‘Tis the season for a timeless parenting question. How old should your kids be when you have the “Santa Claus” talk? What? What are you talking about? I know… it’s hard for me to even ask that question. But, as a mom, I feel like other people ruin the magic too soon.

I think most of us can remember the day we found out about that jolly old elf from the North Pole. I remember it well. I was sitting in the kitchen at the table after supper with my mom. My dad and little brother were in the living room. Earlier, my friends had told me while on the swing set at school about the big secret. My friend April saw presents in her parents’ closet.

I didn’t want to believe it! What about the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy…What about God?

My mom told our pastor at church about my question, and he turned it into a sermon.

My kids are six and nine years old, and I’m glad they believe in Christmas magic. If they're naughty, elves knock on the windows, keeping track for Santa.

The kids write letters to Santa at 123 Candy Cane Lane, North Pole, Alaska. I’ve attached their letters.

When Jacob was in 1st grade, he came home wondering about St. Nick...thanks to kids at school.

"Those kids who don't believe might be on the naughty list," I told Jacob.

Luckily, a letter arrived from the North Pole and the magic returned.

This is the first year that “Elf on the Shelf” has been visiting our home.

“Grace’s elf made her cookies,” Olivia told me proudly.

Well, during the week before Christmas, our elf, Buddy, has been leaving candy and small toys for the kids. Today, after some tough searching, Olivia found Buddy in the Christmas tree with gold nugget bubble gum!

Here are some comments about Santa from 10/11 Facebook friends:

Chelsea Hanika Waller: My first grader came home saying his best friend doesn't believe in Santa. I told him it’s what you believe in your heart that matters and no one can take that away from you. I also said when you stop believing you don't get presents anymore. He said, “Oh I believe in him!”

Wendy Hirsch: My daughter asks me to "tell the truth" and my consistent reply is, I believe.

Cynthe Crawford: I still believe! Every year Santa comes to our house and my kids are all grown up. It's all in what you believe in your heart. The magic of Christmas is what you choose to believe!

Kathryn Kahler Smith: I am in my fifties and still tell my grandkids to believe in the spirit of Santa Claus, the spirit of giving.

For me, it’s the innocence of the holiday that I love and celebrate. It’s the wonder of Christmas morning and that sparkle of amazement in my children’s eyes.

This is from the “Polar Express.”
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell. But as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found, one Christmas, that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I have grown old, the bell still rings for me…as it does for all who truly believe.”

Christmas Hugs,
Taryn

P.S. The other night the kids were talking about Santa and how some kids don't believe. Jacob said these kids think parents get the presents. But, he said, I don't think that because daddy doesn't like to spend any money!