Long Pause, then:
Urban Kid 1: Mom, is there actually a Santa Claus?
Me: (ooooo boy, here we go...) Uhhmmmm, interesting question, honey. Do you like thinking there's a Santa?
U-Kid 1: Yeah, (deep breath) but I just don't think there is one.
Me: Does it just all seem too good to be true?
U-Kid 1: Yeah, it really does.
Me: Well, you're pretty smart about most things. Including this one. (she nods thoughtfully while I attempt a reassuring smile) But it's fun for a lot of the other kids to believe in, especially the smaller ones. So now that you know, you have to keep it special for the other kids, okay? Show how you can be a big kid and let the others have fun with the idea, right?
U-Kid 1: Ok, I won't give it away. But, Mom?
Me: Uh-huh?
U-Kid 1: How do all of the presents get delivered, then??
Growing up, figuring it out, but still kind of innocent about it all still, too. It's interesting to watch.
2 comments:
So, yeah, my 9-yr-old granddaughter desperately wants to believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, yet she's trying so hard to grow up. So when kids at school say they don't believe in those things, she tells them that once they stop believing, their parents are the ones who give the presents, and theirs aren't as nice as the magic ones.
Take THAT, maturity.
We bring the kids into the fold. When they get to the point that they know, but they need confirmation, but they don't really want it, but they're starting to feel a bit silly... you know that point? Yeah. That's when they get to help.
Santa had two helpers making Smidge's bed this year. They loved staying up late to get it moved in, and helping to move him onto it and put a bow above his head. Santa still did their things later, of course, so they had surprises.
But we enjoyed watching THEM so much this year. It was really good stuff.
Dy
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