What do I tell him about Santa Claus?

Whether or not to talk about Santa Claus to your child?

The month of December has arrived and with it a fundamental question: “Honey, what do we say to Hugo about Santa Claus?” Understood, do we want him to believe or not in this beautiful legend? Even if you haven’t talked about it together yet, Hugo probably knows a lot more about it than you think. In the schoolyard, with friends, in books and even on television, rumors are rife… So to believe or not to believe, it is he who will choose! So let him appropriate this story in his own way and bring your family touch according to your childhood memories and your personal beliefs.

Talking to him about Santa Claus is lying?

This universal story is told to make the little ones dream and stamp their feet during the time of Advent. Far beyond the lie, it’s up to you to make some a simple wonderful story but a little fuzzy that will accompany your children, every year, until they reach the age of reason. By getting into the habit of talking about Santa Claus without great truths, by remaining in the “they say that…” without investing too much, you will leave a door open to his doubts when the time comes.

If it doesn’t catch more than that, are we adding more?

Uncle Marcel disguising himself, the opened cake and the footprints by the fireplace, don’t overdo it! Before 5 years old, our little ones have boundless imaginations and have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. Without you having to force the line, Hugo will know how to give substance to this joyful character, imagine where his sled awaits him and what the reindeer feed on … According to some specialists, it is even a very good way to develop your intelligence! But if you stick to it, there are pretty stories to tell around Santa Claus.

We meet Santa Claus on every street corner! How to react ?

The story is no longer very credible when we find the guy in red at the supermarket, deli department, with the beard coming off or climbing the facade of the house opposite throughout the winter. If Santa Claus is unmasked, better not to deny! “Yes, it’s a man who wanted to dress up to amuse the children! Father Christmas, I’ve never seen him… ”From the age of 4 or 5, they are able to understand this without ceasing to believe in it.

When he sat down on his knees, Hugo looked rather worried…

But it’s perfectly normal and healthy to be afraid! Who hasn’t warned their child about strangers? With his boots, his thick voice and the beard that eats his face, Santa Claus is an impressive figure when you are as tall as three apples …

No blackmail with Santa Claus!

The idea is tempting to keep calm at home: threatening children with no gifts if they are not good. But it would be imagining that Santa Claus chooses those he is going to spoil and punishes some of them… Be careful, that is not his role! He spoils and rewards without distinction, always kind and affectionate, kind and generous. No “If you’re not wise, he won’t come.” The smartest would quickly understand that your threats are worthless and you would quickly be discredited. To channel the excitement of your loustics, keep them decorating the tree and preparing the party that is coming.

When and how to tell him the truth about Santa Claus?

Parents, it’s up to you to feel if your little dreamer is mature enough, at 6 or 7, to hear the sweet truth. If he often asks questions without insisting, tell yourself that he has understood the heart of the story but would like to believe it a little more. But if you have a very suspicious little wolf, he is surely ready to share this secret with you! Take the time to discuss together in the tone of confidence, to tactfully reveal to him what happens at Christmas: we let the children believe in a beautiful story to please them. Why not say that “Santa Claus exists for those who believe in him”? Accompany him in his disillusionment by telling him about the Christmas celebrations and the secret you are going to share. Because now it’s a big one! Also explain to him thatit is important not to say anything to the little ones who also have the right to dream a little. Promised?

Christmas is not our culture, we play the game anyway?

If Christmas is the feast of Christians all over the world, it has become for many a popular tradition, an opportunity to find joy in leaving aside the tensions to marvel with the children. A family celebration of sorts! And Santa Claus alone carries these values ​​of generosity and unity, accessible to all, whatever our origins.

What if that doesn’t really tempt us?

Don’t force yourself, there is nothing wrong with that! Corn refrain from denigrating those who believe in it. To Hugo, you can explain that in your family, everyone makes gifts for themselves and that Santa Claus is a beautiful story that we like to believe. But above all keep the surprise of his gifts that you buy on the sly, it’s essential!

A real pride to be grown up

Lazare announced to us, in the middle of dinner with his cadets, that Santa Claus did not exist! Reindeer do not fly, Santa Claus cannot travel the world in a single night … Cutting short his explanation, he was assured, as an aside, that he was right, and that it was above all a great celebration in families for the birth of Jesus. Since then, Lazare has been very proud to share a secret with grown-ups.

Cecile – Perrigny-lès-Dijon (21)

It does not change anything

I didn’t believe in Santa Claus and my kids either. They just know that we are the ones buying the gifts. As a child, it never stopped me from savoring these joyful days and their preparation: nursery, turkey, tree and gifts! Besides, I’ve always been true to my mother’s promise not to reveal anything to my friends. I even took a certain pride in being the only one who knew …

Frédérique – by email