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Results: How do you handle Kids and Santa?

Published on 12/08/2015
By: cinderblock13
1895
Living
I have a 5 year old and 8 year old, and with my oldest getting older, the Santa issue has been on my mind. They both still believe, but I know this will be something I may have to brace myself for in the future.
1.
1.
If you have children, do you (or did you) tell them there's a Santa, and that he's real?
If you have children, do you (or did you) tell them there's a Santa, and that he's real?
Yes
38%
716 votes
No
16%
302 votes
Not Applicable
46%
877 votes
2.
2.
Do you think it's wrong, or lying, to let kids think Santa is real?
Yes
15%
282 votes
No
57%
1080 votes
Not Applicable
28%
533 votes
3.
3.
At what age do you tell them he's not real?
4
7%
125 votes
5
4%
79 votes
6
7%
141 votes
7
10%
194 votes
8
13%
249 votes
9
8%
156 votes
10
22%
420 votes
Other (please specify)
33%
634 votes
Other Answers Percentage Votes
na 4.50% 90
n/a 4.00% 80
2.95% 59
NEVER 1.20% 24
12 0.50% 10
let them figure it out 0.30% 6
no kids 0.25% 5
when they ask 0.20% 4
don't remember 0.20% 4
not sure 0.20% 4
when they figure it out 0.20% 4
none 0.20% 4
14 0.15% 3
25 0.15% 3
when they are ready 0.15% 3
from the beginning 0.15% 3
I don't 0.10% 2
they'll figure it out 0.10% 2
2 0.10% 2
always 0.10% 2
never tell them he's real 0.10% 2
I didn't 0.10% 2
I never did 0.10% 2
I don't have children 0.10% 2
Not Applicable 0.10% 2
let them figure it out for themselves 0.10% 2
When they stop believing 0.10% 2
They figure it out on their own 0.10% 2
Don't have children 0.10% 2
let them figure out on their own 0.10% 2
? 0.10% 2
let them figure it out themselves 0.10% 2
0 0.10% 2
Whenever they are ready 0.10% 2
let them find out themselves 0.10% 2
He is real 0.10% 2
15 0.10% 2
when they figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
I didn't they are both intelligent, normal children who understand that it's a FAIRY TALE, they figured it out 0.05% 1
Haven't yet. 0.05% 1
I don't have kids 0.05% 1
when you think its time 0.05% 1
Always though Christmas was about Jesus 0.05% 1
I do not have children 0.05% 1
Let them learn it on there own 0.05% 1
Let them stay innocent as long as possible. 0.05% 1
they figured it out 0.05% 1
she's 4. not sure what age I'll tell her. 0.05% 1
when ever they figure it out. 0.05% 1
i never did they heard else where 0.05% 1
when they ask. 0.05% 1
let them find out for themself 0.05% 1
they will figure it out. 0.05% 1
other 0.05% 1
when they ask or figure it out 0.05% 1
when you think they're ready 0.05% 1
not sure, I am thinking they will find out on their own 0.05% 1
let the kids find out by themself 0.05% 1
1 0.05% 1
do not have kids 0.05% 1
he found out himself 0.05% 1
No specific age. You should know when it's time to tell them 0.05% 1
Have not yet 0.05% 1
NA don't have kids 0.05% 1
told them santa was satan as soon as they could talk 0.05% 1
47 0.05% 1
Let them find out for themselves that is part of growing up 0.05% 1
Didn't need to. Pretty always had the idea instilled of a mythical person that they could still enjoy 0.05% 1
Never did tell them 0.05% 1
They eventually figure it out. 0.05% 1
let my child decide, Santa embodies a spirit & goodwill,not just the story 0.05% 1
They usually find out on their own and tell you. 0.05% 1
They always find out... but I insist that he is magical and real. He is the spirit of Christmas kept alive by all who believe. 0.05% 1
Always new santa was mommy 0.05% 1
they found out by themselves, not sure what age they were. 0.05% 1
they usually figure it out for themselves. Santa represents the spirit of giving. 0.05% 1
don't want to tell them santa is not real!! they believe that we as parents are santa 0.05% 1
never did 0.05% 1
I have no children 0.05% 1
From the start 0.05% 1
let them come to their own realization 0.05% 1
don't remember...whenever they asked 0.05% 1
NA No kids 0.05% 1
let them find out on their own 0.05% 1
found out on their own 0.05% 1
not sure about it when you can tell them what age 0.05% 1
Why tell there is always a Santa no matter how old you are 0.05% 1
when their ready 0.05% 1
personal based on the child 0.05% 1
up to the individual 0.05% 1
he is real in our heart 0.05% 1
Will never tell my kids. 0.05% 1
he is real on a spiritual plane of existance 0.05% 1
When they figure it out. 0.05% 1
if they are old enough and start asking questions 0.05% 1
