When should children be told Santa isn't real?

Question

Lliam · Accepted Answer

They figure it out on their own.
I realized fairly early on that Santa didn't deliver the presents I received on Christmas, but it was fun to play along.

There used to be a magical place in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California called Santa's Village. There was a Santa there who was totally authentic. Real beard and hair, a great outfit. Mrs. Clause was there two and they were actually married. They both looked perfect. I heard that he had gotten his name legally changed to Santa Clause.

One time in elementary school, a teacher asked who believed in Santa Clause. I raised my hand. She looked disconcerted and my classmates looked at me like I was an idiot. Then I explained about the guy at Santa's Village and the fact that his legal name was Santa Clause but he didn't have magical powers or fly around on Christmas. Everyone breathed a sign of relief. LOL

Luopio27 · Accepted Answer

My friend is a morher to two girls. We were driving to church and saw a Santa. Then we saw another one. The mother told her that there is only one real santa. The 5 year old daughter said out loud

"only one? Are you kidding me? There is at least a thousand of them"

What you say or act out to kids, does not always work because they have a mind of their own. When I was a kid, our dad had the same excuse, going to get choclate from the store. Then when he leaves, 5 minutes later a Santa comes in with his voice.

Apulu_3 · Accepted Answer

Um I got to know Tooth Fairy isn't real when I was of like 11 - 12 years. Before that once I suspected but my mom again made me believe it was real. I know I should have got that common sense for realising but I believed it very much cuz my parents would always say it's real. The day when my mom said it isn't real my dad was like, "No it is real. When did it became fake. Why did you told it to kids." the reaction was really funny lol but bad for my small sister. She also knows it so from that time she doesn't gets chocolates or small gifts under her pillow every night her tooth is broken. I think you should tell it isn't real when the kids are old enough to not cry after knowing the information or they would know by themselves like Kevin of Home Alone lol.

Cynicaldreamer · Accepted Answer

I think it's better just to let them find out on their own. If they want to believe and enjoy the innocence of Christmas- let them!

My parents never told me- I always suspected, but it wasn't until I was around 10, 11? I found out (Don't ask me how; it's been a long time) When my parents found out I knew the truth about him, they gave up trying to play "santa" with me and just asked what I wanted for Christmas.

AmandaYVR · Answer

After 10. Let them be kids. Reality will hit soon enough.

MORPHEUS_12 · Answer

My parents didn't just have the talk that Santa was mom and dad. I figured things out in my own. I think I was like 7 or 8. I was always someone that you couldn't get anything passed me.

Máiiréad · Answer

Just let them find out for themselves. Builds character and trauma. lmao

ManOnFire · Answer

They should be told from birth. I don't want to teach my kids to believe that stupid stuff.

sean1234 · Answer

Are you kidding? When one day when/if I ever have kids they will never know who santa even is. THEN when they ask, I'll say assuming they dont say it first that santa is basically satan, santa as in saint, as in saint nicolas, that hasits origins dating back to the nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans

