We've had the 'sex' talk.
And it occurred to me that I had never had the 'santa' talk with them.
I've never said 'yay' or 'nay' about Santa.
From the conception of our family Santa has filled stockings at our house. That's it. Only things that fit in a stocking. Never anything flashy or big. Usually some socks, toothpaste, little toys and maybe a Nintendo DS game the last year or two. Santa has never been very impressive, or talked about too much at our house.
For several years when the kids have questioned, my response has always been, "what do YOU think"? Or I would casually say, "if you don't believe, Santa doesn't come".
I guess that would explain why my 11 year old is still a firm believer.
It occurred to me that I needed to set the record straight after Lucas ruined Santa for my niece. Apparently Lucas had come to a conclusion on his own (probably with the help of peers) and he has teased my niece about this conclusion.... and in turn, her Dad had to tell her the story behind the beard.
It occurred to me that I needed to have the real 'talk' with my kids. They took it well. (because they are smart like that)... but the majority of the talk was that they are not supposed to say 'yay' or 'nay' about Santa to smaller children. We talked about the real St. Nicholas... and how some families choose to 'play santa' and some do not....
Instantly, Lucas was devising plans as to how he was going to break the news to his own kids. He quickly decided that he will put a note in his child's stocking that says,
"Dear so-and-so,
Santa died.
Your parents will fill your stockings.
Sincerely, the elves."
nice.
Those of you on facebook have probably seen this article which raises good questions as to why we fall into all of this Santa stuff anyway.
It also made me feel good about not 'overdoing' Santa with my kids.
I've explained that sex and Santa are two subjects that are off limits for little ears. I just pray that my boys will remember this and spare other little ears this season.
It may be too late for my niece, (which I feel badly about), but I'm hoping that there will still be some of that Santa magic for my nephew. :-)