I never told them--Santa is more like the spirit of giving to me. 0.05% 1
they became aware from other sources 0.05% 1
Never too old to believe in Santa 0.05% 1
70 0.05% 1
dont lye 0.05% 1
they find out on their own eventually 0.05% 1
when they figured it out themselves 0.05% 1
let them TELL Me! 0.05% 1
51 0.05% 1
WHEN THEY START ASK 0.05% 1
I didn't..they figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
don't tell them 0.05% 1
Let them find out on their own. 0.05% 1
they realize it on their own, at different ages 0.05% 1
Its when the child is ready and understands 0.05% 1
I never they found out at school 0.05% 1
Never, let them figure it out for themselves. 0.05% 1
ANY AGE!! Pagan Lie! 0.05% 1
26 0.05% 1
never he is majic 0.05% 1
Never feed into the myth 0.05% 1
I taught my kids that their mother and i brought them the Christmas presents and that santa does not exist. 0.05% 1
who knows 0.05% 1
don't have kids 0.05% 1
as soon as they can understand 0.05% 1
When they realize it. The friends 5ell them. 0.05% 1
wouldn't tell them about santa 0.05% 1
Let them decide. 0.05% 1
I have no idea - no kids so a Not Applicable would be appropriate 0.05% 1
n/a missing. not everyone has children 0.05% 1
first 0.05% 1
11 0.05% 1
have no children 0.05% 1
let them Naturally learn this on their own. 0.05% 1
you don't they will figure it out for themselves 0.05% 1
they figure it out 0.05% 1
didnt happen yet 0.05% 1
I didn't. My daughter told me, as most kids do. 0.05% 1
Never let my children believe in Santa!!! 0.05% 1
No specific age 0.05% 1
NEVER. Santa is real! 0.05% 1
Always believe. The physical form of Santa and his role changes as you age, but not the existence. 0.05% 1
they will find out at school 0.05% 1
let them tell you 0.05% 1
dont celebrate christmas 0.05% 1
let them figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
when they confront you 0.05% 1
They figured it out themselves 0.05% 1
when they started asking if he was real 0.05% 1
NEVER WE ARE THE SANTA CLAUS....PARENTS..LOLLL 0.05% 1
they found out on their own 0.05% 1
not sure- depends on the kid 0.05% 1
never. why break the magic? 0.05% 1
i let them come to me and ask 0.05% 1
didn't 0.05% 1
They figure it out for themselves when they're ready. 0.05% 1
Teach them it is a fantasy part of Christmas 0.05% 1
Don't tell them that he is real as young as they can understand. 0.05% 1
they figured it out for them selves at about 6 0.05% 1
depends on the child 0.05% 1
I let them figure it out for themselves 0.05% 1
Let them believe as long as they can. Childhood is too short. 0.05% 1
They''ll figure it out themselves 0.05% 1
figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
dr 0.05% 1
My son asked me about it, but he was about 10 or 11 0.05% 1
from birth 0.05% 1
Santa is real when you believe. When you stop believing, he does not come anymore. 0.05% 1
They figure it out on their own for obvious reasons and it is rarely a big deal 0.05% 1
18 0.05% 1
they will figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
YOu dont 0.05% 1
they will figure it out by themselves 0.05% 1
when they ask1 0.05% 1
the spirit of Santa is real and everpresent 0.05% 1
I wouldnt tell them. They will figure it out on their own. 0.05% 1
depends on the kid, usually they figure it out themselves 0.05% 1
I never tell her It's real or not.but if she ask,I will tell her it's not real 0.05% 1
We all still believe, there is a santa, may not be in a red suit or live at the north pole, but he/she does exist 0.05% 1
when they are ready, not a set age 0.05% 1
THEY WILL FIND OUT ON THEIR OWN 0.05% 1
X 0.05% 1
let them decide when they don't believe anymore 0.05% 1
my 14 year old still believes 0.05% 1
3 0.05% 1
never let them believe in the first place, believe in Jesus birth. 0.05% 1
all children were at different ages 0.05% 1
my daughter knows but still believes 0.05% 1
they will find out for themselves 0.05% 1
once they figure it out on their own. 0.05% 1
dont celebrate 0.05% 1
They can figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
Let them believe however long it takes. 0.05% 1
let child tell you 0.05% 1
Santa is real, he's the spirit of the season 0.05% 1
When they figure it out for themselves & ask 0.05% 1
whn they want to stop brlieving 0.05% 1
we talk about the wonder of christmas and santa, so it's not like saying he's a real single actual person 0.05% 1
He is real if you believe in him and that's what I tell my kids 0.05% 1
