go ask you parents".
2007-10-22 02:39:14 · answer #2 · answered by Night Owl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him enjoy another season -- of magic & expectancy. It's better to talk about why people "don't believe in Santa Claus", then if/not or a simple yes/no about whether he's real, or not.. talk about belief.
I'll offer you somewhat of a script: If you need to bring him into a greater understanding -- let him him to the FOLK LORE and the beginnings of Santa Claus. Talk about the history of St. Nick -- the German meaning behind Christmas & trees, etc. (give him some reality, to mix into the fantasy). But, do NOT say.. that it's make-believe for an 8-yr old.. just because they're "asking"... keep them looking ahead & forward (simply lose the "he sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake..." part of the spy-game for good behavior). If you haven't ALREADY -- you should have explained that (Christ)mas' real meaning & the gift-giving comes from the BIRTH OF JESUS and the gifts that were given by the Three Kings... to the manger (that a "king" was born, for their reverence to the most humble, modest and poor family.. that had to sleep in an animal's barn, more or less for the Night). Don't be shy about making an 8 YEAR OLD start really, really listening to the WORDS of songs all about the holiday -- O Holy Night, Deck the Halls, White Christmas, I'll Be Home for Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, etc. the classics that tell you what's its all about. And all through the centuries, people added other ways to give each other presents.. and celebrate the spirit of family, love and sharing - and using the Birth of Jesus (Christmas) of a wider celebration of 'Joy'/'Noel' and 'Peace on Earth'.
So, Santa Claus represents the 'Spirit of Christmas' and the season of giving. Santa Claus does exist -- ONLY THAT ALL THE SANTAs we see, are his "helpers" and represent the Christmas spirit... that comes back over & over, every year. Some people (& kids in his school) may say that Santa Claus doesn't exist -- because they haven't seen him -- but, remind them what they THINK ABOUT when they go to sleep on Christmas Eve... about the possibility of that magic moment when they awake to presents under a tree, and a great morning with their family (etc.). If Santa didn't exist -- then why are their millions & millions of people around (where you live)... that get ready for Christmas, and "can't wait" for it?
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You absolutely DON'T ruin his Christmas.. of what they're looking forward to, from NOW.. if they're talking about, from now. During the year, if he doesn't move on... or next year.. you can walk him through why people DON'T BELIEVE.
2007-10-22 02:32:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My kids didn't believe in Santa at about 6 to 7 years old but we convinced them for one more year when we got my husband to dress up as him with cushions under is jacket, He had a little bell which tingled ( so they thought the reindeer's were outside ) and a candle which was really dim so they couldn't see too good in the dark. He went upstairs and put them all a stocking on the end of their beds. He accidentally on purpose lol woke them up and put his finger over his mouth and just went shhhhhh then left.
It was lovely. I don't think that you should tell them the truth if they still believe, Santa is a magical person to children and they love him They are not going to be angry when they know you didn't tell the truth as my older boys love to tell their little sister about Santa even though they know he isn't real anymore but they know how magical the believing is.
2007-10-22 02:36:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children like only Fantasy stories. Tell him yes and take him to show Santa Claus. But keep the secret for sometime. Yours,
vrvrao
2007-10-22 02:31:13 · answer #5 · answered by Raghavendra R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Id tell them when they are around the age of 10. Now that they are 8 years old, you have to be more careful that they dont spot thats its you who and not 'Santa'. The reason 10 is a good age, is because they start growing up more at that age and go to a bigger school by then so you dont want them being made fun of because they believe in something thats not real. But 8 is still to young, because if they still believe in it, then you shouldnt ruin their spirit of it all.
2007-10-22 02:33:44 · answer #6 · answered by Adrian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well I have two answers. When i was little I was a Jehovah Witness. So I was riding the bus one day and told a kid that age Santa wasn't real and he went home, cried , and told his mom. Now that I am older and have a six year old of my own and do not practice that religion I feel differently. Now I still help my son believe in Santa just because kids that age need to use thier minds and imagine and have something to believe in. Now if he plain out asked me..... Is santa real? I would say........ "If you believe in him"............
but if he started to get smart and notice he wasnt real himself, then i'd probably laugh with him and tell him, how'd you grow up so fast on me.
2007-10-22 02:33:52 · answer #7 · answered by Cutie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say what I told my son when he was young.
Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, was a real man who actually lived. He was good and generous to the poor. He gave gifts. We remember him this way.
The Three Kings gave gifts to the Baby Jesus, and that is why we give gifts...in the spirit of Santa Claus and the Three Kings, we give gifts to each other the way they gave gifts.
So the spirit of Santa is real.
2007-10-22 02:31:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think 8 is just about the right age to find out that santa is really mummy and daddy
kids at school talk and once one knows the truth they aren't long in telling the others.
Both my daughters were told at 8 years old
remember school kids can be cruel you don't want the kid to be mocked do you ?
2007-10-22 02:31:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Santa Claus always is in our soul. So ,I wish i could receive his present"
Everyone can dream. Especially is an 8 year old child
2007-10-22 02:44:52 · answer #10 · answered by spring_262 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I would because they are still young enough to believe in Santa and I would never want to take that joy and excitement from them. I'm glad my parents let me believe in Santa Claus.
2007-10-22 02:31:13 · answer #11 · answered by toughguy2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