Who are the Nicolaitans mentioned in the book of Revelation? What did they believe? Why does God say he hates them?
Nicolaitans comes from the Greek word meaning "adherent of Nicolas" (Strong's Concordance #G3531) or "destruction of people" (Thayer's Greek Definitions). This second definition is further confirmed when we break down the word Nicolaitans. Niko is defined as a conquest or victory over others. The second part, lai, means people. The last part, tes, represents the word "the." Taken together, the word Nicolaitans means someone who is a conqueror or victor, a person who destroys the people. Who are they? Early Christian writers Irenaeus [Against Heresies, 1.26.3] and Tertullian [Prescription against Heretics, 46] stated that the Nicolaitans were followers of Nicolas. The Nicolas in question, they believed, was one of the first seven specially chosen servants of the New Testament church (Acts 6:5). Although he was chosen to serve due to his character and wisdom, he later apparently began to promote false teachings. False teachingsWhat did the Nicolaitans teach, and how did they behave, that garnered God's correction and the threat of punishment to those who followed their evil ways (Revelation 2:16)?"Like Simon Magus, whom the early apostles also confronted, the Nicolaitans introduced the concept of using the name of Jesus for commercial gain, dominance and control. After all, the concept had worked quite well in the pagan temples of the vast gentile world, generating wealth and revenue for many societies" (Nicholas and Christmas by C. Franklin). In a church setting, these people attempted to set themselves up to rule over the lives and faith of other church members. They tried to force others to submit to their arbitrary position of authority that God never gave them and which he hates! The Apostle Peter warned that leaders among the church were not to dominate over the faith of others but rather exhort them to do right. The elders who are among you I exhort, even as a fellow elder. . . Feed the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight not by compulsion, but willingly; not in fondness of dishonest gain, but with an eager attitude; Not as exercising lordship over your possessions; but by being examples to the flock of God (1Peter 5:1 - 3). The hierarchical teachings of the Nicolaitans openly reared its head during the Catholic Church's Council of Trent that was held between 1545 and 1563. During the council they stated, "If anyone shall say that there is not in the Catholic Church a hierarchy established by the divine ordination, consisting of bishops, presbyters and ministers, let him be anathema (a person who is to be detested and excommunicated)."An evil structureThe entire top-down church administrative structure of the Catholics, as well as many other churches, owes its survival to maintaining what the Nicolaitans taught. Many "Christian" groups and denominations promote the belief in a strict church hierarchy where control over the people must be maintained and respected. The system they promote feeds on competition and strife among believers in order to take advantage of them at any time. The Lord not only demands repentance from those who believe the doctrine of the Nicolaitans but also threatens severe punishment if they do not. God warns those who practice such lies, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen. . . or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place" (Revelation 2:5). May the warning be heeded!

NathanDavis · Answer

how about never tell them he's real... in my family, we never tell kids Santa is real

he's just a character that represents some of the Christmas spirit, some of it... because of our Catholic/Mexican background... baby Jesus is the center of Christmas, lol

Star_88 · Answer

Why to fool the kids in the first place?
I will just tell them beautiful story, give them a wonderful Christmas but at the same time will let them know Santa ain't real.
For me it was heartbreaking to know how the real world actually is. I used to be so lost in childhood cartoons, games and TV shows that I even created my own dream world. But real world works wayyyyy too differently.

SkyCastle90 · Answer

ASAP

As a child, I never believed; and my parents knew this and was fully aware I was flipping the house upside down to find my presents early.

So they made a game out of it. The rules were, if I find them I can play with them early. They would hide them in clever spots or in plain sight to if I notice. I was never able to win lol. Eventually, once I was too old, they told me where they would hide them on years they remembered.

Basically, I'm going to play this game once I have children.

purplepoppy · Answer

They shouldn't. Santa teaches kids important lessons, how to think logically and argue against higher ranking people. To stand up and prove to their parents that they're fibbing about santa.
And lets be honest, if a kid can't work out he isn't real it's probably best to dump him in the woods and try for a brighter one.

Wester1967 · Answer

It's gaslighting. It's cute and lovely to see kids acting excited and snowed. But it's gaslighting.

My parents did the same thing telling me there was a monster in the river so I would not go down there. End of the day it was twisting the mind of kids.

Staximus · Answer

My brother and I knew my mom and dad got us presents and asked my dad if Santa Claus was real when we were about 7. He said "I'm not going to lie to you guys. Your mom and I got you the presents because we love you." We were happy because my dad didn't lie to us, we already knew Santa Claus was fake. The next day at my aunt and uncle's, my cousin said "Santa got me this". He was a couple years older than us and we laughed at him, and told him "Santa Claus isn't real, your mom and dad got you that" He started crying and ran to my aunt, who was pissed. She started talking to my parents about it and my dad said "A 10 year old doesn't know Santa Claus isn't real? Come on. That's enough already"

DizzyDesii · Answer

He’ll never be brought up in my household. I was very hurt to find out he wasn't the one bringing me gifs. So my kids will know that presents magically appear on Christmas day. They won't know jack about santa and his little ho ho hoes

Xtcy2083 · Answer

They shouldn't be told he's real in the first place.

