this post was submitted on 29 Oct 2023
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I'm writing this as someone who has mostly lived in the US and Canada. Personally, I find the whole "lying to children about Christmas" thing just a bit weird (no judgment on those who enjoy this aspect of the holiday). But because it's completely normalized in our culture, this is something many people have to deal with.

Two questions:

What age does this normally happen? I suppose you want the "magic of Christmas" at younger ages, but it gets embarrassing at a certain point.

And how does it normally happen? Let them find out from others through people at school? Tell them explicitly during a "talk"? Let them figure it out on their own?

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[โ€“] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

My kids are of the age where they're starting to think critically about it. We've never directly lied and said that he's real and have instead answered their questions with a "do you think he's real?", and then they have a think and conclude that he is.

When they come to us with more of a statement than a question, for example "Santa isn't real, is he?", then we will let them in on the ruse.

[โ€“] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I found the present stash when I was about 5-6 years old and spent a few years continuing to go through the motions of Santa, playing dumb. I was also told by a non-Christian kid around that time that Santa was fake (not sure which came first). It made me very upset for a day, which is why I remember so clearly, and then I realized either way Christmas is still great. I'm glad I played dumb, for my sister's sake, and I think my parents got a kick out of it.

[โ€“] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago

Well, the Queen is dead now, so you're free to give up the ghost on everything else.

Except... for Tom Turkey.

We have to all take that secret to our graves.

[โ€“] [email protected] -4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

You teach it as young as you can. Teach them to laugh at the pathetic, hate-mongering Christians and their silly traditions that make no sense. Encourage them to tell their peers the truth at school as well.

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