I told them from the beginning 0.05% 1
no 0.05% 1
still have not + they now have kids :) 0.05% 1
always told my kids he is not real just a character at Xmas 0.05% 1
when they ask. My son was 2 1/2 0.05% 1
I don't tell them. They'll figure it out on their own. 0.05% 1
they'd find out from other kids before i could tell them 0.05% 1
Until they stop believing 0.05% 1
Let them believe as long as possible 0.05% 1
when they tell you they know. 0.05% 1
no age 0.05% 1
do no tell 0.05% 1
I didn't another child did. 0.05% 1
Never tell them he is real 0.05% 1
I never said he's not real 0.05% 1
When they begin to question his existence with logical questions 0.05% 1
never lied to my kid about Santa in the first place 0.05% 1
idk no kids 0.05% 1
friends will told them before I did 0.05% 1
i dont tell them. 0.05% 1
My sons only 10 months old so I'm sure it doesn't matter 0.05% 1
depends on child....most figure it out.... 0.05% 1
Let them figure it out on their own. Let them figure it out when they're ready to figure it out. Unless they get to the teenage years like 14 or 15 then maybe. 0.05% 1
They will know on their own when they are old enough. 0.05% 1
They figure it out for themselves eventually 0.05% 1
From day 1. I have an issue with lying to them & letting them think presents are if you're good enough not because you're loved 0.05% 1
you don't 0.05% 1
E 0.05% 1
They figured it out about 10 0.05% 1
Waited for them to ask. 0.05% 1
when they start asking me 0.05% 1
They usually find out from their friends. 0.05% 1
don't tell them there is a santa period. 0.05% 1
no children to tell 0.05% 1
When they start asking, or confront me about it. 0.05% 1
the kid will find out from his peers 0.05% 1
17 0.05% 1
Don't celebrate so I don't lie to them. 0.05% 1
when there a lot older 0.05% 1
never had to tell them 0.05% 1
let them find out for themselves and then talk to them about the magic of "Santa" 0.05% 1
You do not tell them. 0.05% 1
Whenever they start questioning it. 0.05% 1
undecided 0.05% 1
13 0.05% 1
whenever you want to 0.05% 1
they found out themselves age 0.05% 1
They figured it out themselves and say mom and dad are Santa. 0.05% 1
they were smart and realized it without me telling them 0.05% 1
ff 0.05% 1
I would tell them from the start 0.05% 1
never they will just be old enough to figure it out on their own. 0.05% 1
let them learn on their own 0.05% 1
they'll figure it out themselves 0.05% 1
as soon as they're able to understand 0.05% 1
dont know 0.05% 1
Never told them he wasn't real they figured it out for themselves. 0.05% 1
I never did until they asked me years later. 0.05% 1
as soon as posible 0.05% 1
when they can handle it 0.05% 1
Children have to face enough "reality". Why burst the bubble? Let them decide when they choose whether or not to believe. :-). 0.05% 1
whenever they start to question 0.05% 1
you let them figure it out themselves 0.05% 1
Not applicable, I don't have children of my own 0.05% 1
you dont have to tell them,, they learn it as they get older 0.05% 1
it would depend on the child 0.05% 1
I let them believe as long as they wanted to...between 10 & 13 0.05% 1
I never did, my daughter told me 0.05% 1
nn/a 0.05% 1
I didn't. they both found out from their peers at about 6 or 7 if I remember correctly. 0.05% 1
they find out on their own 0.05% 1
Let them believe until they don't anymore 0.05% 1
2416 0.05% 1
when they don't anymore 0.05% 1
I told them Santa was a spirit that put the spirit of giving in Christmas. 0.05% 1
never, my daughter eventually figured it out 0.05% 1
They will tell you 0.05% 1
let hem find out for themselves 0.05% 1
tell them the truth always 0.05% 1
wait until they find out 0.05% 1
eh, they figure it out on their own. 0.05% 1
no children so not sure!! I think it is a good lie when u tell them about Santa!!!!! 0.05% 1
They figured it out on their own 0.05% 1
Whenever they're ready 0.05% 1
undecided...complicated issue for me because I have step kids who have been taught there is a santa and I'm not one that would have started the whole santa thing 0.05% 1
depends 0.05% 1
I never did until they questioned it because of other kids at school telling them. 0.05% 1
when they started questioning if he was real 0.05% 1
I let them figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
it depends on the child 0.05% 1
N/A- I never had children 0.05% 1
