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Still a believer by
Tash Hughes of Love Santa
Watching children's excitement over Christmas and
Santa brings a smile to most adults, especially parents.
At the back of every parents mind, however, is the
thought that one day our little children will learn
who really delivers Santa's gifts.
There is a certain sadness as they let go of childish
faith in Santa - it is the end of that stage in their
life and of some of the magic of childhood. And there
can even be some anger and frustration if someone else
spills the beans.
So how can you deal with a child who is hearing “Santa
isn't real”?
- Explain that Santa has helpers because there
are so many children he wants to make happy
- Santa is busy so parents help on Christmas eve
as the world is such a big place that Santa can't
get around it in time
- Tell and show them it's Ok to believe in what
you can’t see, even if others don't always believe
the same thing - a valuable life lesson there, too
- Imply that they can “trust mum" or “trust
X”
If older child knows, and you don't want them spilling
the beans to younger siblings, get their silence by-
- Giving sense of responsibility and being grown
up - explain that they are part of the grown up
secret of making young children happy
- Involve older child e.g. s/he stays up to help
deliver gifts, s/he helps choose a style of Santa
letter
- Remind of them of their own joy in Santa as
this develops empathy and pleasure; it also encourages
memories which inspires cooperation and gives the
child something happy to think about.
Delight a special child this
Christmas with a personalised letter from Love Santa,
or share your Christmas stories and traditions in the Love Santa blog.
Simply complete an online form with some details about
your child, and they’ll get an individual letter relating
to a hot Australian Christmas and listing their good
deeds. All letters are written by professional writer
Tash Hughes. This article is copyright by Tash Hughes,
2007, but may be reproduced in full as long as nothing
is changed and this bio box is included.
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