Well, it happened. The question I've been dreading (and lying about for a couple years now) but this time it was followed by "tell me the truth". Okay, now I have a problem. I had a problem lying before, but wasn't point b lank asked not to.
So after reminding her what the real reason for Christmas is, we talked about how Santa is a wonderful story and is in our hearts during Christmas making us want to be happy and giving to others. In other words, I winged it. And then shed a few tears. lol The end of an era.
There are a few more notes to this, there always is with Katie. When I said that Santa was a wonderful story she was still trying to figure out if he was real or not so her response was "stories are fiction". Then after our talk she sat up straight and looked at me with a shocked look on her face. When I asked her what was going on she started discussing the year she got her play kitchen and how it was "huge". She was surprised that we, mere humans, had been able to pull that off (my words, her sentiment). Well, at least she showed some gratitude. :)
Oh, and we also discussed how you do not tell younger children and if they ask you direct them to their parents. Yeesh. Don't need to be responsible for a disbelief epidemic.
So after reminding her what the real reason for Christmas is, we talked about how Santa is a wonderful story and is in our hearts during Christmas making us want to be happy and giving to others. In other words, I winged it. And then shed a few tears. lol The end of an era.
There are a few more notes to this, there always is with Katie. When I said that Santa was a wonderful story she was still trying to figure out if he was real or not so her response was "stories are fiction". Then after our talk she sat up straight and looked at me with a shocked look on her face. When I asked her what was going on she started discussing the year she got her play kitchen and how it was "huge". She was surprised that we, mere humans, had been able to pull that off (my words, her sentiment). Well, at least she showed some gratitude. :)
Oh, and we also discussed how you do not tell younger children and if they ask you direct them to their parents. Yeesh. Don't need to be responsible for a disbelief epidemic.
5 comments:
oh, i remember this with tif...and, yes, we both dissolved into sobbing meesses!
Well your lucky Mary, at least Katie asked you. Cheyanne is 13 and still believes in Santa. She has never asked if Santa is real or not and Rich continues the lie. I keep hoping she'll figure it out, bc by now she would be so heartbroken. I just want her to know, but don't have the heart to tell her.
Debbie, JC wanted to tell her that he was real, but I couldn't do it - not after she specifically told me to tell her the truth. It was sad, but she didn't take it badly. I think she knew and just wanted me to confirm it.
I can understand how you'd be worried about Cheyanne finding out at this point. I'm sure at some point something will clue her in. If I didn't know how sweet Cheyanne was I'd say she's probably just taking Rich for a ride, but I know she's not like that. :)
I hope you read this post Mary. I putting it here bc it relates to our kids finding out there is no Santa Clause. The dirty deed has been done....our loving daughter had her heart broken this year. After Christmas I made Rich tell her that he isn't real. She balked and asked a bunch of questions. Then Rich said the tears came and she ran to the back field. She was crushed and Rich was mad at me for having him tell her. We both told her that nothing has to change. And Rich being who he is at Christmas time, I know that the magic of Christmas will continue in this house. I told her she can still make a list and write a letter if she wants. Camden will be a different story. He will be like Katie and inquire and tell us that Santa doesn't exist. So I thought I would share this with you. I'm such the bad mama. I kept hoping she would figure it out:(
Debbie, you're not a bad mother. There comes a time when they have to know and Cheyanne was definitely at that age. And you were right, the longer it went on the harder it would have been on her. I'm not saying it was easy, but easier now than later.
Good thinking to tell her this far in advance of next Christmas as well. She'll have time to get over it.
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