_Lucian · Answer

I stopped believing in Santa on my own without being told and won't ever lie to my kids about supernatural beings. I think it's abhorrent to lie to kids about anything. They are so pure and trusting (most of the time). I couldn't break their heart when they learn he's not real. I feel the same way about cursing. They are going to learn the words anyway so why filter myself?

Guanfei · Answer

Never. Kids aren't stupid, they realize pretty soon that Santa isn't real, and by the time they realize, they aren't as affected as they would if you told them.
Kids need their dreams, they need their magic in life, their little joys. And Santa is one of them. Let them enjoy it, until they're ready to let it go.
The world is already a shitty, cold and dark place. Our jobs as adults is to protect kids from it, until the moment they're ready to go. No need to throw them in sooner, they'll be in there soon enough.

valentina4eva · Answer

santa is real tho, so i don’t quite understand this question 🎅🤶🤔🤔

scentoflavender · Answer

I would say that it isn't an age but a maturity and mindset issue. I have a 13 year old grand neice that still believes in santa. she's a very immaginitive and whimsical child, and should have her space to grow and blossom. I have another grand neice whos 6 and is one of the most logical children I've ever seen who knows that santa isn't real. Basically i think you should let it runs its course.

Fatal96 · Answer

What's funny is when I was around 8 or 9, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my mom and she was watching TV. I just randomly said "I knew Santa was fake" or something like that to see what she would say. She said something to the effect that she was glad I knew. I don't know if I fully knew at the time but when I said that (previous quote) I knew it then. When I found out, I was like "oh" and kept it moving. I'll just say, I knew what it was with Santa, tooth fairy, etc. before I got to middle school.

Ascarymanasks · Answer

To me when I was younger I thought Christmas was magical and something I looked forward to it every year it was the time when I would be so happy and fun, so to me it’s best to let children learn it on their own time until they find reality because if I could stay like my little 7 year old self I probably would, when I thought everything was magical and I was innocent and didn’t do stupid shit and didn’t know how it actually was.

ChiTown33 · Answer

Not till they ask. And even then use some discretion. Kids grow up fast enough let them enjoy the magic of Christmas as long as they can.

Daniela1982 · Answer

You just ruined my Christmas.  Santa is not real?

Heartache0405 · Answer

Maybe 11 or 12? Before they become a teenager at least.  My siblings and I found out when my parents accidentally left a receipt in one of the gifts claimed to have been from Santa. 😅

HellGeist · Answer

Children should not be purposefully mislead.

Ideally, Christmas should be about Christ.

The concept of Santa is very sweet. Santa can still be taught as a kind character or a an example of generosity and giving.

Even if one doesn't believe in Christ either,

The positive message of Christ is worth reflecting on and being taught to children.

Anonymous · Answer

My parents never told us, and my sister never told her kids. My oldest nephews found out through friends when they were probably 11 or 12. But my vote is to let them believe as long as possible. The world loses its magic soon enough.

lilyanony1 · Answer

Umm my cousin told me when I was maybe 4. Dat bisch did not want me to enjoy my childhood. Ugh!
Let them come to it on their own. I spent my childhood being "mature"
I'm currently making up for lost time making my own magic!

OfDeath · Answer

What? What are you saying? I don't believe you!

Lol just kidding.

As a kid, I was never told Santa was real. I was told that Santa was just a character which embodies the spirit of giving.

I don't think it's healthy to tell kids Santa is actually real.

Flower7 · Answer

They should never be told that he’s real in the first place.

slatyb · Answer

When they ask. I was 5 or 6 when I did the math.  I mostly agree with parents who refuse to lie to their children.

Anonymous · Answer

You're not supposed to TELL them.

They are supposed to develop the critical thinking skills to figure it out.

Then a few years later, they can figure out that God isn't real either.

That's the problem with grown ass adults unable to figure out that there is no supernatural entity watching you all the time who will reward you if you're good and punish u if you're naughty... They were told there's no Santa. They never figured it out.

anon171999 · Answer

At the beginning. Don't lie to your kids, ever. Christmas is still fun for them without believing in Santa. There's so much more fun to do.

Bhrianne · Answer

Never! Keep our kids innocent for as long as possible. I was 12 when I stopped.

zagor · Answer

I can't remember exactly when I found out Santa wasn't real. I think I continued to believe it even after evidence pointed otherwise just because it was fun to do so.

