Tips on Sharing the Secret of Santa
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The story starts with the pitter-patter of little slippers heading to the tree. Parents follow close behind with their cameras as they pull on robes and slippers.
Chubby little hands reach into stockings and tear at carefully wrapped packages.
The anticipation!
The excitement!
The magic!
Did he eat the cookies?
Did he drink the milk?
It’s easy in the younger years, but before you realize how fast the time has passed, you find yourself answering…
How does Santa make it all over the world in one night?
How does he get into houses with no fireplace?
Is Santa real?
Why does this catch us, parents, off guard?
Maybe because we only think of Santa for two months of the year and our kids are busy growing up the other ten months?
If you are starting with little ones, you may be interested in the Tips for Creating a Santa Claus Parenting Plan blog post. Getting on the same page with how your Santa traditions will look is a great start, but then consider including a final chapter to your plan for when the time comes that your kids are ready to have the mystery of Santa revealed.
There are a lot of varying opinions on how to talk about Santa as kids get older. While there is no right or wrong way, it is helpful to be on the same page as parents with how that conversation will go.
Some people are honest the moment the topic comes up, others string it out a bit by answering the usual questions, and still, others feel there is no need to say anything. It’s up to you, but it doesn’t hurt to have a plan of how you will proceed so the story is the same for both parents.!
It may help to remember how the big reveal happened when you were young. Will you want to do it the same way or differently?
It can be an emotional moment for both parents and kids. An end to an era and a beginning to a new normal.
Kids will typically ask or conclude that the Easter Bunny and the Toothfairy fall under the same rules as Santa. Be prepared for that as well.
If you feel this conversation is approaching and have not thought about it, here are some resources and tips to consider when creating a plan for you and your family.
Ask Other Parents
Who is in your parenting network?
How have they talked with their kids about Santa?
Are there any good ideas that you can use for your plan?
Years ago, as our kids each had their Santa talk with us, the conversation revolved around the fun of becoming helpers in the preparations for their younger siblings. It was sad for a bit, but they felt grown-up at the same time and loved staying up late and helping. As the last one learned about Santa’s story, we began our Secret Santa gift-giving tradition that is still part of our holiday today.
Friends of ours, Annie and Patrick, who are part of our parenting network, have younger girls who learned of Santa’s magic mystery in such a fun way that I had to add it here…with their permission!
Annie and Patrick crafted a poem for the girls and had their Elf on a Shelf deliver parts of the letter as puzzle pieces. Then the rest of the letter was left in envelopes to be opened on the day of the reveal. Annie mentioned that parts of the conversation got a little emotional, but the day ended with a visit from a special grandpa who had been doubling as Santa all these years. It was a fun and memorable day for them.
Annie and Patrick also chose to reveal to both girls simultaneously instead of waiting for a certain age. A plan that worked well for them and their special Santa!
Helpful Books
Books can help reveal the magic of Santa. The books recommended here are picture books for kids, but they will jump-start the conversation about Santa.
I would recommend reading them first before sharing with your kids. This gives you an opportunity to see how the book presents Santa's story and then you can plan to add more information if you feel you need to.
These books reveal Santa’s secrets, so you may want to keep them in a place away from younger children.
The (Wonderful) Truth about Santa uses the story of St. Nicholas to help explain the magic of giving anonymously. You can read my short review here, or find it on Amazon here.
Whether you decide to…
Keep Santa’s secret a secret
Write your child(ren) a letter
Craft a puzzle
Plan an event, or
Have a simple conversation
Create a plan that fits your parenting style!
Check out these other posts for your Parenting Plans…
