I don't claim this to be my own idea, but I did use it with both my boys. They were both receptive to it. It seems this year, I've had several people ask me about it. So for today's #tipTuesday, this is how I suggest you explain Santa to your children when the time is right. Believe me, hang onto these years for as long as you can! But when the time is right, you'll know!
Dear B,
You asked a very good question: "Are the elves real? Are you Santa?” I know you've questioned this for awhile, and I've had to give it careful thought to know just what to say. I wanted to be ready when the day came.
The answer is no. I am not the Santa. There is no one Santa. Daddy and I are the people who fill your stockings with presents, though. We also place the presents under the tree, the same way MeMaw and PawPaw did for me. And Baa-ba and Grammy did for him.
I imagine you will someday do this for your children, and I know you will love seeing them run down the stairs on Christmas morning. You will love seeing them sit under the tree, their small faces lit with Christmas lights.
With full hearts, people like Daddy and me take our turns helping Santa do a job that would otherwise be impossible.
This could never make any of us Santa though. Santa is lots and lots of people who keep the spirit of Christmas alive. The idea of him lives in our hearts – not at the North Pole. Santa is the magic and spirit of giving to others. What he does is teach children to believe in something they can't see or touch. The idea of him brings joy to others.
Now you know the secret of how he gets down all of those chimneys on Christmas Eve: He has help from all of the people whose hearts he has filled with joy. You get to be on this side of the secret and continue to spread joy to others. You will get to help with your brother's joy. And since we wouldn't want to ruin the joy for anyone else, you never share this with any of your friends or with your brother. If you have questions, you come ask Daddy or me.
I look forward to you being my incredible helper on this magical Christmas tradition!
You are a blessing to me, Mommy