He found out for him self. I am undecided on number 1. I did let my son believe in all of then fantasy idols. Now I would not, I do not believe in God and believe kids should make that descision for them selves when older 0.05% 1
don't know 0.05% 1
not 0.05% 1
They will tell you when their is no Santa 0.05% 1
I did not tell her but she began to doubt at age 8. 0.05% 1
Never. They figure it out eventually on their . 0.05% 1
dont have kids 0.05% 1
they figured it out on there own, and did fine 0.05% 1
When they definitely figure it out 0.05% 1
let them make their own choice to beleive or not 0.05% 1
don't lie in the first place 0.05% 1
When they're ready 0.05% 1
I have no child 0.05% 1
when they knew without my telling them 0.05% 1
do not 0.05% 1
When they figure it out for themselves 0.05% 1
n/a no kids 0.05% 1
let them find out by themselves 0.05% 1
cant remember 0.05% 1
when they no longer believe 0.05% 1
don't tell them let them figure it out. 0.05% 1
dont remember 0.05% 1
I think right away just tell them that he lived along time ago and gave food to the poor and now it is just a nice story 0.05% 1
when they find out on their own and then ask if its true 0.05% 1
follow their lead 0.05% 1
when they do 0.05% 1
let them believe until they choose not to 0.05% 1
Never. Keep Santa alive 0.05% 1
When they asked at 10, told there was a real st Nick. Now his memorie is remembered through this tradition. 0.05% 1
I waited until they figured it out for themselves, why ruin their fun!? 0.05% 1
Never tell them he's real to begin with, and there's no problem 0.05% 1
From the time they were born 0.05% 1
till they figure it out 0.05% 1
when they figure it out themself 0.05% 1
Don't tell them. Let them asj 0.05% 1
. 0.05% 1
when they started to catch on and asked, then I told them that Santa is a man who has a great heart even if he is not a real person. We all have to beleive that there is good in the world even if for only a few years 0.05% 1
By 12 0.05% 1
4.
4.
How do you break the news? Feel free to elaborate in the comments below; I'd love to hear others on the topic :)
blunt and to the point
10%
184 votes
gently ease in to it over time
36%
682 votes
let someone else handle it
6%
106 votes
N/A
43%
818 votes
Other (please specify)
6%
105 votes
Other Answers Percentage Votes
0.37% 7
never 0.11% 2
Can't remember 0.11% 2
see above 0.11% 2
They asked bluntly and I answered as gently as possible 0.05% 1
Never start in the first place? 0.05% 1
they were smart and realized it without me telling them 0.05% 1
the older child usually wants to break it to the younger! showing his superiority! 0.05% 1
he found out for himself 0.05% 1
let them ask me 0.05% 1
she figured it out herself 0.05% 1
All young kids will grow up and will eventually know themselves what the real answer is. 0.05% 1
Let them figure it out. 0.05% 1
my daughter figured it out 0.05% 1
depends 0.05% 1
never start with a lie 0.05% 1
a neighbors Child told my kids no big deal I always wanted my kids to know where the gifts came from 0.05% 1
they figured it out on their own. 0.05% 1
Google it ther is a real sweet letter on fb explaining it , short sweet and to the point 0.05% 1
Let them figure 0.05% 1
let them realize on their own 0.05% 1
they will tell you 0.05% 1
Honestly when they ask (Santa is the spirit of Christmas - we tell them the story of Chris Kringle & his love for Jesus as his motivation to give to those less fortunate) 0.05% 1
let child tell you 0.05% 1
NO SANTA,NO GIFT FROM HIM,I'M 62 AND STILL BELEIVE. 0.05% 1
told them that I believe that once upon a time there really was a Santa Clause & the magic of Christmas has been carried on by helpers 0.05% 1
follow their lead 0.05% 1
Be kind about it and explain why 0.05% 1
let them come to you first 0.05% 1
they will find it themselves 0.05% 1
clever back story about anonymous giving 0.05% 1
Just let them come to that conclusion on their own. 0.05% 1
It's a legend(true) carried on. 0.05% 1
ask them what they think and follow their lead 0.05% 1
only when they ask 0.05% 1
mom buys the gifts and tells them it's from Santa so they believe in magic 0.05% 1
don't lie to start with 0.05% 1
He found out from some other kids 0.05% 1
Got caught, lol 0.05% 1
They figured it out themselves 0.05% 1
just tell them that santa is real only for little kids 0.05% 1
I didn't tell him, kids at school put their heads together and decided he wasn't real 0.05% 1
let hem find out for themselves 0.05% 1
they learn on their own and ask, then tell the truth 0.05% 1