Prettygurl12 · Answer

I don't remember ever thinking he was real.

Anonymous · Answer

I refuse to spread the lie of Santa being real. The idea of Santa in the first place detracts from the real reason for Christmas. Christmas is supposed to be about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on Earth. Gift-giving is a symbol of giving out of love, but is not the true purpose of the holiday.

Anonymous · Answer

Never, if you told them, make shure you prove that shit is real, because all kids put so much heart and sould in theyr belive that Santa is real and when they finde out is sad as hell.
I will never lie my kid whit that shire and if my wife insist whit that shit then she will have all the responsability to suport that lie and olso to tell later the true.

I belived in Santa thill 18 yares old. The moment i realizate that, the Chrismas become meaningless for me.

Jaximus-Lion · Answer

I am the santa in the family for my almost 4 year old nephew and we already told him that am gonna be santa and told the story of the real santa. So my nephew has gifts for us too, it's about giving joy.

molonski2 · Answer

I think as soon as they can understand , little point carrying on a fantasy , the age may vary with the child I believe. Some children know its BS , but like the idea of continuing , so that's fine also.

Honesttguy · Answer

I actually hate this society accepted lies, they make it ok to lie to your kids lose their respect then wonder where my kid learn to lie to me omg, jezz grow up and show better example to youe kids instead of bullshotong them from the very beggining.

Tenner9 · Answer

Children do not need to be told that Santa is not real by their parents or any other adult. When children start school at 5 years 90% of them children will be telling their parents Santa is not within that first year.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Just let them figure it out for themselves! why steal that from them? Once it's gone, it's gone!!

WowwGirl · Answer

In kindergarten I informed the whole class he wasn't so by then. I also told them babies didn't come from a stork they came from a vagina.

Chillerbeee25 · Answer

I feel like you should try to prolong the magic for as long as possible and that probably varies for each kid.

Apple1996 · Answer

At the very latest 10

Katrinaismyname56 · Answer

I found out Santa wasn’t real when I was 7 years old. Maybe latest 10 years old.

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

As soon as they ask what santa is. so usually like, 2-4.

In_Trance · Answer

I don't know why people keep asking this. Santa was real. What mass shows us is an inaccurate portrayal however he was still real.

josephinelcajon · Answer

BUT Santa Clause is real! I am very serious! Look up the history and explain it to them from birth. The spirit of Santa Clause is with all of us! Merry Christmas 🤶

Anonymous · Answer

He is real. I know this for a fact. I don't expect you to believe me. I expect you to laugh. That's okay. It would like trying to convince you that magic is real. I suppose it is very similar. All I wish for you to know is that I am not joking.

TsAubreyKate · Answer

stop trying to ruin Christmas you grinch ! What’s next? You expect me to believe the dragonballs aren’t real? Or wrestling? Or Steven tyler?

Anonymous · Answer

They shouldn’t even be told about Santa. Makes no sense to lie to your kids. No one in my family or my friends family ever did that and our Christmas was perfectly fine. What Santa gotta do with Jesus anyways?

Diodoro · Answer

Never tell them he's real to begin with and let him learn over time. Let them have their fantasies and discovery

SmokinAces2000 · Answer

I’m not going to tell my kids that Santa is real at all, I can’t be the only one that thinks a myth about a random old man that watches kids all year and waits for a bunch of random kids to sit on his lap is weird 😂

anylolone · Answer

Never, let them learn for themselves. Never teach them about santa, never tell them it's a lie.

msc545 · Answer

WAIT... you mean it? Santa actually isn't real? Since when?

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

WTF! Santa isn’t real?

Shiningtempest · Answer

@coachtanthony Children should have the freedom to believe Santa is real or not.

katiesmuff · Answer

I voted C with my true answer as long as it takes for them to figure it out on their own.

snowboarder720 · Answer

We shouldn’t tell them. They figure that out themselves.

Sarahr123 · Answer

I was never told. I just found out when I got old enough.

FreyaRed · Answer

It's a task for children to find it out without by themselves.

When should children be told Santa isn't real?

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When should children be told Santa isn't real?

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