Parenting
By Jessica Taylor
Updated: Dec. 15, 2023
Originally Published: Dec. 7, 2023
It’s that magical season again, and some parents are faced with the bittersweet task of explaining to their kids that Santa Claus isn’t real. Whether it’s a mean kid on the bus spilling the beans or a child who’s starting to connect the dots, it’s a tough moment that can feel like the end of childhood innocence. You might also worry about how you’ll break the news without causing a meltdown.
Enter a mom who shared a brilliant technique for easing the transition. Lisa Montgomery recently posted on social media about a method she found online that could be the answer to your holiday prayers.
“In our family, we have a special way of shifting from receiving gifts from Santa to becoming a Santa ourselves,” she explained. “This way, the idea of Santa isn’t a lie that gets exposed but rather a beautiful transformation that highlights good deeds and the spirit of giving.” This approach is perfect for kids around six or seven who may be starting to have doubts.
Lisa suggests taking your child out for a “coffee” date to reveal this delightful secret. You might say, “You’ve grown so much this year, both in height and in kindness. [Share 2-3 examples of their thoughtful actions over the last year]. Your heart has expanded so much that I believe you’re ready to become a Santa Claus.”
As tears well in your eyes, you might think, “Oh no, not my baby!” But hear her out.
“You may have noticed that many people dressed as Santa are just that—people in costumes. Some of your friends may have said there’s no Santa, but that’s because they aren’t ready to BE a Santa yet. But YOU ARE!”
The idea is to let your child in on the secret of becoming Santa. You’ll encourage them to brainstorm the joys of being Santa and guide them in their own gift-giving journey.
Then, have your child pick someone they know—perhaps a neighbor—and embark on a mission to discover what that person needs. The goal is to provide a thoughtful gift anonymously, all while keeping their Santa identity under wraps. The heart of being Santa is about selfless giving, after all.
It’s easy to see why kids would be excited about this; the thrill of surprising someone with a gift while stepping into a more “grown-up” role is sure to delight them. As a parent, it might even bring a smile through your tears.
Lisa shared a touching story about her oldest child’s first “Santa mission,” where he chose a grumpy neighbor who needed some cozy slippers. After secretly wrapping the gift and leaving it at her doorstep, he was overjoyed to see her wearing them. But he quickly learned that being a good Santa meant keeping the secret safe!
Over the years, her kids continued to choose new “targets” for their thoughtful gifts and never felt deceived about Santa. Instead, they felt like they had matured into their roles, reinforcing the idea that this was just a part of growing up.
With my own kids aged nine and seven, I can relate deeply to this approach. It’s tough to think about a holiday season without their innocent belief in Santa, but this idea helps turn that sadness into something meaningful. Instead of waking up to see what Santa brought, we can create heartfelt moments discussing who might need a little holiday cheer.
Kudos to whoever crafted this idea; it’s a wonderful way to encapsulate the true spirit of the season while easing those parental heartstrings. For more insights into family and parenting, you might find this post on home insemination helpful. Also, check out this authority on the subject for more information regarding artificial insemination. Lastly, you can visit this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, instead of fearing the end of the Santa tradition, consider this heartwarming method to pass the spirit of giving onto the next generation. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the season while nurturing the lessons of kindness and selflessness.