I tell them about the "spirit of the season" and how Santa is a state of mind 0.05% 1
they will tell you... 0.05% 1
don't 0.05% 1
let them ask you or find out at school 0.05% 1
let them ask first 0.05% 1
let them figure it out for themsleves 0.05% 1
I would never tell. The joy he and his story brings is to precious to take out of the world. 0.05% 1
WHY OTHER CHILDREN STAT TALK YOU SAID THAT IS DAD 0.05% 1
If they ask I trll 0.05% 1
dont start the lie 0.05% 1
they pretty much figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
Explain it's an idea and if you believe it's real. 0.05% 1
Don't tell them let them believe as long as possible I tell my 10 & 14 year old boys when they stop believing they stop receiving presents. 0.05% 1
other kids 0.05% 1
Santa lives within our hearts and his actions are carried out vicariously 0.05% 1
let them find out on their own 0.05% 1
Explained that this time of year people get a feeling of kindness and generosity and they buy nice things for others, and that's what people call Santa 0.05% 1
we tell them that he exists 0.05% 1
Let them find out on their own. 0.05% 1
Explain yourself, 0.05% 1
don't have the "Santa Talk" they will discover it naturally. No need to explain it to them. 0.05% 1
never lie from the get go 0.05% 1
You just don't lie in the first place 0.05% 1
just tell the truth in the first place 0.05% 1
Someone else told them before I was ready 0.05% 1
Told them the real Santa Claus story 0.05% 1
He figured it out himself. 0.05% 1
MY child asked and I was truthful but I set it up years in advance 0.05% 1
They figured it out. 0.05% 1
let them figure it out 0.05% 1
found out on their own 0.05% 1
you talk to them about it when they figure it out 0.05% 1
My son asked me and I told him the truth, he already suspected and just needed me to varify for him. 0.05% 1
dr 0.05% 1
I wouldn't want to break the news - allow them some fantasy. 0.05% 1
he was suspecting and asked me and I told him he was real in our hearts but not in person 0.05% 1
My almost 10 yr old came to me and asked me outright. I chose to be honest and tell him the truth. 0.05% 1
It is a magical time of the year and anything can happen. 0.05% 1
His friend told him 0.05% 1
let them figure it out themself 0.05% 1
i explain about the man Kris Kringle and how he was when he lived hence the Santa Claus story began. 0.05% 1
Someone at school told them and we just confirmed it 0.05% 1
I asked them, what do you think? and let them lead discussion 0.05% 1
let them figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
they find out ontheir own come on we all figured it out sooner or later .. 0.05% 1
let them figure it out on their own i did and lived to tell about it 0.05% 1
they know 0.05% 1
they found out from their friends 0.05% 1
Begin with not perpetuating the lie 0.05% 1
dont do it 0.05% 1
wait till they're 26 - they have figured it out by then 0.05% 1
From The Bible! 0.05% 1
5.
5.
If you did have to tell your children, how did they take it? Again, feel free to elaborate in the comments! :)
badly; they felt betrayed
4%
79 votes
very well, actually!
13%
241 votes
turns out they already figured it out
29%
549 votes
N/A
53%
1001 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
25 votes
Other Answers Percentage Votes
0.26% 5
let them figure it out on their own 0.05% 1
I was really bummed at being lied to as a kid 0.05% 1
I told her that he is only real if you believe. 0.05% 1
child is only 2 0.05% 1
let hem find out for themselves 0.05% 1
they were smart and realized it without me telling them 0.05% 1
don't remember 0.05% 1
never lied in the beginning 0.05% 1
i still believe in Santa Claus! 0.05% 1
never came up. He just our grew the santa thing and all was well 0.05% 1
They found out themselves, no problem 0.05% 1
My Children Are INTELLIGENT!! 0.05% 1
dont start the lie 0.05% 1
Can't remember 0.05% 1
I still haven't told my 10 & 14 year old 0.05% 1
My kids knew from the start and they are teaching their kids the same way I did. 0.05% 1
I never told... they found out and humored me as I would never change my story. 0.05% 1
i don't lie and Christmas is about Jesus so santa is obviously a disrespectful and satanic distraction just like the easter bunny on Resurrection Day 0.05% 1
don't lie to your kids 0.05% 1
Our family still believes that there IS a Santa if you truly believe.... He is in YOUR heart! 0.05% 1
COMMENTS