Is Santa Real?
Robert Nickell
When your child comes to you questioning if Santa is real and asking
you, the parent, to confirm – one way or the other – I suggest taking a step
back and a deep breath before responding.
Begin by asking your child why they’re asking this question in the
first place. Did they hear something from another child at school? Or did they
determine on their own that “Santa’s job” is seemingly impossible? If they’ve
thought about it long enough and critically enough to determine on their own
that Santa might not be real then it might be time to explain to them that
they’re, in fact, correct. Don’t forget to put a silver lining on it; something
like, Santa is able to personify the spirit of Christmas; the joy, happiness,
love, selfless giving, empathy and more that encompass the whole idea of
Christmas, and when you think about it that way Santa is simply the face of
Christmas.
If, on the other hand your child explains to you that another child
from school just happened to claim loudly that Santa isn’t real then your child
still likely believes in Santa and is looking to you for answers; if this is
the case, I suggest letting them know that not everyone believes in the same
things, and that’s perfectly okay, but that if your child believes Santa exists
then nobody can take that belief away from them.
With seven kids of my own ranging in age from 1 year old to 27 years
old, I have kids who believe, and kids who now know better. It can be fun to
get your older kids involved in keeping the idea of Santa alive and real for
the younger kids in your family. Include your older children in the shopping,
the wrapping of presents and more while your younger kids still believe he
exists. The older kids will enjoy sneaking around at night to devour the milk
and cookies left out for Santa, and the younger kids will revel in the mystery
that is Santa Claus.
Tackling the “Is Santa Real” question is tricky and not the easiest
subject to tiptoe around. Remember to be sensitive, understanding and even
creative in your response!
Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind there’s no one-way to
handle this sensitive issue, and different techniques will likely work for
different families.
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Daddy Nickell